Quick Pesto Salmon
Elevate weeknight dinners with this Quick Pesto Salmon recipe—an effortless yet elegant dish that’s bursting with vibrant flavors. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are generously brushed with a zesty basil pesto and lemon mixture, then roasted to perfection in just 15 minutes. A drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of salt and pepper enhance the natural richness of the salmon, while optional cherry tomatoes and parmesan cheese add extra layers of color and taste. Perfect for busy schedules, this recipe requires only 10 minutes of prep time and delivers a restaurant-quality meal suitable for any occasion. Pair it with steamed vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp green salad for a wholesome, heart-healthy dinner that’s sure to impress.
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Ingredients
- 4 pieces (about 6 oz each) salmon fillets, skin-on
- 0.5 cup basil pesto
- 1 medium lemon
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional, for garnish)
- 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese, grated (optional, for garnish)
Directions
Step 1
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or aluminum foil for easy cleanup.
Step 2
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Step 3
In a small bowl, whisk together the basil pesto and the juice of half a lemon. Reserve the other half of the lemon for garnish.
Step 4
Brush the pesto mixture evenly over the tops of the salmon fillets, making sure they are well coated.
Step 5
Drizzle a small amount of olive oil over the salmon fillets and sprinkle them with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
Step 6
If using cherry tomatoes, scatter them around the salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
Step 7
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
Step 8
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. Sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese if desired, and serve with the roasted cherry tomatoes and lemon wedges for garnish.
Step 9
Enjoy your Quick Pesto Salmon with a side of steamed vegetables, rice, or a fresh green salad!
Nutrition Facts
| Serving size | (1122.3g) |
|---|
| Amount per serving | % Daily Value* |
|---|---|
| Calories | 2026.8 |
| Total Fat 127.1g | 0% |
| Saturated Fat 27.4g | 0% |
| Polyunsaturated Fat 1.4g | |
| Cholesterol 449.9mg | 0% |
| Sodium 2499.2mg | 0% |
| Total Carbohydrate 25.1g | 0% |
| Dietary Fiber 4.6g | 0% |
| Total Sugars 13.4g | |
| Protein 192.4g | 0% |
| Vitamin D 2520.9IU | 0% |
| Calcium 675.6mg | 0% |
| Iron 7.2mg | 0% |
| Potassium 3398.5mg | 0% |
Source of Calories