By Becky Hardin
Published Mar 8, 2019
This baked Pesto Salmon is our favorite simple yet elegant seafood dinner. This baked salmon recipe with Basil Walnut Pesto is bursting with flavor and good fat. The tender flaky salmon is basted in butter, white wine, and lemon juice before baking and then topped with an amazing nutty and rich pesto. So delicious!
Why We Love This Pesto Salmon Recipe
Salmon is an absolutely amazing fish with so much healthy fat . Mixed with this delicious Basil Walnut Pesto, you’re sure to love this good-for-you seafood feast. So much, made in under 20 minutes, and only one pan to clean. Is this heaven?
- Easy. This simple salmon recipe is made on a single sheet pan and takes just 20 minutes!
- Flavorful. The basil walnut pesto is packed with a fresh and nutty flavor
- Healthy. A common misconception when eating healthy is that all fat is bad. Your body needs “good fat” to run, and good fat is actually quite nutritious! This recipe has all the right kinds of fat thanks to the salmon, olive oil, and of course, walnuts!
Variations on Salmon with Pesto
If you prefer grilled salmon, you can use an electric grill for 5-7 minutes per side or until cooked through. That’s also a delicious way to cook salmon. Just make sure use the pesto for this salmon and you’ll get the same amazing flavor!
How to Store and Reheat
Store leftover pesto salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 300°F oven for 12-15 minutes, or until warmed through.
How to Freeze
Freeze pesto salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 months. Let thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
Serving Suggestions
Since this baked pesto salmon recipe is nice and healthy, I like to keep my sides healthy too. Everything from a simple salad recipe to herb roasted potatoes are amazing with this easy baked salmon. Some other ideas are Lemon Butter Grilled Asparagus , Roasted Lemon Parmesan Broccoli , or Mandarin Orange Salad . It pairs beautifully with white wine as well…if you were wondering.
More Seafood Recipes To Try
- Bacon Wrapped Shrimp
- Surf and Turf
- Salmon with Avocado
- Seafood Lasagna
- Baked Fish Sticks
Notes from the Test Kitchen
The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for Baked Salmon , but it is safe to eat as low as 125°F. I prefer my salmon cooked to 130-135°F. Use an internal thermometer to check the fish at the thickest part of the fillet. Typically, when the fat starts baking out of the salmon and the skin becomes pink/white, you’re good to go.
5-Star Review
“Ok, so I wasn’t a salmon fan until THIS! Holy smokes… amazing!” -Jessica Burgess
Ingredients1x2x3x
For the Salmon
- ▢ 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets
- ▢ Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- ▢ 3 tablespoons salted butter melted (⅜ stick)
- ▢ ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
- ▢ 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ▢ ¼ cup basil walnut pesto (click for recipe)
- ▢ ½ cup chopped walnuts for garnish
Video
Instructions
For the Baked Salmon
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a baking sheet with oil or spray with nonstick spray. Place the salmon on the baking sheet. 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, white wine, and lemon juice. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the salmon. 3 tablespoons salted butter, ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- While the salmon is cooking, make the basil walnut pesto (click for recipe) . ¼ cup basil walnut pesto
- When the salmon is cooked through, top with a tablespoon of the pesto mixture and garnish with chopped walnuts. Serve immediately. ½ cup chopped walnuts
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- High Powered Blender
Becky’s Tips
- The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for Baked Salmon , but it is safe to eat as low as 125°F. I prefer my salmon cooked to 130-135°F. Use an internal thermometer to check the fish at the thickest part of the fillet. Typically, when the fat starts baking out of the salmon and the skin becomes pink/white, you’re good to go.
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
How to Make Pesto Salmon Step by Step
Prep the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 350°F. Brush a baking sheet with oil or spray with nonstick spray. Place 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets on the baking sheet.
Season the Salmon: Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
Make the Sauce: In a small bowl, mix together the 3 tablespoons of melted salted butter, ¼ cup of white wine, and 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the salmon.
Bake the Salmon: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Make the Pesto: While the salmon is cooking, make ¼ cup of basil walnut pesto (click for recipe) .
Top and Serve: When the salmon is cooked through, top each filet with a tablespoon of the pesto mixture and garnish with ½ cup chopped walnuts.
Pesto Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- High Powered Blender
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets
- Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- 3 tablespoons salted butter melted (⅜ stick)
- ¼ cup white wine or chicken broth
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (from 1 lemon)
- ¼ cup basil walnut pesto (click for recipe)
- ½ cup chopped walnuts for garnish
Instructions
For the Baked Salmon
- Preheat oven to 350°F. Brush a baking sheet with oil or spray with nonstick spray. Place the salmon on the baking sheet. 4 (3-ounce) salmon filets
- Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
- In a small bowl, mix together the melted butter, white wine, and lemon juice. Pour the butter mixture evenly over the salmon. 3 tablespoons salted butter, ¼ cup white wine, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
- While the salmon is cooking, make the basil walnut pesto (click for recipe) . ¼ cup basil walnut pesto
- When the salmon is cooked through, top with a tablespoon of the pesto mixture and garnish with chopped walnuts. Serve immediately. ½ cup chopped walnuts
Video
Notes
- The USDA recommends an internal temperature of 145°F for Baked Salmon , but it is safe to eat as low as 125°F. I prefer my salmon cooked to 130-135°F. Use an internal thermometer to check the fish at the thickest part of the fillet. Typically, when the fat starts baking out of the salmon and the skin becomes pink/white, you’re good to go.
