Pesto Butter Salmon is a dish full of rich and bold flavors. The salmon is tender and flaky, with a buttery smoothness that melts in your mouth. The homemade pesto adds a fresh, garlicky, and slightly nutty taste that perfectly complements the richness of the salmon. Together, the butter and pesto create a creamy, flavorful coating that makes every bite irresistible.
This Pesto Butter Salmon recipe is perfect for busy evenings or special dinners. It’s simple to make and tastes amazing. With just a few ingredients; fresh salmon, basil pesto, and butter—you can whip up a dish that feels fancy but is easy to prepare at home. The salmon cooks to perfection, blending beautifully with the fresh, garlicky pesto and the richness of butter. Whether you need a quick meal or something to impress your guests, this recipe is a great choice. It’s easy, versatile, and bound to become a favorite in your kitchen.
If you've been following me for a while, you know I’m a big fan of pesto sauce. One of the most popular recipes on my blog is my Pesto sauce without pine nuts. Using that sauce, I created my kids' favorite, Pesto Ricotta Pasta, which is always a huge hit. Now, I’m excited to introduce my husband’s favorite dish featuring pesto sauce: Pesto Butter Salmon. It’s a simple dish that feels special and tastes amazing, perfect for any meal.
Are you a fan of high-protein salmon recipes? Then you should definitely try my Blackened Salmon Bites and Salmon Kale Quinoa Salad recipes!
Jump to:
- Why You Will Love This Recipe for Baked Salmon with Pesto Sauce
- How to Make Pesto Butter
- What to Serve with Pesto Salmon
- Salmon and Its Health Benefits
- How to Make Homemade Pesto Sauce
- Ingredients
- How to make Salmon with pesto butter
- Substitution and Variations for Pesto Butter Salmon
- Equipment
- How To Store Cooked Salmon
- Tips For Preparing Pesto Butter Salmon
- FAQ
- Related
- Pairing
- Pesto Butter Salmon
Why You Will Love This Recipe for Baked Salmon with Pesto Sauce
- Quick and Easy: The indulgent savoriness of salmon meets the rich indulgence of pesto butter for true baked goodness that can be prepared in 15 minutes.
- Rich and Unique Flavor: It is extraordinary as it blends butter and pesto to create a unique and distinctive salmon topped with compound butter.
- Healthy and Delicious: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids and nutrients, balancing richness with health benefits. There's lots of rich butter here, and it’s all healthy.
- Flavor-Infused Perfection: Garlicky pesto and butter cover the salmon while it bakes and infuses it with amazing flavor.
- Versatile Dinner Option: Salmon, the health-giving fish with its abundance of omega-3 fatty acids, is welcome at any dinner table.
How to Make Pesto Butter
Pesto butter recipe is so simple and easy to make, and all you need are just two ingredients: pesto sauce and butter. Place the softened butter in a small bowl and add the pesto sauce. Mix them together until smooth and well combined. Use the pesto butter right away to top salmon, pasta, bread, or vegetables. You can also wrap it in plastic wrap, roll it into a log, and refrigerate it for later use. This quick and flavorful mixture adds a burst of taste to any dish!
What to Serve with Pesto Salmon
Salmon with Pesto Sauce is easily adaptable to many side dishes.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Go bold with some garlic or Boursin mashed potatoes.
- With Pasta and Grains: It will stand up to creamy pasta dishes like Ricotta Pesto Pasta and rice dishes.
- Roasted Vegetables: It is also an excellent match for Roasted carrots and cauliflower, Sweet potato wedges, Roasted carrots and asparagus, or Hot honey brussel sprouts for a balanced and hearty side.
- Desserts: This rich, buttery dish deserved a sweet dessert, such as mint chocolate brownies or a no-bake cheesecake.
Salmon and Its Health Benefits
Salmon isn't just delicious—it’s packed with health benefits for you and your family, thanks to its rich content of omega-3 fatty acids. Here's how salmon supports your health:
Health Benefits
- Lowers Cholesterol: Helps maintain healthy cholesterol levels.
- Regulates Blood Pressure: Supports cardiovascular health.
- Reduces Stroke Risk: Contributes to improved blood flow and vascular health.
- Heart Health: Promotes overall heart function and reduces the risk of heart disease.
- Healthy Skin: Omega-3s and essential nutrients nourish and protect your skin.
- Stronger Bones: Provides vitamin D and other minerals essential for bone health.
How to Make Homemade Pesto Sauce
I’ve crafted a Pesto sauce recipe without pine nuts, using walnuts as a budget-friendly alternative. If you’re looking for a classic basil pesto sauce, follow the recipe below to create your own:
Ingredients
- 3 ½ cups fresh basil leaves
- 2 cups toasted, chopped walnuts (or substitute with pine nuts or your favorite nuts)
- 5 garlic cloves
- ¼ cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano (use genuine block cheese, not pre-grated packages; vegans can substitute with nutritional yeast)
- ½ tsp lemon juice (or to taste)
- 1 cup oil (coconut or olive oil works well)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Directions
- Combine Ingredients: Puree the basil, nuts, and garlic in a food processor until finely chopped.
- Add Lemon Juice: Drizzle lemon juice over the mixture for a bright, fresh flavor.
- Incorporate Oil: Slowly add the oil while processing until the mixture achieves a smooth consistency.
Season: Adjust salt and pepper to taste.
Ingredients
- Salmon fillets (cut into four portions)- Salmon is the star of the dish, providing a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and a buttery texture that pairs perfectly with pesto. Cutting it into portions ensures even cooking and ease of serving.
