When you think of a dish that dances on your taste buds, grilled salmon with creamy pesto sauce comes to mind. Picture this: tender, flaky salmon kissed by smoky grill marks, drizzled with a luscious, vibrant green pesto that’s like sunshine in a bowl. creamy whipped yogurt Moroccan spiced salmon recipe Each bite bursts with flavor—rich, herbaceous, and just a tad nutty—creating an experience that makes your mouth sing. You might also enjoy this Moroccan spiced salmon recipe recipe.
Jump to:
- <strong>Essential Ingredients</strong>
- <strong>Let’s Make it Together</strong>
- <strong>Perfecting the Cooking Process</strong>
- <strong>Add Your Touch</strong>
- <strong>Storing & Reheating</strong>
- <strong>FAQ</strong>
- What type of salmon is best for grilling?
- Can I use store-bought pesto?
- How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?
- 📖 Recipe Card
This dish is not just for the culinary elite; it’s perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests at your next summer BBQ. I once served this at a family gathering, and let me tell you, it was like watching an award-winning movie unfold—the delighted gasps and the chorus of “What’s the secret?” made my heart swell with pride. Trust me, once you try this recipe, you’ll be wondering where it’s been all your life.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Grilled salmon with creamy pesto sauce is incredibly easy to prepare, making dinner a breeze.
- The flavor profile balances rich salmon with zesty basil and nuts.
- Its vibrant color makes it visually stunning on any plate.
- Versatile enough for weeknight meals or elegant gatherings, it’s a go-to favorite!
One time, my friend took a bite and exclaimed it was “better than Netflix!” That high praise is hard to beat.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Opt for wild-caught if possible for the best flavor and sustainability.
- Pesto Sauce: Use homemade or store-bought; either way, make sure it’s fresh and vibrant.
- Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed adds acidity that brightens up the rich flavors of the salmon.
- Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances both flavor and cooking performance.
- Salt and Pepper: Essential for seasoning; feel free to add herbs de Provence for extra flair!
- Parmesan Cheese: Grate it fresh if you can; it adds creaminess and depth to the sauce.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Grill: Get your grill heated to medium-high heat. This gives you those beautiful grill marks while keeping the inside tender.
Prepare the Salmon: Pat dry each salmon fillet with paper towels. Drizzle them lightly with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper.
Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce: In a bowl, mix pesto sauce with lemon juice and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined. The aroma will be delightful! For more inspiration, check out this creamy lemon shrimp pasta recipe.
Grill the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through but still moist.
Add Sauce & Serve!: Once grilled perfectly, drizzle that creamy pesto sauce generously over each fillet before serving. Trust me; your taste buds will thank you!
This recipe is as straightforward as pie—no complicated techniques here! It’ll leave you looking like a culinary rockstar without breaking a sweat or burning dinner.
Enjoy every flavorful bite of this grilled salmon with creamy pesto sauce! hot honey chicken. cheesy mushroom lasagna.
You Must Know
- Grilling salmon can transform your summer BBQ into a culinary adventure.
- The creamy pesto sauce elevates the dish, making it perfect for any occasion.
- Enjoy the delightful aroma filling your kitchen while impressing your guests with vibrant flavors and colors.
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by marinating the salmon in the creamy pesto sauce while preheating your grill. This sequence ensures maximum flavor infusion and tender fish.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap out the salmon for other fish like trout or even grilled vegetables. Personalizing your dish opens up endless flavor combinations and keeps things exciting.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover grilled salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently on low heat to maintain its delicious flavor and texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- For perfectly grilled salmon, ensure your grill is hot before cooking; this prevents sticking and promotes nice grill marks.
- Don’t skip marinating – it infuses incredible flavor in every bite.
- Always use a meat thermometer to check doneness; aim for 145°F for safety and perfection.
I remember the first time I made grilled salmon with creamy pesto sauce for a family gathering; everyone raved about it, and I felt like a culinary superstar that day!
FAQ
What type of salmon is best for grilling?
Sockeye or king salmon are great choices due to their rich flavor and firm texture.
Can I use store-bought pesto?
Absolutely! Store-bought pesto can save time while still delivering fantastic flavor.
How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?
Salmon is cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and flakes easily with a fork.
Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.
📖 Recipe Card
Print
Grilled Salmon with Creamy Pesto Sauce
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Elevate your dinner experience with grilled salmon topped with a luscious creamy pesto sauce. This quick and easy recipe combines tender salmon fillets with a vibrant, herbaceous sauce that’s bursting with flavor. Perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests, this dish will have everyone asking for seconds!
Ingredients
- 4 fresh wild-caught salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought)
- 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Pat the salmon fillets dry and drizzle lightly with olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.
- In a bowl, mix the pesto sauce, lemon juice, and grated Parmesan cheese until well combined.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the grill, cooking for 4-5 minutes per side until cooked through but still moist.
- Drizzle the creamy pesto sauce over each fillet before serving.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet (170g)
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 34g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