Nutrition
By Becky Hardin
Published Jul 12, 2017
This Essential Grocery List is an absolute life saver for my family on the busy weeks. When I started this journey to learn how to cook, I quickly realized that the first step in cooking is having staple ingredients on hand. I want to avoid having to run out to the grocery store every single time I prepare a new recipe. Having a well-stocked pantry has made my life in the kitchen so much simpler, because when it’s time to cook, I have what I need.
Essential Grocery List
It’s so helpful to have a basic grocery list to help me remember which foods to buy at the store. This food shopping list is my go-to!
It’s better to stock up on things like grains, seasonings and spices, baking essentials, oils, condiments, canned and frozen foods, etc. so I can just grab them when I need them. These things have a long shelf life , so I keep them in my kitchen for convenience.
However, I do have to go to the supermarket sometimes, and there’s a way to make that trip easy and hassle-free: I keep a grocery list! If I go in blindly, I’ll leave with things I don’t need, and nothing that actually helps me prepare a good meal.
In the list below, I’ve compiled everything I always have on my stock-up grocery list.
I’ve got you covered! I created an easy grocery list filled with all of the essentials. Plus there’s a free printable version that you can take with you to the grocery store. It has everything you need to stock your pantry, your freezer, and your refrigerator.
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List
What to Buy at the Grocery Store
This is the perfect grocery list filled with all the basics and essentials. It should help get you going if you’re new to cooking, or if you’re just left staring helplessly at an empty pantry and don’t know how to fill it.
When I first started cooking, things could seem overwhelming. I quickly realized that they more prepared I could be, the more confident I felt. If you already have the basics in your kitchen, then you can shop stress-free.
So print out our easy grocery list, stock up your pantry and fridge, and you’ll be cooking in no time!
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Fresh Produce
- Apples
- Bananas
- Strawberries
- Avocados
- Bell Peppers
- Carrots
- Broccoli
- Garlic
- Lemons/Limes
- Onion
- Parsley
- Cilantro
- Basil
- Potatoes
- Spinach
- Tomatoes
GRAINS
- Breadcrumbs
- Pasta
- Quinoa
- Rice
- Sandwich Bread
- Tortillas
MEAT/PROTEIN
- Chicken
- Eggs
- Ground Beef
- Sliced Turkey
- Lunch Meat
DAIRY
- Butter
- Sliced Cheese
- Shredded Cheese
- Milk
- Sour Cream
- Greek Yogurt
BAKING GOODS
- Baking powder
- Baking Soda
- Granulated Sugar
- Brown Sugar
- Flour
- Honey
- Vanilla Extract
- Dry Yeast
- Chocolate Chips
- Cocoa Powder
- Powdered Sugar
FREEZER
- Fruit and Berries
- Frozen Veggies (Corn, Peas, Broccoli, etc)
- Juice Concentrate
- Pizza or Other Convenience Meals
- Pie Crust
- Cookie Dough
CANNED/DRIED GOODS
- Chicken stock/broth
- Salsa
- Diced Tomatoes
- Jam/Jelly
- Peanut Butter
- Pasta Sauce
- Beans (Black Beans, Chickpeas, Baked Beans, etc)
- Soups
- Tuna
- Green Chiles
- Canned Veggies
- Coffee or Tea
Get more details on the best non-perishable and pantry foods
CONDIMENTS/SPICES
- Black Pepper
- Chili Powder
- Cinnamon
- Crushed Red Pepper
- Cumin
- Garlic Powder
- Ketchup
- Mustard
- Mayo
- Nutmeg
- Paprika
- Salt (Course Sea Salt and Kosher Salt)
- Soy Sauce
- Steak Sauce
- Hot Sauce/ Buffalo Sauce
- Salad Dressings
OILS/VINEGARS
- Apple cider vinegar
- Balsamic vinegar
- Coconut Oil
- Olive Oil
- Vegetable/Canola Oil
- Red Wine Vinegar
- White Vinegar
- Cooking Wine
- White Wine Vinegar
SNACKS
- Crackers
- Nuts
- Quick Oats
- Popcorn
- Tortilla Chips
- Cereal
Click to get my Free Printable Grocery List for the perfectly stocked pantry and freezer!
Click ☝🏻 for my FREE Grocery List Printable!
I hope this essential grocery list can help you buy what you need and make your home cooking so much easier!
Stock Your Kitchen
Find more ideas for your grocery list, stock up your kitchen, and print more cooking guides and charts to keep handy!
Non-Perishable Foods to Stock Up On
Frozen Vegetables to Stock Up On (and Recipes to Make)
Ultimate List of Cooking Herbs for Your Kitchen
Ultimate List of Cooking Spices for Your Kitchen
Cooking Oil 101: Types of Cooking Oils to Use
26 Types of Pasta and When to Use Them
What Fruits and Vegetables are in Season?
Meat Temperature Chart (Free Printable)
How to Meal Prep (Guide for Beginners)
Basic Cooking Measurements & Kitchen Conversion Chart
