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Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe

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4 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Sara
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Description

Enjoy tender, flavorful salmon fillets baked to perfection and topped with a rich, buttery pesto sauce. This quick and easy Pesto Butter Salmon recipe combines the vibrant taste of fresh lemon, aromatic basil, and creamy butter pesto, making it a perfect weeknight dinner that’s both elegant and comforting.

Ingredients

Salmon and Seasoning

  • 1.5 pounds salmon fillets
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice (about the juice of half a lemon)
  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

Pesto Butter Sauce

  • 8 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
  • 1/2 cup pesto (store-bought or homemade)

Garnish

  • Fresh basil leaves
  • Lemon slices (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat and Season: Preheat your oven to 425°F. Pat the salmon fillets dry thoroughly to ensure a good sear and seasoning adhesion. Drizzle the lemon juice evenly over the salmon, then season both sides of each fillet with kosher salt, black pepper, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using.
  2. Make the Pesto Butter Sauce: In a bowl, combine the softened unsalted butter with the pesto and additional lemon zest. Mix well until the mixture is smooth and well blended. This sauce will infuse the salmon with rich, herbaceous flavor as it bakes.
  3. Prepare for Baking: Place the seasoned salmon onto a baking sheet prepared with parchment or a light coating of oil. Generously cover the tops of the salmon fillets with the pesto butter sauce, ensuring they are completely coated for maximum flavor and moisture.
  4. Bake the Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes, or until an instant-read thermometer inserted into the thickest part of the salmon registers 125°F. The salmon will continue to cook slightly after removal from the oven. For safe consumption, the internal temperature should reach 145°F before eating.
  5. Drain and Serve: As the salmon bakes, the buttery pesto sauce will melt and run off the sides. Carefully drain this sauce into a separate container to preserve its richness. Plate the salmon fillets, garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon slices if desired, then drizzle some of the reserved pesto butter sauce over the top for an extra burst of flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy.
  6. Storage and Reheating: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Salmon can be enjoyed cold or warmed. To reheat, bake in the oven at 275°F for 10-15 minutes until heated through, or microwave on half power to avoid overcooking the fish.

Notes

  • Using fresh lemon zest and juice brightens the salmon’s flavor and complements the richness of the butter and pesto.
  • If you prefer spicier salmon, increase the amount of red pepper flakes or serve with a spicy side sauce.
  • Check doneness with an instant-read thermometer to avoid overcooking and drying out the salmon.
  • Leftover pesto butter sauce is delicious blended into pasta or spread on warm bread.
  • Ensure the butter is softened to room temperature before mixing to get a smooth sauce consistency.
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Find it online: https://sarabaking.com/pesto-butter-salmon-recipe/