Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon

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There’s something undeniably satisfying about the simplicity of salmon—but elevate it with a layer of rich, herbaceous pesto and suddenly it becomes restaurant-worthy right from your oven. This Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon is a go-to for easy weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough to serve guests. Bursting with flavor, it pairs the buttery richness of salmon with the zesty brightness of lemon and the bold, garlicky punch of pesto.

The best part? It only takes minutes to prep, and the oven does all the heavy lifting. Whether you’re following a low-carb lifestyle or just looking for something wholesome and satisfying, this dish checks every box. Bonus: it’s naturally gluten-free and a great source of omega-3s.

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Why You’ll Love This Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon

• Quick and fuss-free: Less than 25 minutes start to finish.
• Minimal ingredients: Just salmon, pesto, and lemon!
• Versatile: Pairs with pasta, veggies, grains, or salads.
• Healthy: Packed with protein and heart-healthy fats.
• Flavor-packed: Each bite delivers herby, citrusy depth.

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What Kind of Pesto Works Best for Salmon?

You can go classic with a basil pesto, or switch it up with sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula walnut pesto, or even a spicy jalapeño-cilantro version. Homemade or store-bought both work—just make sure it’s high quality and loaded with flavor. Salmon is bold enough to handle an assertive pesto, so don’t be shy.

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Ingredients for the Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon

Before you begin, gather your ingredients. This list is short, but each component plays a starring role in flavor and texture:

• Salmon fillets: Look for center-cut pieces with skin-on for best moisture retention.
• Pesto sauce: Whether it’s homemade or jarred, pesto brings vibrant herby richness.
• Lemon slices: They add brightness and a little zing to balance the richness of the fish and pesto.
• Olive oil: Helps the salmon crisp up beautifully around the edges.
• Salt & black pepper: A simple seasoning to enhance the natural flavors.

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How To Make the Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking dish with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly drizzle olive oil at the base.

Step 2: Season and Spread

Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel, then season with salt and pepper. Place them skin-side down in your prepared dish.

Step 3: Add the Pesto

Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pesto onto each fillet. Use the back of a spoon to spread it evenly across the top.

Step 4: Layer Lemon Slices

Top each fillet with 2-3 thin lemon slices. This not only infuses the salmon with citrusy flavor but looks beautiful too.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon, until it flakes easily with a fork. Avoid overbaking to keep it juicy.

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How to Serve and Store Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon

This recipe serves 4 people generously. Serve it hot right out of the oven for the most flavor and tenderness. If you have leftovers, let them cool before storing in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

To reheat, place in a low-temperature oven (around 275°F) until warmed through, or use a microwave at half-power in short intervals to avoid drying.

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What to Serve With Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon?

Garlic Parmesan Roasted Carrots

Roasted carrots bring a sweet contrast and savory crunch. Try it with these.

Creamy Broccoli Cheddar Soup

A cozy pairing for colder evenings.

Avocado Egg and Chickpea Salad

A fresh and vibrant side to balance the meal. Perfect for summer nights.

Duchess Potatoes

Butter-rich and beautiful for dinner parties. Learn how to pipe them here.

Easy Veggie Patties

Serve alongside for a protein-packed, plant-based boost. See how to make them.

Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna

For seafood lovers looking to double up.

Zucchini Noodle Salad

Light and crunchy with a touch of lemon vinaigrette.

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Want More Salmon Ideas?

If you loved this Juicy Baked Pesto Salmon, you might also enjoy these easy dinner ideas and pescatarian delights:

• Baked Salmon with Lemon Butter Cream Sauce for a creamy indulgence.
• Sriracha Honey Salmon Bowls if you like it sweet and spicy.
• Creamy Garlic Shrimp Pasta to pair your salmon with buttery noodles.
• Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna for a seafood-filled comfort dish.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest dinner board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you make your own pesto or go store-bought? Did you try it with lemon zest or maybe chili flakes?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too—let’s help each other cook smarter.

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting dishes on Nora Nosh Recipes Pinterest and discover your new go-to for dinner tonight!

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