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–+ servings
Baked pesto salmon being eaten with a fork.
Course Main Course

Baked Salmon with Pesto Sauce

By: Elysia Cartlidge
Servings 4 servings
This baked pesto salmon recipe is the perfect quick and healthy dinner for busy weeknights - ready in just 20 minutes! Fresh salmon is coated with lemon juice and homemade basil pesto. Serve it with roasted potatoes and vegetables for an easy oven-baked dinner! {Gluten-free, dairy-free & low carb}
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 22 minutes

Ingredients
  

  • 1 pound salmon fillets (or four 4 ounce salmon fillets)
  • Juice of half a lemon
  • Dash of salt and pepper
  • 1/2 cup homemade pesto sauce (or sub in store-bought if desired)

Instructions

  • Preheat the oven to 425F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easier clean up.
  • Lay the salmon fillets skin side down on the baking sheet. Squeeze lemon juice over top of them and season with salt and pepper.
  • Prepare the pesto sauce according to directions.
  • Add about 1 tablespoon of the pesto sauce over each of the fish fillets. Spread evenly to cover each of the fillets.
  • Bake uncovered in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and begins to flake with a fork.
  • Serve warm with remaining pesto sauce on top.

Notes

  • For vibrant pesto: Add a dollop on each fillet and spread after baking to keep it bright green (delicious either way!).
  • Remove skin: Use skinless or remove skin before or after baking. Scrape off any scales if needed.
  • Be generous: Coat the tops and sides with pesto for maximum flavour.
  • Meal prep: Double the pesto and freeze extras in cubes for quick dinners later.
  • Adjust cook time: Bake based on thickness - salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork.
  • For crispy edges: Broil the last 1–2 minutes, watching closely to prevent burning.
  • Don’t overcook: Check at the minimum cook time to avoid dry salmon.

Nutrition

Calories: 282kcalCarbohydrates: 3gProtein: 24gFat: 19gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 3gMonounsaturated Fat: 2gCholesterol: 65mgSodium: 347mgPotassium: 560mgFiber: 1gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 671IUVitamin C: 1mgCalcium: 64mgIron: 1mg
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