Zesty Pesto Salmon Recipe: Jazzy Flavors in Every Bite

Salmon gets a flavor-packed upgrade with this mouthwatering pesto salmon recipe that turns an ordinary dinner into a culinary celebration.

Fresh herbs and rich, vibrant pesto coat each succulent piece of fish with incredible depth and brightness.

The combination of tender salmon and aromatic basil creates a harmony of textures and tastes that dance across your palate.

Mediterranean-inspired ingredients elevate this dish from simple to spectacular in just minutes.

Weeknight dinners never looked so elegant or tasted so incredible.

Quick, easy, and bursting with Mediterranean flair, this recipe promises a delightful meal that will have everyone asking for seconds.

Grab your skillet and get ready to impress with this restaurant-worthy salmon masterpiece.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Calories: 412 kcal

Servings: 5

Pesto Salmon: What You’ll Need to Make It

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon offers richer flavor and more nutrients than farm-raised; look for bright, firm flesh without discoloration.

• Basil Pesto: Vibrant green sauce that infuses robust herbal notes and creamy texture to the salmon; choose homemade or high-quality store-bought varieties.
• Parmesan Cheese: Adds nutty, salty complexity and helps create a crispy golden crust; select freshly grated for best melting properties.

• Breadcrumbs: Provides delightful crunch and helps seal in moisture; opt for panko for extra crispy texture.

All the Equipment to Cook Pesto Salmon Easily

• Baking sheet: Rimmed sheet for cooking salmon evenly.
• Tin foil: Helps with easy cleanup and prevents sticking.
• Vegetable spray: Ensures salmon doesn't stick to the foil.
• Small bowl: For mixing breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.
• Measuring tablespoon: To accurately portion pesto on salmon.
• Spoon: For spreading pesto and mixing breadcrumbs.
• Oven: To bake salmon at precise temperature.

Instructions for Cooking the Perfect Pesto Salmon

• Oven Preparation Kitchen Setup

Warm the oven to a toasty 400°F and create a neat workspace by lining a baking sheet with foil and giving it a light spray.

• Salmon Placement Pesto Magic

Gently spread salmon fillets on the sheet, keeping them separated, then lavish each piece with a generous dollop of fresh basil pesto.

• Crispy Topping Texture Layer

Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan in a quick mix, then shower the pesto-covered fish with this delightful crunchy blend.

• Cooking Time Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the heated oven and let the salmon transform for 12-15 minutes, depending on your preferred level of doneness. Watch for a golden, flaky finish that promises a mouthwatering meal.

Flavor Tips & Garnish Ideas for Pesto Salmon

• Swap traditional basil pesto with sun-dried tomato, roasted red pepper, or cilantro pesto for unique flavor profiles that complement the salmon's richness.
• Toast breadcrumbs in a skillet with a touch of olive oil before sprinkling to create a crispier, more golden-brown topping that adds delightful crunch.
• Serve with roasted asparagus, quinoa pilaf, or a light Mediterranean salad to balance the salmon's robust flavors and create a complete meal.
• Thicker salmon fillets might require an extra 2-3 minutes of baking, while thinner cuts could be done sooner – always check internal temperature reaches 145°F for perfect doneness.

Plating & Pairing Ideas for Pesto Salmon

• Pair with Zesty Sides: Complement the rich salmon with a bright, tangy lemon-herb quinoa or a crisp arugula salad to balance the pesto's creamy texture.
• Create a Complete Meal: Serve alongside roasted asparagus or garlic-sautéed green beans to add color and nutritional value to your plate.
• Wine and Dine: Enhance the dining experience with a chilled glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio, which perfectly matches the herbal pesto and delicate salmon flavors.
• Garnish for Freshness: Sprinkle fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley on top to add a pop of color and an extra layer of aromatic herbs to the dish.

Keeping Your Pesto Salmon Fresh Longer

• Store Smartly: Keep leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring maximum freshness and flavor retention.
• Freeze with Care: Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. These can be stored frozen for up to 2 months, perfect for quick future meals.
• Reheat Gently: Warm refrigerated salmon in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes to maintain its moisture and prevent drying out. Avoid microwave reheating to preserve texture.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the salmon in advance and refrigerate before baking. This recipe works wonderfully for batch cooking, allowing you to have a delicious, nutritious meal ready in minutes during busy weekdays.

Vibrant Pesto Salmon Recipe

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4.5 from 31 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 5 1x

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Description

Homemade pesto salmon delivers Mediterranean coastal flavors with fresh herbal notes and delicate fish. Wild salmon fillets combine elegantly with classic basil pesto, creating a quick and elegant dinner for seafood enthusiasts.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 24 oz (680 g) salmon fillets (4 6-oz fillets), skin-on or skinless
• 6–7 tbsps pesto
• ⅓ cup (40 g) fresh breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (35 g) freshly grated parmesan cheese

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Instructions

1. Preparation: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C) and line a rimmed baking sheet with aluminum foil, lightly coating with non-stick spray.
2. Salmon Placement: Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, ensuring they are not touching or overlapping.
3. Pesto Layering: Spread fresh basil pesto evenly across each salmon fillet, creating a vibrant green coating that will infuse rich herbal flavors.
4. Topping Creation: Blend breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a mixing bowl to craft a crispy, savory topping that will add textural complexity.
5. Topping Application: Delicately scatter the breadcrumb-parmesan mixture over the pesto-covered salmon, ensuring comprehensive coverage for a golden, crunchy exterior.
6. Baking Process: Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and roast for 12-15 minutes, depending on desired doneness, until the salmon is tender and the topping turns a beautiful golden brown.
7. Resting and Serving: Allow the salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after removing from the oven, which helps seal in moisture and harmonize the intricate flavor profile.

Notes

• Optimize Pesto Coverage: Spread pesto evenly using the back of a spoon to ensure each salmon fillet gets maximum flavor and consistent coating.
• Master Cooking Time: Check salmon’s doneness at 12 minutes; cooking beyond 15 minutes risks drying out the delicate fish, compromising its tender texture.
• Bread Crumb Technique: Pat breadcrumb mixture gently onto salmon to create a crisp, golden-brown topping that locks in moisture and adds delightful crunch.
• Resting Period Matters: Let salmon rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a succulent and flavorful final dish that melts in your mouth.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 5
• Calories: 412
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 579 mg
• Fat: 24 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 19 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 12 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 100 mg