Salmon with Cilantro Pesto

Transform your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience with this succulent Salmon with Cilantro Pesto recipe. Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets, with their golden, crispy crust, form the ideal base for a vibrant homemade cilantro pesto bursting with zesty lime juice, nutty toasted pine nuts, and savory Parmesan cheese. The fresh, herbaceous pesto adds a bold, aromatic punch that complements the rich, tender salmon beautifully. Ready in just 25 minutes, this dish is a flavorful, healthy option for busy nights or elegant entertaining. Serve it with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp green salad for a complete meal that’s as nutritious as it is delicious.

Nutriscore Rating: 56/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 2 tablespoons Olive oil (for cooking)
• 2 cups Fresh cilantro (leaves and tender stems)
• 2 tablespoons Pine nuts (lightly toasted)
• 2 pieces Garlic cloves (peeled)
• 0.25 cup Grated Parmesan cheese
• 0.25 cup Olive oil (for pesto)
• 1 tablespoon Fresh lime juice
• 0.25 teaspoon Ground black pepper (for pesto)
• 0.25 teaspoon Salt (for pesto)

Directions

Step 1

Season the salmon fillets on both sides with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper.

Step 2

Heat 2 tablespoons of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down (if applicable).

Step 3

Cook the salmon for 4-5 minutes on the first side without disturbing to get a crisp sear. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Step 4

Prepare the cilantro pesto by placing the fresh cilantro, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, Parmesan cheese, 1/4 cup olive oil, lime juice, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a food processor or blender.

Step 5

Pulse the ingredients until smooth, scraping down the sides as necessary. Adjust seasoning with additional salt or lime juice if desired.

Step 6

To serve, spoon the cilantro pesto over the cooked salmon fillets. Garnish with extra toasted pine nuts or a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese if desired.

Step 7

Serve warm with your choice of side, such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a mixed green salad.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(603.3g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	1812.4

Total Fat 156.3g	0%
Saturated Fat 29.4g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat g
Cholesterol 272mg	0%
Sodium 3513.5mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 8.4g	0%
Dietary Fiber 2.7g	0%
Total Sugars 1.4g
Protein 100.0g	0%

Vitamin D 2104IU	0%
Calcium 312.6mg	0%
Iron 4.4mg	0%
Potassium 1877.0mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 76.4%

Protein: 21.7%

Carbs: 1.8%