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    Home » Recipes » Baked Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

    Baked Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner

    Published: Apr 30, 2020 · Modified: Mar 30, 2022 by Andrea Howe · This post may contain affiliate links.

    122 shares
    Jump to Recipe Jump to Video Print Recipe
    Easy & Healthy Pesto Salmon Sheet Pan Dinner Pin Image

    This baked pesto salmon recipe is a delicious way to jazz up salmon a bit! Plus it’s a sheet pan dinner that combines tender fingerling potatoes and veggies all in one. Such an easy recipe, especially since it’s ready in under 30 minutes! I promise this pesto crusted salmon is one of those healthy recipes you won’t at all feel like you’re sacrificing flavor for.

    baked pesto Salmon with potatoes and broccoli on white plates

    Baking is one of my favorite ways to cook salmon for a variety of reasons; easy clean-up when placed on a parchment-lined baking sheet, short cook time, and overall great cooking control. Luckily my family really loves salmon, so they tend to be forgiving if I overcook it a bit, but unless I am really distracted and forget to set a timer, baking in the oven is pretty full-proof.

    This is the best baked salmon recipe because you can fit a vegetable, and even a starch, right alongside the salmon. A rimmed baking dish or large baking sheet is the perfect way to cook up this healthy pesto salmon recipe.

    Jump to:
    • Why this recipe works
    • Ingredients
    • Step-by-step instructions to make pesto crusted salmon
    • Expert tips on how long to bake salmon
    • Recipe FAQ’s
    • Tips for making the best baked pesto salmon
    • Baked Pesto Salmon

    Why this recipe works

    • Perfect recipe for busy weeknights because it’s a quick dinner ready in under 30 minutes and the prep is minimal
    • A delicious dinner that packs so much flavor! Plus it’s healthy! Salmon is loaded with heart healthy Omega 3 fatty acids and potassium. It’s also an excellent source of protein to fuel brain and muscle health. Add in the vitamins and minerals packed into the veggies and potatoes, and you’ve got the perfect healthy family meal!
    • Customizable to just about any veggie you like (or don’t like). Use green beans, asparagus or broccoli. Sub in cherry tomatoes or red bell peppers. And swap sweet potatoes for fingerlings. Or if you want to keep it low carb, do away with the potatoes all together. The options are many, so it’s really all about personal preference and what you have on hand!
    pesto crusted salmon raw ingredients on a wood cutting board

    Ingredients

    This potato, salmon, and broccoli bake requires very few ingredients but delivers maximum flavor! Here’s everything that goes into this pesto crusted salmon recipe:

    • Salmon filets – feel free to use skin on or skinless salmon fillets
    • Pesto – either homemade pesto or store bought (although I love store bought for the ease of course)
    • Vegetables of your choice – I used broccoli pictured here, but other times I’ve used red peppers and potatoes (as seen in the video)
    • Fingerling potatoes – cut in half so they’ll cook through quicker
    • Salt and black pepper and olive oil to season the vegetables and potatoes

    Step-by-step instructions to make pesto crusted salmon

    Begin by slicing the potatoes in half or in cubes, and toss with 1-2 tbsp of olive oil, salt and pepper, and 1 tbsp of pesto sauce. Place in a 425 degree preheated oven for about 10 minutes. While the potatoes are roasting, toss your choice of veggies with olive oil and salt and pepper and set aside.

    Broccoli and potatoes on a baking sheet

    Remove the potatoes from the oven, and stir in the vegetables, making sure to keep the potatoes and veggies on one side of the pan.

    Now place salmon filets on the baking tray, snugly alongside the veggies, and to the individual fillets, generously apply 1 tablespoon of pesto to top of the salmon. If you have a picky eater in the family, leave a filet or two bare, and just brush with olive oil, salt and pepper.

    broccoli, potatoes, salmon and pesto on a baking sheet

    Return to the oven and bake salmon and potato/veg mix for about 10-12 minutes. Read below for some great tips on how long to bake salmon.

    salmon with pesto and potatoes and broccoli on a baking sheet

    Expert tips on how long to bake salmon

    There is a bit of a debate on how to cook salmon, either low and slow or high and quick, but I have found both methods work.

    While many of the professionals agree that higher temps will produce a great piece of salmon, they do advise that if you want a *fool-proof* way to never over cook it, bake it low and slow at 275 for 15-20 minutes.

    While baking at higher temps works for me just fine, please consider that by this point I’m pretty confident in being able to determine the right cooking time based on size and thickness, as to not over-cook it at a higher temp. If you are not as experienced and a little more cautious, play it safe and lower the oven to 275 as soon as you remove your veggies and place your salmon in to cook.

    Considering that the oven had just been at the high temp of 425, even with lowering it all the way down to 275, there will be some residual higher heat swirling around, so begin checking your salmon for doneness after 10 minutes, and know that they may take as many as 15 minutes to cook through.

