This Pesto Butter Salmon is an elegant yet simple dish perfect for Easter dinner. Flaky, tender salmon fillets are topped with a rich blend of basil pesto, butter, and lemon juice, creating a flavorful and aromatic main course. With just a handful of ingredients and a short cooking time, this dish is easy to prepare while still feeling luxurious. Serve it with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Perfect for Easter – A light, fresh, and flavorful main dish.
- Quick and Easy – Ready in just 15 minutes with minimal effort.
- Rich and Flavorful – Pesto, butter, and lemon enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
- Versatile Pairing – Complements a variety of sides like roasted asparagus or garlic mashed potatoes.
- Healthy and Nutritious – Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and protein.
Ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 4 salmon fillets
- ¼ cup basil pesto
- 2 tbsp butter (softened)
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Directions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and grease a baking dish.
- Make the pesto butter: In a small bowl, mix the basil pesto, softened butter, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the greased baking dish and spread the pesto butter mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Bake: Place in the oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is flaky and cooked through.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve warm with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 4
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
Variations
- Spicy Pesto Salmon – Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto butter for a little heat.
- Garlic Parmesan Salmon – Mix in 1 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese for an extra savory touch.
- Herb Butter Salmon – Swap basil pesto for a mixture of fresh parsley, dill, and chives.
- Dairy-Free Version – Use vegan butter or olive oil instead of regular butter.
- Grilled Pesto Salmon – Instead of baking, grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side over medium heat.
Storage/Reheating
- Storage: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm in a 300°F (150°C) oven for 10 minutes or microwave in short intervals until heated through.
- Freezing: Freeze cooked salmon for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, but thaw it completely before baking for even cooking.
What type of pesto works best?
Classic basil pesto works well, but you can use sun-dried tomato pesto or spinach pesto for variation.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I cook this salmon on the stovetop?
Yes, pan-sear the salmon over medium heat for 3-4 minutes per side until cooked through.
What sides pair well with pesto butter salmon?
Roasted asparagus, garlic mashed potatoes, quinoa salad, or steamed green beans complement this dish well.
Can I make this recipe dairy-free?
Yes, simply replace the butter with a dairy-free alternative like vegan butter or olive oil.
How do I keep the salmon from drying out?
Avoid overcooking—remove from the oven as soon as it flakes easily with a fork.
Can I use another type of fish?
Yes, trout, cod, or halibut would also work well with this pesto butter mixture.
Can I prepare this ahead of time?
Yes, mix the pesto butter and spread it on the salmon up to 24 hours in advance. Store it covered in the refrigerator until ready to bake.
Can I use homemade pesto?
Absolutely! Fresh homemade pesto enhances the flavor even more.
Conclusion
This Pesto Butter Salmon is an easy yet elegant dish that makes a perfect centerpiece for Easter dinner. With a flavorful blend of basil pesto, butter, and lemon, this dish highlights the rich taste of salmon while remaining light and fresh. Whether paired with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or creamy mashed potatoes, this dish is sure to impress at your holiday table!
