Salmon with Pesto Butter Recipe

I absolutely love this Salmon with Pesto Butter Recipe because it combines the rich, flaky goodness of salmon with that bright, herby punch of basil pesto in a buttery spread. It’s an easy way to elevate a weeknight dinner or impress guests without spending hours in the kitchen. You’ll find that the flavors complement each other perfectly, and the butter helps keep the salmon tender and moist.

When I first tried this combo, the pesto butter was such a game changer—it adds a fresh, zesty touch to simple pan-seared salmon that’s just irresistible. Plus, the recipe works beautifully for busy evenings since it comes together in about 20 minutes. If you’ve been searching for a quick but memorable seafood dish, this Salmon with Pesto Butter Recipe should definitely be on your radar.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients here are simple and super accessible, which I love. Using quality basil pesto really makes the butter pop with flavor, and fresh salmon fillets cook up perfectly when seasoned right. Make sure your butter is soft enough so it blends easily with the pesto for that smooth spread.

• Unsalted Butter: Softened butter lets you mix in pesto smoothly without lumps.
• Basil Pesto: Choose a good store-bought or homemade pesto for fresh, aromatic flavor.
• Light Olive Oil: Helps sear the salmon without overpowering its natural taste.
• Salmon Fillets: Skin removed for easy cooking and a tender bite.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances the salmon’s natural flavors and balances the pesto butter.
• Black Pepper: Adds a mild heat that complements the buttery richness.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Brightens and lifts the dish with a citrusy kick just before serving.

Variations

I really encourage you to make this recipe your own by tweaking the herbs in the pesto or swapping out the butter for a lighter option if you prefer. It’s super flexible and responds well to personal touches, which is why I’ve made these little variations over time.

• Alternative Herbs: Sometimes, I swap basil pesto for sun-dried tomato or kale pesto for a different flavor profile.
• Dairy-Free Option: Replace butter with vegan butter or olive oil-based spread, and you’ll still get plenty of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto butter for some heat that my family loves.
• Cooking Method: Try baking the salmon with dollops of pesto butter on top if you want an easier hands-off method.

How to Make Salmon with Pesto Butter Recipe

Step 1: Make the Pesto Butter

Start by letting your butter get soft at room temperature—that way, it blends with the pesto into a creamy, spreadable mix. In a small bowl, combine the softened butter with the basil pesto using a fork. Mix until you see a smooth green spread. Set this aside; this flavorful butter will be the star topping for your salmon.

Step 2: Prepare and Sear the Salmon

Heat the olive oil in a skillet over medium heat—medium is key to get that perfect golden crust without burning. While the oil is warming, salt and pepper your salmon fillets on both sides. When your pan’s hot, place the salmon skin-side up (or just on one side if skin is removed) and sear them for 4-5 minutes. If they stick, don’t rush flipping—give it a moment more to let a crust form or add a splash of water to loosen the fish gently.

Step 3: Add the Pesto Butter and Finish Cooking

Carefully flip the salmon over and spread about a tablespoon of that pesto butter evenly on each fillet’s top. Then, reduce your heat to medium-low and let them cook for another 3-5 minutes, depending on thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. This low heat melt helps infuse the butter into the fish while keeping it tender and juicy.

Step 4: Plate and Add Lemon

Once the salmon is perfectly cooked, transfer it carefully to a serving plate. Drizzle any leftover butter from the pan over the fillets, then squeeze fresh lemon juice on top right before serving. That citrus splash really lifts the buttered richness and rounds out the flavors beautifully.

How to Serve Salmon with Pesto Butter Recipe

Garnishes

I usually sprinkle some chopped fresh basil or parsley over the top for a fresh green pop that matches the pesto. A few lemon wedges on the side never fail—they let everyone add a little extra zing if they want. Sometimes, I even add a light dusting of freshly cracked black pepper right before serving for a bit more bite.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this salmon are roasted asparagus or green beans because they’re simple and vibrant. Creamy mashed potatoes or a herbed quinoa salad balance the richness of the pesto butter really well. When I’m feeling a little more indulgent, garlic butter noodles are a hit with my family.

Creative Ways to Present

If I’m serving this for company, I like to plate the salmon on a bed of sautéed spinach or arugula for a fresh base and garnish with edible flowers to make it feel special. Another fun idea is to serve salmon fillets sashimi-style over thinly sliced cucumber rounds with dollops of pesto butter melted on top — a fresh appetizer twist!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salmon with pesto butter stores nicely in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. I find it’s best to keep the pesto butter on top so the flavors stay vibrant and the salmon doesn’t dry out. Just bring it to room temperature before reheating.

Freezing

I’ve frozen cooked salmon with pesto butter by wrapping each fillet tightly in plastic wrap and then in foil, placing them in freezer bags. When thawed slowly in the fridge, the texture is still surprisingly good, though I prefer fresh whenever possible. The pesto butter flavor holds up well during freezing.

Reheating

To reheat, I gently warm leftover salmon in a skillet over low heat or in a 300°F oven wrapped in foil so it doesn’t dry out. I avoid microwaving because it can make the fish rubbery. Adding a little extra fresh pesto butter on top while reheating helps revive the flavor and moisture.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

This Salmon with Pesto Butter Recipe is one of those dishes I reach for when I want something that’s both delicious and fuss-free. It’s packed with flavor but comes together quickly, so you get maximum taste without any stress. I love sharing this with friends and family because everyone always asks for seconds — it’s just that good. Give it a try next time you want an easy, impressive meal, and I bet you’ll love it just as much as we do!

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