One Pan Basil Pesto Salmon That Melts in Your Mouth

Salmon is a versatile and flavorful fish that pairs beautifully with fresh basil pesto, creating a meal that is both vibrant and comforting. This one pan recipe keeps things simple while delivering tender, moist salmon topped with a fragrant, herbaceous pesto that bakes into a slightly golden crust. The dish is quick, requires minimal cleanup, and is perfect for weeknights, special dinners, or a healthy, delicious meal any time. Fresh basil, garlic, pine nuts, and olive oil in the pesto enhance the rich, buttery texture of salmon, and serving it with roasted vegetables or rice makes a complete, balanced meal. This recipe is approachable and highly customizable, allowing you to adjust herbs, nuts, or add a squeeze of lemon for extra brightness, with full instructions, tips, nutrition, and serving ideas included for perfect results every time.

Ingredients Needed

For the Salmon

• 4 salmon fillets, skin on or off (about 6 ounces each)
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges, for serving

For the Basil Pesto

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ¼ cup pine nuts
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
• Salt, to taste
• Black pepper, to taste
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice

Optional Sides

• Roasted vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus
• Steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes

Step by Step Instructions

Prepare the Basil Pesto

Add basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan to a food processor and pulse until coarse. Slowly drizzle in olive oil until smooth. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then adjust to taste.

Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Lightly season both sides with salt and black pepper. Drizzling a little olive oil over the top will help the pesto stick better and keep the fish moist while baking.

Assemble on One Pan

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment or grease it. Place salmon fillets evenly and spread pesto generously over each piece.

Bake the Salmon

Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 to 15 minutes until opaque and flaky. For a golden top, broil for the last 2 minutes, being careful not to overcook.

Serve

Transfer the salmon to serving plates. Serve warm with lemon wedges and your choice of sides. Spoon any remaining pan juices or pesto over the salmon for extra flavor.

Tips for Customizing the Recipe

You can customize this basil pesto salmon in several ways. Swap the pine nuts for walnuts, almonds, or cashews for a different flavor, or mix in fresh parsley or cilantro to change the herbal notes. For a vegan or dairy-free option, omit the Parmesan and add nutritional yeast for a cheesy taste. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto for a mild kick. This recipe works well with both wild-caught and farmed salmon, and even trout fillets for a slightly different flavor. The pesto can also be made up to two days in advance and stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for convenience.

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this basil pesto salmon, consisting of one fillet with pesto, contains approximately 450 calories, 34 grams of protein, 5 grams of carbohydrates, 2 grams of fiber, and 32 grams of fat. It is rich in vitamins and minerals, including vitamin A, vitamin C, vitamin K, calcium, and omega-3 fatty acids. The dish provides a healthy balance of protein and heart-healthy fats from the salmon and olive oil, while the fresh basil adds antioxidants and essential nutrients, making it both nutritious and satisfying.

Serving Suggestions

Basil pesto salmon pairs beautifully with a variety of sides. Roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers complement the herbal flavors. Steamed rice, quinoa, or mashed potatoes make it a filling main course. For a lighter meal, serve with a fresh green salad and a drizzle of lemon vinaigrette. This recipe is also perfect for meal prep as the salmon reheats well while retaining flavor and moisture.

Frequently Asked Questions