Easy Pesto Salmon Recipe

My grandma gave me this pesto salmon recipe in 2024, and it quickly became a favorite. She always said the best meals are the easiest ones, and she was right. The fresh basil pesto adds so much flavor to the tender salmon, and it cooks in no time. Bake or air-fry it. It’s simple, delicious, and feels special with little effort. Now, every time I make it, I remember her love for good, easy cooking.

• Email Me the Recipe!
• Pesto Salmon Air Fryer or Oven
• Why This Pesto Salmon Recipe Works!
• How to Make the Best Pesto Salmon
• TIP!
• The Ingredients
• The Directions
• TIP!
• What to Serve with Pesto Salmon
• Wine Pairing
• Storage Tips
• Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe
• Frequently Asked Questions
• Table: Estimated Cooking Times for Pesto Salmon by Thickness
• Recipe for Salmon with Pesto
• Pesto Salmon Recipe
• Conclusion
• Key Takeaways

Email Me the Recipe!

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Pesto Salmon Air Fryer or Oven

One of the coolest things about pesto salmon is its flexibility in cooking methods. Whether you use an air fryer or prefer baking in the oven, your pesto salmon dinner will be ready in no time.

• Air Fryer Method
  • Preheat your air fryer to around 400°F.
  • Brush your salmon fillets with olive oil, sprinkle with salt and pepper, then layer on pesto.
  • Air fry for about 8–10 minutes, depending on thickness, until the fish flakes easily with a fork.
• Oven-Baked Method
  • Preheat your oven to 400°F.
  • Lightly oil a baking dish or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup.
  • Place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Season them, top with pesto, and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the fillet’s thickness.

You can use an air fryer or oven. Either way, you’ll get tender, flavorful pesto salmon with little effort.

Why This Pesto Salmon Recipe Works!

1. Layers of Flavor

Basil pesto already carries bold notes of garlic, Parmesan, and fragrant herbs. When combined with the luscious taste of salmon, you get a two-in-one punch of savory goodness. The oils in pesto help keep your salmon moist while infusing every bite with aromatic charm.

2. Nutritional Benefits

Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fatty acids. These fats are good for your heart health (American Heart Association, 2021). Traditional pesto is made with basil, pine nuts, and olive oil. These ingredients are tasty and good for a balanced diet.

3. Quick & Easy

Toss your salmon in the oven or air fryer, and you’ve got a top-notch meal ready in under 20 minutes. This means you can serve a mouthwatering main dish even on busy weeknights—no sweat involved.

How to Make the Best Salmon pesto

Cooking is all about your personal touch. But there are a few tips that can make your pesto salmon unforgettable. Below, we’ll share the best ways to get great flavor and texture every time.

1. Choose Fresh Fillets
   • Always opt for high-quality, fresh salmon. It should have a clean, mild smell and a vibrant color.
   • If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen is a good second option—just make sure it’s fully thawed before cooking.
2. Use Quality Pesto
   • Homemade pesto often boasts more flavor, but store-bought can work just fine.
   • Look for a pesto brand with real basil leaves, quality olive oil, and minimal additives.
3. Season Wisely
   • Salmon already has a pleasant, slightly sweet taste. Pesto has garlic, salt, and sometimes Parmesan. So, you might only need a light pinch of salt and pepper.
   • Over-seasoning can overshadow the delicate salmon flavor.
4. Watch Cooking Times
   • Salmon can dry out fast if overcooked.
   • Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F (according to FDA guidelines). You can also remove the salmon at 140°F and let it rest to finish cooking gently.
   • After taking your pesto salmon out of the heat, let it rest for 3–5 minutes.
   • This helps the juices redistribute, ensuring every forkful is tender.

TIP!

For extra richness, sprinkle grated Parmesan over your salmon before baking. The cheese melts over the pesto, forming a golden crust. If you want more crunch, mix crushed pine nuts or breadcrumbs with the Parmesan.

The Ingredients

Below is an overview of key ingredients you’ll need for a classic salmon pesto dinner. Feel free to adapt based on your preferences:

• Salmon Fillets (6–8 ounces each)
• Basil Pesto (homemade or store-bought)
• Olive Oil (or cooking spray, if using the air fryer)
• Salt & Pepper (to taste)
• Optional Add-Ons: Grated Parmesan, pine nuts, lemon slices, or red pepper flakes.

The Directions

Here’s a quick rundown on how you can whip up pesto salmon at home:

1. Preheat the Oven (or Air Fryer)
   • Oven: 400°F
   • Air Fryer: 400°F
2. Prep the Salmon
   • Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
   • Lightly sprinkle both sides with salt and pepper.
3. Spread the Pesto
   • Lay salmon fillets on a baking sheet (or in the air fryer basket) skin-side down.
   • Use a spoon to generously cover the top of each fillet with pesto.
   • If desired, top with a sprinkle of Parmesan.
4. Cook to Perfection
   • Oven: Bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on thickness.
   • Air Fryer: Air fry for 8–10 minutes.
   • Aim for an internal temperature of 145°F.
5. Rest & Serve
   • Remove your salmon pesto from the heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes.
   • Serve warm. Garnish with lemon wedges or fresh basil if you like.

