Baked Salmon with Pesto (Printable)

Tender salmon fillets baked and topped with aromatic basil pesto for an elegant main dish.

# What You'll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets, 6 oz (170 g) each
02 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
03 - Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

→ Pesto

04 - 1/2 cup (120 g) fresh basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
05 - 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
06 - Lemon wedges, for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
02 - Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels and arrange them on the prepared baking sheet.
03 - Brush each fillet with olive oil and season evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
04 - Spread about one tablespoon of basil pesto evenly over each fillet and sprinkle with Parmesan cheese if desired.
05 - Bake fillets for 12 to 15 minutes until salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
06 - Remove from oven and allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving with lemon wedges.

# Expert Advice:

01 -
  • This dish feels like a little secret for busy nights when you want something fancy but fuss-free.
  • The vibrant pesto adds a fresh punch that makes the salmon sing without any extra effort.
02 -
  • Don't skip patting the salmon dry before seasoning or the pesto won't stick as well.
  • Using fresh basil pesto changes the whole experience compared to store-bought, so try making your own if you can.
03 -
  • If you're making pesto ahead, keep it covered with a thin layer of olive oil to prevent browning.
  • The secret to flaky salmon is not to overbake; check early and often for that perfect tenderness.

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