Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe: Rich & Juicy Dinner

This Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe creates tender, flaky salmon fillets topped with a rich pesto butter sauce, baked to perfection in the oven. Perfect as a main dish for dinners or special occasions, it’s a simple yet elegant seafood meal. I made this for a date night, and the herby, buttery flavors were a hit! Ready in about 30 minutes, this dish is quick and impressive.

Why You’ll Love This Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe

This recipe is easy to prepare with a vibrant mix of nutty pesto and creamy butter. The salmon stays moist and flavorful with minimal effort. It’s versatile, pairing well with veggies or grains. It’s a great choice for weeknight dinners or gatherings. Find more seafood recipes here.

Health Benefits of Pesto Butter Salmon

Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart and brain health. Basil in pesto provides antioxidants for immunity. Using olive oil keeps it heart-friendly. This dish is high in protein and nutrient-dense. Learn more about salmon recipes at Martha Stewart.

Ingredients for Pesto Butter Salmon

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (4-6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp kosher salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1/2 tsp garlic powder

For the Pesto Butter:

• 3 tbsp unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tbsp prepared basil pesto
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional, for a slight kick)

For Garnish (Optional):

• 1 tbsp chopped fresh basil
• Lemon wedges

Substitutions: Use store-bought pesto for convenience or make your own. Swap salmon with trout for a similar texture. Replace butter with ghee for lactose-free needs. Use parsley pesto instead of basil for a milder flavor.

Notes: Pat salmon dry for better browning. Use softened butter for easy mixing. Bake at the right temperature to avoid drying out the fish.

How to Make Pesto Butter Salmon

Prep Salmon

Preheat oven to 400°F. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush with olive oil and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Place on a parchment-lined baking sheet. This ensures even cooking.

Make Pesto Butter

In a small bowl, mix softened butter, pesto, lemon juice, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using) until smooth. This creates a rich, flavorful topping.

Top Salmon

Spread a thin layer of pesto butter over each fillet. Reserve extra for serving if desired. This adds a creamy, herby crust.

Bake

Bake for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork (145°F internal). This keeps it tender and moist.

Serve

Transfer to plates. Garnish with fresh basil and lemon wedges. Serve warm with extra pesto butter on the side.

Preparation Tips

• Pat salmon dry: Remove moisture for better browning and flavor. This ensures a nice crust. I dried mine well, and it was perfect.
• Use softened butter: Soft butter mixes smoothly with pesto. This makes a creamy sauce. I softened mine, and it was great.
• Don’t overbake: Check salmon at 12 minutes to avoid dryness. This keeps it flaky. I timed mine, and it was ideal.
• Spread evenly: Apply pesto butter thinly for balanced flavor. This prevents overpowering. I spread mine evenly, and it was spot-on.
• Use fresh pesto: Homemade or fresh pesto adds vibrant taste. This boosts aroma. I used fresh, and it was delicious.
• Line the pan: Use parchment for easy cleanup and no sticking. This simplifies prep. I lined mine, and it was great.
• Serve hot: Plate right after baking for the best texture. This maximizes enjoyment. I served mine warm, and it was perfect.

Variations and Substitutions

• Use trout: Swap salmon for trout for a milder fish. This keeps it tender. I tried trout, and it was tasty.
• Add Parmesan: Mix 1 tbsp grated Parmesan into the pesto butter for richness. This adds depth. I tried Parmesan, and it was great.
• Make it spicy: Increase red pepper flakes to 1/2 tsp for more heat. This adds kick. I tried spicy, and it was exciting.
• Use parsley pesto: Swap basil pesto for parsley for a milder flavor. This changes the profile. I tried parsley, and it was delicious.
• Add tomatoes: Serve with roasted cherry tomatoes for sweetness. This adds color. I tried tomatoes, and it was vibrant.
• Make it dairy-free: Use vegan pesto and olive oil instead of butter. This suits special diets. I tried dairy-free, and it was great.
• Use lime: Swap lemon juice for lime juice for a tangy twist. This adds zest. I tried lime, and it was fine.

Storage and Meal Prep

Store baked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat in the oven at 325°F for 8-10 minutes. Freeze uncooked, seasoned fillets for up to 1 month; thaw before topping and baking. Prep pesto butter a day ahead; store in the fridge. Bake fresh for best texture. Add garnishes before serving.

Frequently Asked Questions About Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe

Here are answers to common questions about this dish.

1. Why is my salmon dry?
   Bake to 145°F and avoid overcooking. I checked mine early, and it was moist.
2. Can I make it ahead?
   Prep pesto butter and season salmon a day ahead; bake fresh. I prepped early, and it was great.
3. Why is my sauce grainy?
   Use softened butter and mix well. I blended mine thoroughly, and it was smooth.
4. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Thaw and pat dry before seasoning. I used fresh, and it was better.
5. Can I make it vegan?
   Use plant-based butter and vegan pesto. I tried vegan, and it was delicious.
6. Why is my salmon sticking?
   Use parchment or a well-oiled pan. I used parchment, and it was perfect.

Serving Suggestions

Serve with roasted asparagus for a light side. Pair with quinoa or couscous to soak up the sauce. Enjoy with white wine for a fancy touch. I served mine with asparagus, and it was a perfect match. This dish is great for dinners or special occasions.

Nutrition Info for Pesto Butter Salmon

Per serving (1/4 of recipe, 4 servings):

• Calories: 380 kcal
• Protein: 24g
• Carbohydrates: 2g
• Fiber: 0g
• Sugars: 1g
• Fat: 30g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
  Source: USDA Food Database (2025). Values are approximate.

Final Thoughts

This Pesto Butter Salmon Recipe is a rich, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Its tender salmon and herby sauce make it a favorite. How do you like to customize your salmon? Let us know in the comments!