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Easy Pesto Salmon (20 Minutes + 3-Ingredients!) Recipe

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  • Author: Bara
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

This Easy Pesto Salmon recipe is a quick and delicious way to prepare salmon fillets with just three ingredients. Featuring fresh basil pesto spread over tender, flaky salmon, this dish can be effortlessly cooked either in the oven or air fryer in about 20 minutes. Perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner, it delivers vibrant flavors and a satisfying meal with minimal prep.

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 4 (6-oz) salmon fillets, skin on (fresh or frozen, defrosted)
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Pesto

  • 3 tablespoons basil pesto

Instructions

  1. Preheat Oven: Heat your oven to 400°F (204°C) to prepare for baking the salmon.
  2. Prepare Baking Sheet: Line a large rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or spray it with cooking spray to prevent sticking and aid cleanup.
  3. Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels. Arrange them skin-side down on the baking sheet, then evenly sprinkle each with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  4. Apply Pesto: Spread 2 teaspoons of basil pesto evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
  5. Bake Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake the salmon for about 10 to 20 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  6. Finish and Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and top each fillet with an additional ¼ teaspoon of pesto before serving.
  7. Alternative Air Fryer Method - Preheat: Heat the air fryer to 400°F (204°C) for faster cooking with crispy edges.
  8. Alternative Air Fryer Method - Season: Pat the salmon dry and place skin-side down in the air fryer basket or tray. Sprinkle salt and pepper evenly and spread 2 teaspoons of pesto over each fillet.
  9. Alternative Air Fryer Method - Cook: Air fry the salmon for 7 to 10 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork and reaches 145°F internal temperature.
  10. Alternative Air Fryer Method - Finish: Top each fillet with ¼ teaspoon pesto before serving for added flavor.

Notes

  • Ensure salmon fillets are fully thawed if using frozen for even cooking.
  • Cooking times may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon fillets and your oven or air fryer model.
  • Pesto can be homemade or store-bought; use a good quality basil pesto for best results.
  • Check the internal temperature with a food thermometer to ensure the salmon is safely cooked to 145°F.
  • Salmon skin can be removed after cooking if preferred.

Find it online: https://yumbara.com/easy-pesto-salmon-20-minutes-3-ingredients-recipe/