Jump to Recipe Print RecipeThere’s something undeniably enchanting about a dish that takes mere minutes to prepare yet feels opulent on the plate. This 20-Minute Salmon with Pesto Butter is just that—a culinary gem that transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-quality meal right at home. With only seven ingredients, this recipe not only fits seamlessly into a busy weeknight but also caters to gluten-free and low-carb diets, making it a guilt-free indulgence. The harmonious blend of rich, homemade pesto butter on tender, flaky salmon creates a dish that’s as satisfying to eat as it is easy to make. Are you ready to impress? Let’s dive into this quick and tasty feast that’s sure to elevate your dinner game! Why is This Salmon Recipe a Must-Try? Quick Preparation: This delicious recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy weeknights. Minimal Ingredients: With only seven simple ingredients, you’ll save time without compromising on flavor. Gourmet Taste: The homemade pesto butter elevates the salmon to a restaurant-quality meal that delights the taste buds. Versatile Options: Feel free to swap the salmon for other firm fish like cod or halibut for a refreshing twist. Diet-Friendly: Gluten-free and low-carb, this dish is a guilt-free indulgence that fits various dietary needs. Impressive Presentation: Serve with rigatoni tossed in pesto, and you have a culinary masterpiece that’s sure to impress! Don’t miss out on this chance to spice up your dinner routine with Garlic Butter Chicken or explore the comforting flavors of Bang Bang Salmon. Salmon With Pesto Butter Ingredients • Here’s everything you need for this quick and delightful dish! For the Pesto Butter • Unsalted Butter – Provides richness and a creamy texture for the pesto butter; feel free to use salted butter if you like, remembering to adjust the salt in the recipe accordingly. • Basil Pesto – Adds a fresh, herby flavor that complements the seafood beautifully; opt for store-bought for convenience or make your own for an extra touch. For the Salmon • Light Olive Oil – Used for searing the salmon, contributing a mild flavor; substitute with avocado oil for a similar effect if desired. • Salmon Fillets – The main protein source; ensure they are boneless and skin removed for ease of cooking and presentation. • Kosher Salt – Enhances flavor and draws out moisture from the salmon; regular table salt can be used but adjust to taste for the best results. • Black Pepper – Adds a hint of spice; fresh cracked pepper is recommended for superior flavor. • Lemon Juice – Provides acidity that brightens the dish and balances the richness of the butter and salmon; a touch of freshness to tie everything together. Now you’re ready to create a memorable meal with this fabulous Salmon With Pesto Butter! Step‑by‑Step Instructions for Salmon With Pesto Butter Step 1: Make Pesto Butter In a small mixing bowl, combine room temperature unsalted butter with basil pesto. Stir vigorously until the mixture is smooth and well-blended, creating a vibrant green pesto butter. This step only takes about 2-3 minutes. Once ready, set the pesto butter aside, allowing its rich flavors to meld while preparing the salmon. Step 2: Sear Salmon Heat a skillet over medium heat and add light olive oil, allowing it to warm for about 1 minute. While the oil heats, season the salmon fillets generously with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down in the skillet, cooking for 4-5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy. Step 3: Add Pesto Butter Gently flip the salmon fillets using a spatula, and immediately spread a generous portion of the prepared pesto butter on top of each fillet. Reduce the heat to medium-low and continue cooking for an additional 3-5 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done, indicating it’s perfectly cooked. Step 4: Finish and Serve Carefully transfer the cooked salmon to a serving platter, allowing any excess pesto butter from the pan to drizzle over the fillets. Squeeze fresh lemon juice on top to brighten the dish, adding a zesty flavor contrast. Serve your delicious Salmon With Pesto Butter immediately, alongside your favorite sides for an impressive meal! Make Ahead Options These Salmon with Pesto Butter are perfect for busy home cooks looking to save time! You can prepare the pesto butter up to 3 days in advance by combining softened unsalted butter with basil pesto and storing it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the flavors fresh while preventing the butter from browning. You can also season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper up to 24 hours ahead, covered in the fridge. When you’re ready to enjoy this delicious meal, simply sear the salmon as directed and top with the chilled pesto butter. Just like that, you’ll have a delightful dinner ready to impress with minimal last-minute effort! Expert Tips for Salmon With Pesto Butter Check the Temperature: Make sure to use a meat thermometer, ensuring your salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F for safe consumption and optimal tenderness. Sear for Texture: For a beautifully golden crust, don’t rush the searing time; let the salmon form a crust before flipping it. Watch the Pesto Butter: If you’re storing leftover pesto butter, remember it can be made ahead and kept in the refrigerator for up to a month, ready to elevate any dish. Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh basil in your pesto will make a world of difference; don’t settle for old herbs if you want that vibrant flavor! Consider Alternatives: Experiment with other firm white fish like cod or halibut for a delightful variation of the Salmon With Pesto Butter dish. Acidity Balance: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice not only brightens the dish but also enhances the flavors of both the salmon and pesto butter beautifully. What to Serve with Salmon with Pesto Butter Create a feast that’s as fulfilling as it is flavorful with delightful sides and complements for your main dish! Creamy Mashed Potatoes: The buttery richness of mashed potatoes smoothes out the savory notes of the salmon perfectly. Each bite adds a comforting texture that makes the meal feel complete. Grilled Asparagus: Tender asparagus drizzled with olive oil and a pinch of salt provides that much-needed crunch and a vibrant green color. This veggie zest will elevate your plate! Roasted Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and tangy, roasted tomatoes bring a burst of flavor that harmonizes beautifully with the pesto butter, enhancing the overall dining experience. Quinoa Salad: Light and nutty, a quinoa salad tossed with cucumber, bell peppers, and