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A close-up shot of a perfectly cooked pesto salmon fillet, showing the moist, flaky texture of the fish and the rich basil pesto crust.

Pesto Salmon Recipe (Easy, Flaky & Flavorful)

This easy Pesto Salmon Recipe delivers a vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly moist salmon dish in under 30 minutes. It's the perfect healthy and delicious weeknight dinner that the whole family will love.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Course: Dinner, Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 450
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) Skin on or off
  • 1/2 cup basil pesto Good quality store-bought or homemade
  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 1/2 tsp salt Or to taste
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper Or to taste
  • 1 lemon Sliced, for serving (optional)

Equipment

  • 1 Baking Dish or Sheet Pan
  • 1 Instant-read thermometer Optional but recommended for perfect results.

Instructions
 

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Lightly grease a baking dish or a sheet pan with olive oil.
  2. Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper.
  3. Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Spread a thick, even layer of basil pesto over the top of each fillet.
  4. Transfer the baking dish to the preheated oven. Bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
  5. Let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. Serve warm, with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice if desired.

Notes

Don't Overcook: Keep a close eye on the salmon. An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure it's cooked perfectly without drying out.
High-Quality Pesto: Since the ingredient list is short, using a high-quality, flavorful pesto will make a significant difference in the final dish.
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