This Pesto Butter Salmon combines tender salmon with creamy, flavorful pesto butter. It’s super quick to make and perfect for a delicious dinner!
You’ll love how the pesto brings a pop of flavor that makes the salmon sing. I can never resist pairing it with some fresh veggies or pasta. Yum! 🥗
This dish is so simple to whip up on a busy night. Just slather the butter on the salmon, bake it, and you’re ready to enjoy a tasty meal in no time!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are the star here. You can use skin-on for extra flavor, or skinless if you prefer. If salmon isn’t available, try using trout or even a firm white fish like cod.
Pesto: You can use store-bought basil pesto for convenience. If you’d like a fresher taste, making your own with fresh basil, garlic, nuts, cheese, and olive oil is fantastic. Vegan options can be made by replacing cheese with nutritional yeast.
Butter: Unsalted butter allows you to control the saltiness, but if you’re looking for a lighter option, you could use olive oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a vegan version.
Lemon: Fresh lemon wedges are great for brightening up the dish. If you don’t have lemon, lime juice can work as a substitute for a different flavor dimension.
How Do I Get the Salmon Perfectly Cooked?
Cooking salmon can be tricky, but searing and then baking it is a great method. Here are some tips to help you succeed:
- Make sure your skillet is hot before adding the salmon. This helps achieve a nice crust.
- Pat your salmon dry before seasoning. This helps it sear better.
- Keep an eye on cooking time. Salmon typically needs about 15 minutes total (4-5 minutes on the stovetop and 5-7 minutes in the oven).
- Check for doneness by gently flaking the fish with a fork—it should come apart easily but still look moist.
With these tips, you’ll have perfectly cooked salmon every time, ensuring that it’s both tender and full of flavor!
Pesto Butter Salmon
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
- 3 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, cut into wedges (optional, for serving)
- Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
- Optional sides: asparagus spears, cherry tomatoes (as pictured)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This Pesto Butter Salmon recipe takes about 10 minutes to prepare and 10-15 minutes to cook, depending on your oven. You’ll have a delicious meal ready in approximately 25-30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C) so it’s nice and hot for cooking the salmon.
2. Make the Pesto Butter:
In a small bowl, mix together the softened butter and basil pesto. Stir until well combined to create your flavorful pesto butter.
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Using paper towels, pat the salmon fillets dry to ensure a nice sear. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sear the Salmon:
In an oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, carefully place the salmon fillets into the skillet, skin-side down if they have skin.
Sear the salmon for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crisp and the salmon is lightly browned. Be gentle when flipping!
5. Add Pesto Butter:
Carefully flip the salmon fillets over. Then, immediately spread a generous amount of the pesto butter mixture evenly on top of each fillet.
6. Bake the Salmon:
Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for about 5-7 minutes. The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and is perfectly cooked through.
7. Roast Your Optional Sides:
While the salmon is baking, you can roast asparagus and cherry tomatoes if you’d like! Toss them in olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and roast at 400°F for about 10-12 minutes until tender.
8. Final Touches:
Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven. Spoon any melted pesto butter from the pan over the salmon fillets for extra flavor.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges for squeezing on top. Plate alongside your roasted asparagus and cherry tomatoes or your favorite sides.
Enjoy your flavorful, buttery pesto salmon!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just be sure to thaw it completely before cooking. The best way to thaw salmon is to place it in the refrigerator overnight or submerge it in a sealed plastic bag in cold water for about an hour.
What Can I Substitute for Basil Pesto?
If you don’t have basil pesto, you can substitute it with other flavors like sun-dried tomato pesto or even a homemade herb sauce like chimichurri. You could also use a simple mixture of chopped herbs, garlic, and olive oil for a fresh alternative.
How Do I Store Leftover Salmon?
Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm it in the oven or in a skillet over low heat to avoid overcooking.
Can I Adjust the Seasonings?
Absolutely! Feel free to add your favorite seasonings or herbs to the salmon fillets before cooking. Garlic powder, paprika, or lemon zest can complement the pesto nicely. Just be mindful of the salt if you’re using seasoned pesto!