Baked Salmon with Pesto

by Mackenzie Stevens

This easy, 20-minute dinner is one of my favorites! Don’t let cooking salmon intimidate you, because it could not be easier! Just spread some pesto on top of the salmon and bake for 15 minutes. It’s as easy as that! Salmon is considered a superfood for good reason. It’s full of omega-3’s to help lower inflammation and improve brain health. It’s also full of B vitamins, potassium, and minerals to keep your body healthy and functional! 

Why is salmon healthy?

Wild-caught salmon is a superfood when it comes to reducing inflammation. Why? Because salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, both DHA and EPA. These omega-3’s help reduce inflammation as well as maintain healthy blood vessels and boost immune function. In addition, Lisa Cimperman, RD, states that “omega-3 fatty acids in salmon have anti-inflammatory properties that may help counteract the negative effects of stress hormones.” (https://www.alaskagoldbrand.com/wild-salmon-as-a-top-anti-inflammatory-food/)

Salmon is also a naturally rich source of vitamin D, iron, and zinc. Seafood, especially salmon, is an important addition to your diet.

A word about the pesto: you can definitely make your own pesto if you want. However, if you’re looking for a quick dinner, store-bought pesto will work just fine. I recommend Costco’s pesto as it’s delicious and the ingredient list is pretty clean.

How to Make Salmon with Pesto

First, preheat the oven to 350.

Then line a baking dish with aluminum foil and place the salmon fillets skin side down.

Spread a hearty spoonful of pest on each fillet and then bake for 15 minutes!

This recipe is crazy easy and simple! Think you can’t make salmon on a weeknight? Think again! While the salmon cooks, try making these easy and simple side dishes to go with it!

 

Side Dish Ideas:

  • Roasted broccoli and cauliflower
  • Roasted mixed veggies
  • Mashed cauliflower
  • Mashed sweet potato
  • Green salad

Salmon with Pesto

Mackenzie
This easy, 20-minute dinner is one of my favorites! Don't let cooking salmon intimidate you, because it could not be easier! Just spread some pesto on top of the salmon and bake for 15 minutes. It's as easy as that! Salmon is considered a superfood for good reason. It's full of omega-3's to help lower inflammation and improve brain health. It's also full of B vitamins, potassium, and minerals to keep your body healthy and functional! 
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 5 mins
Cook Time 15 mins
Total Time 20 mins
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Servings 2

Ingredients
  

  • 2 wild salmon fillets 4-6 oz each
  • 4 Tbsp pesto

Instructions
 

  • Preheat the oven to 350.
  • Line a baking sheet or 9 x 9 pan with aluminum foil or parchment paper.
  • Place the salmon in the pan (if it has skins, place skin side down).
  • Spread about 2 Tbsp of pesto on each salmon fillet.
  • Bake for 15 minutes.
Keyword 20 minutes, antiinflammatory, easy, quick, salmon

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