Description
A quick and flavorful Pesto Salmon recipe featuring tender salmon filets baked with a creamy Greek yogurt and pesto topping. Ready in just 15 minutes, this dish combines the rich taste of salmon with fresh pesto, making it perfect for a healthy and delicious weeknight meal.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 1 lb salmon filet (whole filet or individual serving filets, skin on or off)
Pesto Yogurt Topping
- ½ cup Greek yogurt (or creème fraîche or other cooking yogurt)
- 3 Tbsp pesto (red or green)
- ¼ tsp salt (or according to taste)
- ¼ tsp ground black pepper (or according to taste)
- Extra pesto (optional, for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat your oven to 390℉ (200℃) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
- Prepare the pesto yogurt mixture: In a bowl, mix together the Greek yogurt and pesto until well combined. Taste the mixture, then season with salt and black pepper according to your preference.
- Prepare the baking dish: Use an oven-safe dish that is non-stick, or grease the dish lightly with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking.
- Arrange the salmon: Place the salmon filets in the prepared baking dish. Spoon the pesto and yogurt mixture over the salmon, covering the top as much as possible to infuse flavor and keep the salmon moist.
- Bake the salmon: Place the dish in the middle rack of the preheated oven. Bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes if using individual filets, or 18-20 minutes if cooking a whole filet. The salmon should be cooked through but still tender.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and serve the salmon as is, or enhance the flavor by topping with a little extra pesto if desired.
Notes
- You can use either red or green pesto depending on your flavor preference.
- Greek yogurt can be substituted with creème fraîche or any cooking yogurt for creaminess.
- Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon filet to avoid overcooking.
- For a dairy-free version, substitute yogurt with a dairy-free alternative.
- Adding extra pesto on top right before serving boosts the fresh herbal flavor.
