Description
This Pesto Salmon Recipe features tender, flaky salmon fillets baked with a flavorful basil walnut pesto topping. The salmon is enhanced with a splash of white wine and fresh lemon juice for a bright, savory finish, then garnished with crunchy chopped walnuts for added texture. Perfectly simple and elegant, this dish is ready in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal healthy dinner option.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Seasoning
- 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Pesto Mixture
- 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
Garnish
- ½ cup chopped walnuts
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it’s ready for baking the salmon.
- Prepare the salmon: Lightly season each salmon filet with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides to enhance the natural flavors.
- Make the pesto topping: In a small bowl, mix together the melted salted butter, white wine (or chicken broth), fresh lemon juice, and basil walnut pesto until well combined to create a flavorful sauce.
- Place salmon in baking dish: Arrange the salmon filets skin-side down in a single layer in a baking dish suitable for the oven.
- Add pesto mixture: Spoon the pesto mixture evenly over each salmon filet, ensuring they are fully coated with the rich sauce.
- Bake the salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the salmon from the oven, garnish each filet with chopped walnuts for a crunchy texture, and serve immediately for the best flavor.
Notes
- You can substitute white wine with chicken broth for a non-alcoholic version.
- Adjust the amount of lemon juice depending on your preferred level of acidity.
- Use fresh basil walnut pesto or store-bought pesto for convenience.
- Chopped walnuts add a crunchy contrast but can be omitted for a nut-free version.
- Ensure salmon is not overcooked to maintain a moist, tender texture.