- Salt - Enhances the natural flavors of the salmon and balances the richness of the butter and pesto.
- Black pepper - Adds a mild kick and earthy undertones to complement the savory profile of the dish.
- Unsalted butter - Softened butter blends effortlessly with pesto, creating a creamy topping that infuses the salmon with richness and moisture.
- Basil pesto - The vibrant, garlicky, and herbaceous flavor of pesto adds depth and complements the natural flavor of the salmon.
- Lemon juice - Brightens the dish with a tangy note, balancing the richness of the butter and pesto.
See recipe card for quantities.
How to make Salmon with pesto butter
Looking for a delicious and easy recipe for salmon with pesto? This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with the rich, herby flavors of pesto and creamy butter. Check out the step-by-step instructions below to make it for perfect weeknight meal.
In a small bowl combine pesto sauce and butter.
Mix until well combined. Salmon Pesto Butter is ready , set it aside.
Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
Pesto butter added to the salmon generously on top.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until it is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the fillets, so keep an eye on them to ensure they are perfectly done. Once baked, carefully transfer the salmon to serving plates to maintain its shape and juices. Garnish with fresh lemon slices for a bright, tangy flavor and a sprinkle of fresh basil for added aroma and color. Serve it right away alongside your favorite side dishes, and enjoy a delicious, wholesome meal that’s sure to impress!
Substitution and Variations for Pesto Butter Salmon
- Fish Alternatives: Sure, you want to use salmon for your salmon with pesto butter, but why not try this recipe with trout, halibut, or cod, as well? Play with the different flavors and adjust the cooking time according to the fish’s thickness.
- Seasoning Options:Experiment with the seasonings when preparing pesto and salmon. Italian seasoning or a bit of garlic powder can add some zest.
- Crunchy Topping: For a bit of crunch, drizzle the salmon with panko crumbs before placing it in the oven.
- Lighter Option: This is a very buttery recipe, but you can also prepare it with olive oil.
- Pesto Butter Versatility: Pesto butter is heavenly on salmon, but it can also be used with pasta, over meat, and as a spread over rolls and bread.
Equipment
- Baking Dish: To bake the salmon evenly and retain its juices.
- Measuring Cups and Spoons: Ensures accurate measurements of ingredients.
- Mixing Bowl: To combine the pesto butter.
- Silicone Brush or Spoon: To spread the pesto butter evenly over the salmon.
How To Store Cooked Salmon
Refrigeration: Place any leftover pesto butter salmon (you should be so lucky) in an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator for two or three days. You don’t want to store any fish longer than that.
Freezing: If you are freezing your salmon, let it cool before you do, then wrap it in an airtight bag. It will freeze for three months, but its natural texture may change somewhat.
Reheating: To reheat the salmon, thaw it overnight in the refrigerator. Place it in a baking dish and warm it in the oven for 10 minutes at 400 degrees.
Tips For Preparing Pesto Butter Salmon
- Make sure the salmon is patted dry for crispier skin.
- Use the best pesto you can find. Quality matters. Try the homemade version listed below. It’s my favorite.
- Salmon, like most fish, dries easily. Keep an eye on it while it bakes and use a food thermometer to ensure it reaches 125 degrees.
I probably don’t have to emphasize to my readers that homemade tends to be much tastier than store bought. While decent pesto sauce is readily available at any market, try making your own in just a few steps. This recipe will make approximately 16 servings. Basil is the main ingredient, of course, but the food police won’t come knocking if you run short and need to add a bit of spinach.
FAQ
Yes, frozen salmon works well. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before cooking for best results. Use a kitchen towel to remove the excess moisture before using it for the recipe.
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Yes, olive oil is a great substitute for butter, offering a lighter and healthier alternative.
I have already shared my version of basil pesto without pine nuts, but you can make a quick substitute by blending fresh basil, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan cheese, or try using store-bought pesto alternatives like sun-dried tomato or spinach pesto.
Absolutely! Replace butter with a plant-based alternative and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese in the pesto.
Yes, you can prepare the pesto butter mixture and coat the salmon ahead of time. Store it in the refrigerator and bake just before serving.
The recipe is naturally gluten-free, but double-check your pesto to ensure it doesn’t contain any gluten-based ingredients.
Related
Looking for other recipes like this? Try these:
Pairing
These are my favorite dishes to serve with this pesto butter salmon recipe:
Pesto Butter Salmon
Equipment
- Baking Dish
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillets cut into four portions
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter softened
- 4 tablespoons basil pesto homemade or store-bought
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- Lemon slices for garnish
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Grease a baking dish with cooking spray and set it aside.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then place them in the prepared baking dish. Season both sides of the salmon with salt and pepper.
- In a small bowl, mix the softened butter, pesto, and lemon juice until well combined. Spread a generous layer of the pesto butter over the top of each fillet.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
- Carefully transfer the salmon to plates and garnish with lemon slices and fresh basil. Serve immediately with your favorite sides and enjoy!
Notes
- Fresh, wild-caught salmon works best for optimal flavor and texture, but frozen salmon is a great option if thawed properly.
- Adjust baking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets to avoid overcooking.
Abi Guna says
My favorite way to use the pesto sauce before its get expired!
Eva says
Salmon is my favourite! I have to try this recipe. It looks so delicious and fresh.
Abi Guna says
Thank you Eva, its our family favorite recipe, I hope your family loves it too!