25-Minute Baked Salmon With Pistachio Pesto

You guys went nuts when I shared this Baked Salmon With Pistachio Pesto on my Instagram Stories last week. I’m so excited to be able to finally share the recipe with you today!

This is such an easy and healthy weeknight dish – plus, it’s ready in under 30 minutes (best)! Cooked salmon will keep up to 3 days in the fridge, so it’s also a great protein option to prep for a couple meals. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do!

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.

Even though I eat cheese, somehow I always make pestos using nutritional yeast instead. It’s a great dairy-free swap for those who need it, and I just LOVE the way it turns out. Plus, it’s an excellent source of B-vitamins. For more dairy-free pesto ideas, check out my Hemp Seed Pesto and Basil Walnut Pesto recipes!

What To Serve With Pesto Salmon

There are so many things you can serve alongside this Baked Salmon With Pistachio Pesto! I’ve paired it with roasted potatoes, quinoa, roasted bell peppers, sautéed spinach, and sautéed cherry tomatoes. I think it would taste fabulous with a simple pasta (maybe also tossed in the pesto?), any roasted vegetable, or a simple side salad.

If you decide to make this dish, I’d love to know what you pair it with in the comments below!

Salmon Nutrition Facts

Not only is salmon easy to make, it’s also incredibly nutritious. It’s very high in protein and 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.

Salmon is also an excellent source of B vitamins like B12, B6, thiamin, riboflavin, and niacin. These B vitamins act as coenzymes in many important metabolic processes throughout your body, such as turning the food we eat into energy!

Want More Seafood Recipes?

You’ll love some of my favourites below!

• Basil Walnut Pesto Linguine With Shrimp
• 20-Minute Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
• Pan-Seared Scallops & Zucchini Noodle Pasta
• Shrimp Taco Salad Bowl
• Mediterranean Canned Mackerel Pasta

If you give this Baked Salmon With Pistachio Pesto a try, let me know by leaving a comment and recipe rating below! Be sure to follow along on Instagram and Pinterest for more simple, healthy recipe ideas.

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