Prepare to transform your weeknight dinner into a culinary adventure that will make your taste buds dance and your dinner guests impressed! This Roasted Salmon with Cilantro Pesto isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor explosion that combines the rich, buttery texture of perfectly roasted salmon with a vibrant, zesty cilantro pesto that will elevate your cooking from ordinary to extraordinary. In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-worthy dish that looks gourmet but is surprisingly simple to prepare.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: American
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 1/4 cup walnuts
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F (218°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps achieve a crisp exterior when roasting. Season both sides of the fillets generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- For the cilantro pesto, combine fresh cilantro, walnuts, garlic cloves, olive oil, a pinch of salt, and pepper in a food processor. Pulse until the mixture becomes a smooth, vibrant green sauce with a slightly chunky texture.
- Place the seasoned salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin-side down. Ensure they are not overcrowded to allow even cooking.
- Roast the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender result.
- Generously spoon the fresh cilantro pesto over the warm salmon fillets just before serving. Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves if desired.
- Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes such as roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a light salad.
Tips
- Pat your salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure a crisp, golden exterior that seals in moisture.
- Use a meat thermometer to check doneness—salmon is perfectly cooked at 145°F, preventing dry, overcooked fish.
- For the most flavorful pesto, toast your walnuts lightly before blending to enhance their nutty depth.
- Choose fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with a bright, uniform color and minimal fishy smell.
- Let the salmon rest after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, guaranteeing a tender, succulent result.
- If you prefer a smoother pesto, blend ingredients longer; for a chunkier texture, pulse briefly.
- Experiment with side dishes—this salmon pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a crisp green salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 3g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 26g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 95mg
