This baked Pesto Salmon is our favorite simple yet elegant seafood dinner. This baked salmon recipe with Basil Walnut Pesto is bursting with flavor and good fat. The tender flaky salmon is basted in butter, white wine, and lemon juice before baking and then topped with an amazing nutty and rich pesto. So delicious!
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Why We Love This Pesto Salmon Recipe
Salmon is an absolutely amazing fish with so much healthy fat. Mixed with this delicious Basil Walnut Pesto, you’re sure to love this good-for-you seafood feast. So much, made in under 20 minutes, and only one pan to clean. Is this heaven?
- Easy. This simple salmon recipe is made on a single sheet pan and takes just 20 minutes!
- Flavorful. The basil walnut pesto is packed with a fresh and nutty flavor
- Healthy. A common misconception when eating healthy is that all fat is bad. Your body needs “good fat” to run, and good fat is actually quite nutritious! This recipe has all the right kinds of fat thanks to the salmon, olive oil, and of course, walnuts!
Variations on Salmon with Pesto
If you prefer grilled salmon, you can use an electric grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. That’s also a delicious way to cook salmon. Just make sure use the pesto for this salmon and you’ll get the same amazing flavor!
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How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover pesto salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze pesto salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Since this baked pesto salmon recipe is nice and healthy, I like to keep my sides healthy too. Everything from a simple salad recipe to herb roasted potatoes are amazing with this easy baked salmon. Some other ideas are Lemon Butter Grilled Asparagus, Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli, or Mandarin Orange Salad. It pairs beautifully with white wine as well…if you were wondering.
More Seafood Recipes To Try
Notes from the Test Kitchen
The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for Baked Salmon, but it is safe to eat as low as 125°F. I prefer my salmon cooked to 130-135°F. Use an internal thermometer to check the fish at the thickest part of the fillet. Typically, when the fat starts baking out of the salmon and the skin becomes pink/white, you’re good to go.
5-Star Review
“Ok, so I wasn’t a salmon fan until THIS! Holy smokes… amazing!” -Jessica Burgess
Pesto Salmon Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted (⅜ stick)
- ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup basil walnut pesto (click for recipe)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts for garnish
Recommended Equipment
Instructions
For the Baked Salmon
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a baking sheet with oil or spray with nonstick spray. Place the salmon on the baking sheet.4 (3-ounce) salmon filets
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper.Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, white wine, and lemon juice. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the salmon.3 tablespoons salted butter, ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- While the salmon is cooking, make the basil walnut pesto (click for recipe).¼ cup basil walnut pesto
- When the salmon is cooked through, top with a tablespoon of the pesto mixture and garnish with chopped walnuts. Serve immediately.½ cup chopped walnuts
Last step! Don’t forget to show me a pic of what you made! Upload an image or tag me @thecookierookie on Instagram!
Becky’s tips
- The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for Baked Salmon, but it is safe to eat as low as 125°F. I prefer my salmon cooked to 130-135°F. Use an internal thermometer to check the fish at the thickest part of the fillet. Typically, when the fat starts baking out of the salmon and the skin becomes pink/white, you’re good to go.
Nutrition Information
How to Make Pesto Salmon Step by Step
Prep the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush a baking sheet with oil or spray with nonstick spray. Place 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets on the baking sheet.
Season the Salmon: Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the 3 tablespoons of melted salted butter, ¼ cup of white wine, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the salmon.
Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Make the Pesto: While the salmon is cooking, make ¼ cup of basil walnut pesto (click for recipe).
Top and Serve: When the salmon is cooked through, top each filet with a tablespoon of the pesto mixture and garnish with ½ cup chopped walnuts.
I would try these recipes. Mouth watering yet so healthy!
Thanks, Mayen! Enjoy them :)
Do you have the WW points for this? Looks delicious
MMMM I love some grilled salmon in the summer time! Can’t wait to try!
Yesss, I’m already dreaming of salmon dinners on the patio this summer.
This is my all time favorite way to cook salmon!
<3 :)
Basil Pesto makes everything taste so good!! The salmon looks so tender! Got to try this!
Basil pesto on everything please!
Ok, so I wasn’t a salmon fan until THIS! Holy smokes… amazing!
Glad I could change your mind :)
This recipe was delicious! Thank you so much!
Thanks Jessica!
Wow, Bec. This looks so delicious. I have Pesto in the fridge and will have to fix it for supper next week. YUM!!!
Thanks! You guys would love it. So much flavor.