Pesto Salmon

When I want to make a dinner that feels fresh, flavorful, and just a little bit fancy, this pesto salmon is always at the top of my list. It’s one of those recipes that looks impressive but is secretly simple, which makes it perfect for busy weeknights or easy entertaining.

The star of the show is a bright, homemade basil pesto made with parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and a squeeze of lemon. I just love pesto on anything! It’s vibrant, herby, and packed with flavor. Half of the pesto gets spooned right over the salmon fillets before baking, while the rest is saved for serving so you can add an extra pop of freshness at the table. The salmon bakes quickly in a hot oven, turning perfectly flaky and juicy in just minutes.

A little lemon on the side brightens everything up and balances the richness of the fish and pesto. Serve it with roasted broccoli, a simple salad, or some crusty bread to soak up every last bit of pesto. It’s the kind of dependable, feel-good dinner you’ll want to make again and again.

If you love this recipe, try some of my other favorite salmon recipes next!

Do you need to make homemade pesto for this pesto salmon recipe?

Homemade pesto is recommended for the best flavor, but you can use store-bought pesto if you’re short on time. Just choose a high-quality brand. I prefer the refrigerated variety because the texture is most similar to homemade pesto.

Can you swap in a different nut for the pine nuts in this recipe?

You sure can! Pine nuts are classic in pesto but you can substitute walnuts or almonds if you prefer.

Can you use one large piece of salmon instead of individual fillets for this pesto salmon recipe?

Yes! You'll just need to adjust the cooking time. For one 24-ounce piece of salmon, you'll need to cook it for 18 to 22 minutes, depending on the fillet's thickness. Start checking for doneness on the early end of the time range.