25-Minute Baked Salmon With Pistachio Pesto

How To Bake Salmon

Baking salmon in the oven is hands-down my favourite way to cook it (and also the easiest way IMO).

After years of making salmon this way, I feel like I’ve nailed down a foolproof method to cook it perfectly every time. Trust me, there is nothing worse than dry, overcooked salmon!!

My method?

1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Wash salmon fillets and pat them dry.
3. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon fillets on top, making sure to leave adequate space between then.
4. Drizzle fillets with olive oil (approx. 1/2 to 1 tsp each fillet). Then, crack sea salt and pepper overtop.
5. Once oven is heated, place salmon in for TWELVE (12) MINUTES ONLY.
6. Remove from oven. Salmon should be cooked but still tender and moist.

SO easy, right?!

While the salmon is in the oven, make the pistachio pesto (directions below). Once salmon is done, top the fillets with pesto, pair with your favourite sides, and dig in!

NOTE: I tested this recipe twice, once cooking the salmon with the pesto and once topping the salmon with pesto after cooking. Both methods worked, but both my boyfriend and I preferred baking the salmon BEFORE topping with pesto.

How To Make Dairy-Free Pistachio Pesto

Making this pistachio pesto is just as easy as baking the salmon!

I simply add tons of fresh basil, shelled pistachios, nutritional yeast, extra virgin olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper to a food processor. Pulse everything together, and you’ve got a delicious and healthy homemade pesto in just minutes.

Don’t feel like using pistachios? Check out my recipes for Hemp Seed Pesto and Basil Walnut Pesto!

In a pinch? Store-bought pesto works just fine!

What To Serve With Pesto Salmon

There are so many things you can serve alongside this pesto salmon recipe! For instance:

1. Try it with roasted or sautéed vegetables, like roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, or sautéed cherry tomatoes. Check out my roundup of 20+ healthy vegetable side dishes if you need some inspiration!
2. Pair it with a simple pasta (maybe also tossed in the pesto?), or another starch like roasted potatoes, mashed potatoes, quinoa, brown rice, or farro.

Baked Salmon Nutrition Facts

Salmon is an excellent source of quality, complete protein:

• a 3-ounce serving provides 17 grams
• a 6-ounce piece will give you 34 grams

Protein helps to protect bone health and prevent muscle loss, among many other functions!

In addition to protein, salmon is rich in heart-healthy unsaturated fatty acids, including omega-3s. Omega-3s are known to support heart health, brain health, and to reduce inflammation overall.

On the micronutrient side, salmon is a great source of B vitamins like:

• vitamin B12
• vitamin B6
• thiamin
• riboflavin
• niacin

B vitamins act as coenzymes in many important metabolic processes throughout your body, such as turning the food we eat into energy!

Salmon is also a good source of minerals like potassium and selenium.