TIP!

If you’re pressed for time, you can marinate the salmon fillets in pesto for about 15 minutes prior to cooking. This quick marinade lets the flavors soak into the fish. It brings out a stronger basil-garlic taste.

What to Serve with Pesto Salmon

The best part of pesto salmon is that it pairs with all sorts of sides—grains, veggies, salads, you name it. Below are a few ideas to round out your meal:

• Roasted Vegetables: Try zucchini, bell peppers, asparagus, or cherry tomatoes. Their natural sweetness complements the pesto.
• Whole Grains: Quinoa, brown rice, or couscous provide a hearty base to soak up extra pesto or salmon juices.
• Fresh Salad: A simple arugula or mixed greens salad with a light vinaigrette can freshen up the dish.
• Garlic Bread: Perfect for mopping up any leftover pesto.

Storage Tips

Storing leftover salmon pesto surprisingly simple:

1. Cool Completely
   • Allow the cooked salmon to cool to room temperature before storing.
2. Use Airtight Containers
   • Keep salmon in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
3. Reheating
   • Warm gently in the oven at about 300°F to avoid overcooking.
   • Or, place in the microwave for short intervals, checking often so it doesn’t dry out.

Recommended Tools to Make this Recipe

• Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Dish: A rimmed sheet helps contain any juices.
• Air Fryer: If you want that crispy edge without heating the whole kitchen.
• Food Thermometer: Ensures you cook your salmon to the recommended internal temperature.
• Silicone Spatula: Ideal for spreading pesto evenly without damaging the salmon flesh.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is salmon improved by a coating of pesto?

Absolutely! Pesto’s bold basil and parmesan notes balance salmon’s natural sweetness. This creates a mouthwatering flavor harmony in every bite of pesto salmon.

Can you explain what pesto sauce actually is?

Pesto spread is a blend of basil, garlic, olive oil, nuts, and cheese for a versatile sauce.

Which methods help salmon retain its moisture?

A shorter cooking time and moderate heat prevent dryness. Adding pesto locks in juices and infuses flavor. Properly cooked pesto salmon will stay moist without extra effort.

How do you upgrade the taste of pesto?

The key is fresh basil, good olive oil, and top-notch cheese. A small squeeze of lemon can brighten flavors. When used on pesto salmon, it provides a delicious pop that keeps you coming back for more.

Table: Estimated Cooking Times for Pesto Salmon by Thickness

Salmon Fillet Thickness:

• 1-inch thick:
  • Oven (400°F): 12–14 minutes
  • Air Fryer (400°F): 8–9 minutes
• 1.5-inch thick:
  • Oven (400°F): 14–15 minutes
  • Air Fryer (400°F): 9–10 minutes
• 2-inch thick:
  • Oven (400°F): 15–17 minutes
  • Air Fryer (400°F): 10–12 minutes

These are approximate times. Always use a food thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F.

Recipe for Salmon with Pesto

• Yield: 2–4 servings
• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 10–15 minutes
• Total Time: 15–20 minutes

Pesto Salmon Recipe

1. Gather Your Ingredients
   • Salmon fillets, pesto sauce, salt, and pepper.
2. Preheat Your Cooking Method
   • Oven or air fryer to 400°F.
3. Assemble and Season
   • Pat fillets dry, place skin-side down, season lightly, and spread pesto on top.
4. Cook
   • Oven: 12–15 minutes. Air Fryer: 8–10 minutes.
5. Rest & Enjoy
   • Let the fish rest for 3–5 minutes before serving.

Tips for Cooking Pesto Salmon

• Marinate for Deeper Flavor: If time allows, marinate fillets in pesto for 15–20 minutes.
• Don’t Skimp on Pesto: A generous coating helps keep the salmon moist.
• Use a thermometer. Aim for 145°F but remove the salmon around 140°F. Let carryover cooking finish it.

Storing Leftovers

• Refrigerate Promptly: Cool your pesto salmon and store it in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Avoid overheating. Gently warm leftover pesto salmon in the oven or microwave to keep it moist.
• Freeze for later. Wrap individual portions in freezer-safe wrap or containers. Store for up to 1 month.

More Recipes to Try

• Baked Salmon Bites
• How to Make Salmon Stew Recipe
• Delicious Pesto Langostino Zucchini and Pasta Recipe

Pesto salmon is a breeze to prepare yet impressively gourmet to serve. Use fresh ingredients, monitor cook times, and try both air fryer and oven methods. This way, you’ll always have moist and flavorful fillets. Remember, cooking should be fun—so don’t be afraid to get creative and make this recipe your own. Whether you’re an expert or a beginner, pesto salmon is a classic. It’s comforting and easy to make. Enjoy the process, share your results, and feel free to drop a comment letting us know how it turned out!

Key Takeaways

• Pesto Salmon offers a blend of fresh basil-garlic flavor with succulent fish.
• Cook times vary by thickness, so use a food thermometer for accuracy.
• Store leftovers properly to maintain texture and flavor.
• Get creative with sides like roasted veggies, salads, and grains.
• This recipe is simple enough for busy nights yet special enough for entertaining.