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Pesto Butter Salmon


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  • Author: Ava
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Pesto Butter Salmon combines the rich flavor of salmon with the fresh, garlicky taste of pesto butter. A simple yet elegant dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions, it’s a quick and flavorful meal with a creamy pesto finish.


Ingredients

  1. For the Salmon:
    4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
    2 tbsp olive oil
    Salt and pepper, to taste
    1 tsp garlic powder
    1 tsp smoked paprika
    For the Pesto Butter:
    1/4 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)
    2 tbsp butter, softened
    1 tbsp lemon juice
    1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    Lemon wedges (for serving)
    For Homemade Pesto (optional):
    1 cup fresh basil leaves
    1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts)
    1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
    2 cloves garlic
    1/4 cup olive oil
    Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

Prepare the Pesto Butter:

    • Make the Pesto (if homemade): In a food processor, combine basil leaves, pine nuts (or walnuts), Parmesan cheese, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Pulse until smooth and well combined. Set aside.
    • Mix with Butter: In a small bowl, mix 2 tablespoons of pesto with the softened butter and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until fully combined, then set aside.
  1. Cook the Salmon:
    • Season the Salmon: Heat the olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
    • Cook the Salmon: Once the oil is hot, place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if using skin-on fillets. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is golden and cooked through (internal temperature should reach 145°F/63°C). The salmon should flake easily with a fork when done.
    • Add the Pesto Butter: In the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, spoon a generous amount of pesto butter over the salmon fillets. Let the butter melt and coat the fish.
  2. Serve:
    • Plate the Salmon: Once the salmon is cooked, transfer the fillets to serving plates.
    • Garnish: Drizzle any remaining pesto butter from the skillet over the salmon and garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges.
    • Serve: Serve immediately with your choice of sides, such as roasted vegetables, a light salad, or rice.

Notes

  • Grilled vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, or spinach make a great side for this dish.
  • For a spicier kick, add chili flakes or sriracha to the pesto butter.
  • If using frozen salmon, ensure it’s thawed thoroughly before cooking for the best texture and flavor.
  • You can bake the salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12-15 minutes if you prefer not to pan-fry it.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10-12 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Pan-fry, Grill
  • Cuisine: American, Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 350
  • Sugar: 1g
  • Sodium: 150mg
  • Fat: 24g
  • Saturated Fat: 5g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 3g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Protein: 34g
  • Cholesterol: 75mg