a lemon vinaigrette adds a refreshing touch that complements the salmon’s richness wonderfully. Garlic Bread: Warm, crispy garlic bread is an easy-to-make side that pairs beautifully, allowing you to soak up all the delicious pesto butter left on your plate. Chilled White Wine: A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio enhances the meal with its crisp acidity, perfectly balancing the salmon’s richness. Lemon Sorbet: End your meal on a refreshing note with a light lemon sorbet, cleansing the palate and providing a sweet twist after the savory salmon dish. Each of these sides not only complements the Salmon with Pesto Butter but also transforms your dinner into a warm, culinary celebration! How to Store and Freeze Salmon With Pesto Butter Refrigerator: Place leftover salmon in an airtight container and store in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or the microwave to maintain tenderness. Freezer: If you have extra salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil before freezing. It will retain quality for up to 3 months. Pesto Butter Storage: Leftover pesto butter can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or frozen for up to 3 months, allowing you to enjoy it later in various dishes. Thawing Tips: To thaw salmon or pesto butter, move it to the refrigerator overnight. Reheat your salmon gently in a skillet over low heat for the best results. Salmon With Pesto Butter Variations Feel free to customize this delightful recipe to suit your tastes and dietary needs! Dairy-Free: Replace unsalted butter with coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative for a creamy, plant-based option. Herb Variation: Use fresh cilantro or parsley in place of basil for a unique twist on the classic pesto flavor. Extra Flavor: Stir in some grated Parmesan cheese into the pesto butter for added richness and savoriness that elevates your taste experience. Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto butter before spreading it on the salmon to introduce a subtle heat. Crispy Topping: Mix breadcrumbs with a bit of olive oil and add on top of the pesto butter before cooking for a delightful crunch. Citrus Twist: Experiment with lime juice in place of lemon juice to bring a different refreshing zing to the dish. Fish Swap: For a change, substitute salmon with firm white fish like cod or halibut, providing a great flavor variation. Pasta Pairing: Serve it atop a bed of pasta, like rigatoni with pesto, to create a fulfilling meal that combines flavors beautifully. If you’re looking for more quick meals, don’t miss out on the savory goodness of Honey Glazed Salmon or try something comforting like Butter Chicken Linguine for your next family dinner! Salmon With Pesto Butter Recipe FAQs What should I look for when selecting salmon fillets? When selecting salmon fillets, look for a deep pink color with a moist, translucent appearance. Ensure the fish has a fresh, mild scent, and avoid any fillets that have dark spots all over or smell overly fishy. If possible, ask for fillets that are boneless and skinless to make your cooking process smoother. How should I store leftover Salmon With Pesto Butter? Place leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to 3 days. When reheating, gently warm it in a skillet over low heat to maintain its tenderness and prevent it from drying out. Can I freeze Salmon With Pesto Butter? Absolutely! If you have extra salmon, wrap each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then in aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can freeze it for up to 3 months. For best results, remember to label the packaging with the date, and when you’re ready to enjoy it again, thaw it in the refrigerator overnight. How do I prevent the salmon from sticking to the skillet? To avoid sticking, ensure the skillet is fully heated before adding the salmon. You can also add enough oil to coat the skillet evenly. If the salmon does stick, give it a few more moments to develop that golden crust. It will naturally release once it’s ready to be flipped! Can I make the pesto butter ahead of time? Yes, making pesto butter ahead of time is a great idea! You can prepare it and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Alternatively, for longer storage, freeze it for up to 3 months. This way, you’ll always have flavorful butter on hand to elevate your dishes! Is this dish suitable for gluten-free diets? Yes! Our Salmon With Pesto Butter is naturally gluten-free, making it a perfect choice for those who need to avoid gluten. Just ensure you use gluten-free ingredients for the pesto if you’re making it from scratch. This means checking any store-bought pesto for hidden gluten sources as well! Savory Salmon with Pesto Butter in Just 20 Minutes This 20-Minute Salmon with Pesto Butter transforms simple salmon fillets into a restaurant-quality meal. Perfect for busy weeknights, gluten-free, and low-carb. Print Recipe Pin Recipe Prep Time 10 minutes minsCook Time 10 minutes minsTotal Time 20 minutes mins Servings: 2 filletsCourse: DinnerCuisine: AmericanCalories: 350 Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes Ingredients 1x2x3x? For the Pesto Butter1/2 cup unsalted butter room temperature1/4 cup basil pesto store-bought or homemadeFor the Salmon2 tablespoons light olive oil or avocado oil2 fillets salmon boneless and skin removed1 teaspoon kosher salt adjust to taste1/2 teaspoon black pepper fresh cracked recommended1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed Equipment SkilletMixing bowlSpatula Method Step-by-Step InstructionsIn a small mixing bowl, combine room temperature unsalted butter with basil pesto. Stir until smooth to create pesto butter.Heat a skillet over medium heat and add light olive oil. Season salmon fillets with kosher salt and black pepper, then add to skillet skin-side down. Cook salmon for 4-5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip the fillets, spread pesto butter on top, reduce heat to medium-low, and cook for an additional 3-5 minutes. Transfer cooked salmon to a serving platter, drizzling excess pesto butter over the fillets and squeezing fresh lemon juice on top before serving. Nutrition Serving: 1filletCalories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 2gProtein: 30gFat: 25gSaturated Fat: 10gPolyunsaturated Fat: 5gMonounsaturated Fat: 10gCholesterol: 90mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 800mgVitamin A: 500IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg NotesStore leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Pesto butter can be stored for up to 4 days in the fridge or frozen for up to 3 months. Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!
