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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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