Can you put pesto on salmon in the oven?

Yes— you can and should put pesto on salmon before baking . It not only adds flavor but also helps keep the salmon moist. Pesto’s natural oils and herbs create a light crust when baked, locking in the juices. Spread 2–3 tablespoons of pesto on each filet before placing them in the oven. It’s perfect for foil baking or in an uncovered baking dish.

Is it better to bake salmon at 350 or 400?

Both temperatures work, but baking salmon at 400°F to 425°F is ideal for this recipe. At that heat, the fish cooks quickly and stays moist without overbaking. Lower temperatures like 350°F work too but may require 20–25 minutes. For most baked pesto salmon dishes, 425°F for 12–15 minutes is the sweet spot.

How does Gordon Ramsay bake salmon?

Gordon Ramsay typically uses a two-step method: searing and baking. He starts by pan-searing the salmon skin-side down for 2–3 minutes, then finishes it in a 425°F oven for about 8–10 minutes . For added flavor, he sometimes brushes on mustard or herb blends before baking. If adapting his technique for pesto salmon , you’d sear first, add pesto, then finish baking to keep the fish moist and flavorful.

Is pesto salmon healthy?

Absolutely. Pesto salmon is packed with nutrients , including omega-3s, protein, and antioxidants. Each serving of this recipe offers: 222 calories 19g protein Healthy fats from salmon and olive oil Very low in carbs (just 6g) As long as your pesto isn’t overly processed or full of added sugars, baked pesto salmon is a great choice for clean eating, low-carb diets, or high-protein meal plans.

Do you bake salmon skin-side up or down?

Always bake salmon skin-side down . This technique: Protects the tender flesh from drying out Allows the heat to cook the salmon evenly Helps keep the filets intact while transferring The skin acts as a natural barrier and crisps up nicely if baked uncovered at high heat.

Can I use skinless salmon?

Yes. Skinless salmon fillets work perfectly in baked pesto salmon recipes. Just be sure to: Oil the baking dish lightly to prevent sticking Avoid overbaking (watch for 140–145°F internal temperature) Use parchment paper if you want easy cleanup and perfect presentation

What other fish can I use?

Not a fan of salmon? No problem. You can use other mild, firm fish in place of salmon such as: Cod – slightly firmer and flakier, great with pesto Tilapia – milder in flavor and cooks quickly Mahi-Mahi or Halibut – holds up well in the oven and pairs beautifully with pesto Adjust the baking time based on the thickness of the fish and use the same internal temp guide of 140–145°F .

Baked Pesto Salmon: Healthy Dinner Recipe (20 Minute) 4 ingredients

Name: Baked Pesto Salmon
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 20 min
Yield: 4
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 12 oz salmon fillets; 1/3 cup pesto sauce; 1 pint cherry tomatoes; Salt and pepper to taste

Description

This Baked Pesto Salmon is a 20-minute, 4-ingredient weeknight dinner packed with rich, herby flavor and flaky, moist salmon. It’s the perfect balance of simplicity, nutrition, and restaurant-quality taste—ideal for busy families, meal preppers, or anyone who loves fresh Mediterranean vibes without the fuss.

Ingredients

Scale

12 ounces salmon fillets (about 4 fillets)
1/3 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
1 pint cherry tomatoes
Kosher salt and ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Set your oven to 425°F and lightly oil a baking dish.
Season the Salmon: Pat the fillets dry and place them skin-side down in the baking dish. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.
Top with Pesto and Tomatoes: Spread 2–3 tablespoons of pesto evenly over each fillet. Scatter cherry tomatoes around the salmon.
Bake: Place in the oven and bake uncovered for 12–15 minutes, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with extra pesto, lemon slices, or fresh basil if desired. Serve immediately!

Notes

Use fillets of even size for uniform cooking. Avoid overbaking—salmon is best at 140–145°F internal temperature. Feel free to add vegetables like zucchini or broccoli to the baking dish. This recipe is excellent for meal prep and pairs well with quinoa, pasta, or a light salad.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Category: Low Carb
Method: Baked
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 fillet with tomatoes
Calories: 222
Sugar: 4g
Sodium: 316mg
Fat: 13g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 6g
Fiber: 1g
Protein: 19g
Cholesterol: 48mg

Keywords: baked pesto salmon, easy salmon recipe, healthy baked salmon, salmon with pesto and tomatoes, Homemade pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, salmon fillets, Pesto, olive oil, skinless salmon, Salmon, pesto, black pepper, lemon slices