Description
Golden, garlicky pesto melted into juicy roasted salmon fillets—this is your go-to for an easy dinner that looks and tastes like you tried harder than you did. This dish delivers on big flavor and fresh simplicity, making it a weeknight wonder and a healthy dinner choice. Whether you’re searching for easy salmon recipes, quick seafood dinners, or just new dinner ideas, this one’s a keeper.
Ingredients
2 to 4 salmon fillets (center cut, skin-on or off)
1/2 cup basil pesto (homemade or jarred)
1 fresh lemon, sliced into rounds
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment.
2. Place salmon skin-side down. Pat dry and season with salt and pepper.
3. Spread pesto generously over each fillet.
4. Top with 1–2 lemon slices per fillet.
5. Drizzle lightly with olive oil.
6. Bake for 12–14 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily.
7. Let rest 2 minutes before serving.
Notes
Always pat the salmon dry so the seasoning sticks and the pesto doesn’t slide off.
Use parchment for easy cleanup and to keep the bottom from sticking.
Don’t overbake—pull it when the center is still a little translucent; it finishes cooking off heat.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 14 minutes
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Baked
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 27g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 75mg
Keywords: easy salmon recipe, pesto salmon, weeknight dinner, healthy seafood