This baked pesto salmon with veggies is flavorful, quick, and so satisfying. It’s a healthy weeknight meal that only requires one pan to make (and barely any prep time!). I like to use sliced tomatoes, zucchini, and summer squash for the vegetables, but you can use any healthy vegetables you like!
Recently, I had one of my college BFFs over for dinner. Looking for something easy but awesome for us to make, I whipped us up this delicious dish. It looks fancy, but it’s surprisingly easy.
Pesto salmon is a delightful and flavorful dish that deserves an equally tasty accompaniment to complement its herbaceous notes. With the right side dishes you can take your pesto salmon meal from great to extraordinary. So let’s explore some sensational pairings that will have your guests raving!
My favorite way to coat salmon is with different kinds of pesto, like basil pesto, sundried tomato pesto, and even cilantro or parsley pesto. When you put the rich and oily salmon with the pesto, the herbs and spices really make the dish pop.
Pesto salmon is the star of the show, but the ones that come after it can make all the difference. The side dishes add variety to the meal by offering different tastes, textures, colors, and nutrients.
So join me on a culinary adventure as we uncover mouthwatering sides for pesto salmon. I’ll share my favorite go-to pairings as well as some creative ideas to spice things up. Let’s get cooking!
Salads Add Crispness and Freshness
A light and refreshing salad is often my first choice to serve alongside pesto salmon. The crunch of the veggies and the acidity of the dressing provide a bright counterpoint to the rich savory fish.
Some of my favorite salad companions include:
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Caesar Salad: Crisp romaine lettuce tossed with a lemony Caesar dressing and shaved Parmesan is a classic pairing. I also like to add chicken or chickpeas to make it a heartier meal.
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Arugula Salad: Peppery arugula with sliced pears, toasted walnuts and a balsamic vinaigrette offers a sophisticated salad pairing.
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Greek Salad: The Mediterranean flavors of feta, olives, tomatoes and crisp cucumbers are delicious with pesto salmon.
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Waldorf Salad Apples, celery, grapes and walnuts in a creamy dressing complements the salmon beautifully.
Pastas Provide Heartiness
For a more substantial accompaniment, turning to pasta is always a great option with pesto salmon. The pesto sauce actually brings these two dishes together seamlessly!
Some of my go-to pasta pairings include:
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Penne Pasta: Toss al dente penne with pesto, fresh tomatoes and mozzarella for a quick, Italian-inspired side.
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Orzo: Orzo pasta salad with pesto, artichoke hearts and sundried tomatoes makes a delicious Mediterranean meal.
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Linguine: Creamy pesto linguine is rich and deeply satisfying next to the salmon. I love adding sautéed shrimp for extra protein.
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Fusilli: Spiral fusilli pasta tossed with spinach, pesto and a sprinkle of Parmesan cheese is a easy, tasty pairing.
Roasted Veggies Add Nutrition
Don’t overlook delicious roasted vegetables as the perfect accompaniment to pesto salmon. Their caramelized flavor and texture contrasts the flaky fish beautifully.
Some of my favorite veggie pairings include:
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Asparagus: Fresh asparagus spears roasted with olive oil, salt and pepper are a simple, healthy option.
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Brussels sprouts: Roasted Brussels sprouts caramelize and become sweet and irresistible. Toss them with balsamic vinegar.
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Broccoli: Roast florets until crispy and drizzle with fresh lemon juice for brightness.
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Carrots: Balsamic glazed carrots are a sweet and tangy partner for pesto salmon.
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Cauliflower: Roast cauliflower florets in the oven until browned and tender for a low-carb pairing.
Creative Pairings for Adventurous Eaters
If you’re feeling adventurous, try one of these unique pesto salmon accompaniments to spice things up:
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Cauliflower rice: Riced cauliflower sautéed with garlic makes a grain-free, low-carb base for the salmon.
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Quinoa: Protein-packed quinoa tossed with kale pesto and chickpeas creates a superfood-filled meal.
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Polenta: Creamy, golden polenta is delicious served under or alongside the salmon.
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Risotto: Asparagus pesto risotto is a gourmet take on this classic rice dish.
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Farro: Nutty farro and pesto combine for a refined ancient grain pairing.
Elevate Your Meal with the Perfect Pairings
With so many tasty options, from crisp salads to hearty pastas and roasted veggies, you’ll enjoy creating delicious pesto salmon meals for any occasion. Keep these dynamic pairings in mind, and your pesto salmon will be elevated from simple to sensational.
What are your favorite go-to pairings for pesto salmon? I’d love to hear your suggestions in the comments! Let’s get creative with our pesto salmon meals.
How to Make Baked Pesto Salmon
Make this dinner in one pan. It’s very easy and doesn’t take much time to prepare. Let the oven do most of the work. .
Start by lining a sheet pan, rimmed baking sheet, or large baking dish with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle a little olive oil on it, then layer the sliced zucchini, squash, and tomatoes on top.
Next, lay the salmon on top. Be sure to leave a little space between each filet for even cooking. (I recommend leaving the skin on, and placing the salmon skin-side down. This protects the bottom of the salmon from getting too much heat from the pan).
Season with a little salt and pepper, if desired. Then, dollop a large spoonful of pesto on top of each piece.
Use the spoon to spread the pesto evenly over the top of each salmon filet.
A little space should be left between the foil and the pan. Bake at 400 degrees Fahrenheit for about 18 minutes.
Use a meat thermometer to be sure it’s cooked through before taking it out. (The FDA recommends salmon be cooked to a minimum temperature of 145 degrees in the center. ).
Lastly, place salmon and veggies over quinoa or rice if desired, then serve! So easy. I love the brightness of the veggies in this dish. And the pesto gives the salmon a boost of moisture and flavor!.
Is this recipe gluten free?
Yes! All of the ingredients in this recipe should naturally be gluten-free. If you use pesto from a jar, check the list of ingredients to make sure they don’t have any gluten in them.
Anti-Inflammatory Pesto Salmon Recipe to Help Lower Cholesterol | Prep School | EatingWell
FAQ
What pairs with pesto?
What is salmon usually served with?
What to eat with pesto salmon?
Cilantro-Lime Black Bean Rice is a delicious side dish to pair with pesto salmon. This easy Mediterranean-style one-pan pesto salmon dinner comes together in just 30 minutes. The recipe features cherry or grape tomatoes, Mozzarella cheese, basil pesto ( homemade or store-bought), garlic, lemon, oregano, and toasted pine nuts.
Is fresh salmon safe to eat?
Yes, salmon is a source of omega 3, the fatty acid is responsible for acting in the prevention of cardiovascular diseases, making the heart strong and healthy. Just be careful to analyze the supplier to make sure it doesn’t have any contamination.
Does pesto & salmon go well together?
Basil pesto and salmon go so well together, and the buttery pesto pasta sauce with a hint of lemon is easy yet impressive. I also think cream makes pretty much any sauce taste better, and it adds something special while mellowing out the pesto flavor a touch. This salmon pasta with pesto is fabulously easy and ready in only 30 minutes.
Can I use pistachio pesto for salmon?
This Pesto Salmon is a flavorful, healthy dish that is perfect for a quick and easy weeknight dinner. We’re using our foolproof pan seared salmon recipe, then topping it with a robust homemade Pistachio Pesto. Of course you can use any variety of pesto you like (additional suggestions below!).