Description
This Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon is a quick dinner recipe that’s both elegant and effortless. Fresh salmon fillets are coated in vibrant basil pesto, topped with zesty lemon slices, and baked to tender perfection. Ideal for easy dinner nights, healthy food ideas, or quick protein-rich meals. Whether you’re browsing for easy recipes or healthy dinner ideas, this salmon dish checks all the boxes—flavorful, fast, and family-friendly.
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets
1/2 cup basil pesto
1 lemon, thinly sliced
1 tablespoon olive oil
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
3. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
4. Spread a generous layer of pesto over each fillet.
5. Top each fillet with 2–3 thin lemon slices.
6. Drizzle a little olive oil over the top to keep everything juicy.
7. Bake in the oven for 12–15 minutes, until salmon is flaky and reaches 145°F (63°C).
8. Remove from oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes before serving.
Notes
Let the salmon come to room temperature for 10 minutes before baking for even cooking.
Use a high-quality or homemade pesto to maximize flavor.
Thin lemon slices work best—they release more juice and cook faster.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
Keywords: quick dinner, easy salmon recipe, pesto salmon, healthy meal, low carb dinner