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Pesto Baked Salmon Recipe

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4 from 14 reviews

This Pesto Baked Salmon recipe offers a flavorful and healthy way to enjoy salmon fillets coated with a vibrant pesto sauce and baked to perfection. Ready in just 25 minutes, it's a simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 1-1 ¼ lbs. salmon

Pesto Sauce Mixture

  • ¼ cup pesto sauce (prepared)
  • ½ lemon (juice and zest)
  • ½ tsp. salt
  • ¼ tsp. black pepper
  • ⅛ tsp. red pepper flakes

Garnish (optional)

  • Fresh parsley or basil (finely chopped)

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 425°F (220°C) to ensure it reaches the ideal temperature for baking the salmon evenly and quickly, locking in moisture and flavor.
  2. Prepare the salmon: Cut the salmon into four fillets, each weighing about 4 to 5 ounces. If preferred, remove the skin. Arrange the fillets in a 9x13 inch baking dish, leaving at least 1 inch of space between each piece for even cooking.
  3. Make the pesto sauce coating: In a small bowl, whisk together the prepared pesto sauce, lemon juice and zest, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. This mixture adds a zesty and mildly spicy flavor to the salmon.
  4. Apply the sauce: Using a pastry brush, evenly spread 2 teaspoons of the pesto mixture over each salmon fillet, coating all sides thoroughly. Reserve the remaining sauce for serving.
  5. Bake the salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 16-18 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout.
  6. Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and garnish with finely chopped fresh parsley or basil if desired. Serve immediately with the reserved pesto sauce on the side for extra flavor.

Notes

  • You can remove the salmon skin for easier eating, but leaving it on during baking helps keep the fillets moist.
  • If you don't have prepared pesto, you can make your own by blending fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, pine nuts, and Parmesan cheese.
  • For a spicier kick, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
  • Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a well-rounded meal.

Find it online: https://simpleplatter.com/pesto-baked-salmon-recipe/