    Baked salmon with pesto broccoli and potatoes on a white round plate

    Recipe FAQ’s

    How to tell if your pesto crusted salmon is cooked?

    When the internal temperature reaches 120 degrees, or if when a sharp knife is inserted in the center of the filet and it starts to flake away a bit, it is likely done.
    There is also the butter knife technique, where you insert a butter knife into the thickest part of the filet, and if it is warm when pulled out, it should be done.

    Is there any way to not get that gooey white stuff that seeps out of salmon when cooking?

    That white stuff is called albumin and is basically coagulated protein. brining, or soaking the fish in a salt water solution first, for just 15 minutes, helps to cut down on that white stuff. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of kosher salt in 2.5 cups of heated water. Allow to cool and pour brine over fish, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes.

    baked pesto salmon, potatoes and broccoli on a white round plate

    Tips for making the best baked pesto salmon

    If possible, buy wild-caught salmon filets. Wild-caught fish is the more sustainable option and the flavor is better, in my opinion.

    Also note that fresh broccoli florets work best in this salmon sheet pan dinner recipe. I’ve read that you can roast frozen broccoli as well, but I’ve only experimented with fresh and I know for sure it work with this recipe.

    Feel free to make your own pesto! It’s rather easy to whip up a batch of homemade basil pesto if you have the ingredients lying around; pine nuts, parmesan cheese, basil and olive oil. Here is a great recipe if you want homemade for your basil pesto salmon.

    Store leftover pesto salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the microwave for 1 minute or reheat in the oven at 250 degrees for 10 minutes.

    Baked salmon with pesto and broccoli and potatoes on a white round plate

    I hope you love this healthy salmon recipe, and if you do, consider leaving a 5 star rating.

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    Tried this recipe? Please leave a comment and/or rating, letting me know how you enjoyed it! Connect with me on Instagram and Pinterest, and never miss a post by signing up for my weekly newsletter!

    Baked Pesto Salmon

    This baked pesto salmon sheet pan meal with broccoli and fingerling potatoes comes together quickly and has tons of flavor for a healthy weeknight dinner.
    5 from 4 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Prep Time: 10 minutes
    Cook Time: 30 minutes
    Total Time: 40 minutes
    Servings: 4
    Author:Andrea

    Ingredients

    • 4 salmon filets (preferably wild-caught)
    • 6-8 tablespoons pesto (store-bought or homemade)
    • 1 small head broccoli , cut into florets
    • ½ pound fingerling potatoes , cut in half
    • Salt and pepper , to taste
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Preheat the oven to 425 degrees F.
    • In a bowl, toss the potatoes in 1-2 tablespoons of pesto and a sprinkle of salt, and arrange on a parchment lined baking sheet.
    • Toss the broccoli in another tablespoon of pesto and salt, and arrange on the baking sheet next to the potatoes.
    • Bake for 15 minutes.
    • Remove pan from the oven and lower to 275 degrees F.
    • Arrange salmon filets next to the potatoes and broccoli, and spoon on and spread a tablespoon of pesto to each filet.
    • Return pan to the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, beginning to check for doneness at 10 minutes.

    Video

    Notes

    • If possible, buy wild-caught salmon filets. Wild-caught fish is the more sustainable option and the flavor is much better, in my opinion.
    • Also note that fresh broccoli florets work best in this salmon sheet pan dinner recipe. I’ve read that you can roast frozen broccoli as well, but I’ve only experimented with fresh and I know for sure it work with this recipe.
    • Lastly, feel free to use homemade or store-bought pesto. I know you don’t always have time to whip up a fresh batch of pesto — me neither! Just use whichever is easiest for you.
    • Here’s how to create a quick salmon brine:
      1. Dissolve 2 tablespoons of kosher salt in 2.5 cups of heated water.
      2. Allow to cool and pour brine over fish, allowing it to sit for 15 minutes.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 424kcal | Carbohydrates: 22g | Protein: 40g | Fat: 20g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 339mg | Potassium: 1552mg | Fiber: 6g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 1469IU | Vitamin C: 147mg | Calcium: 135mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this Recipe? Tag me Today!Mention @Howe.We.Live or tag #HoweWeLiveRecipes!

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    About Andrea Howe

    Andrea Howe is the recipe developer and photographer of Howe We Live. She is also a seasoned home cook of over 20 years, for her family of 5. Andrea has spent over 10 years in the food industry, writing for various publications including Babble and Disney. Her work has appeared in Real Simple, Taste of Home, Yahoo, Buzzfeed and ABC News.

    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Arpita Patel says

      May 07, 2020 at 6:12 am

      5 stars
      For some reason I thought it strange to rate this recipe because it’s so incredibly simple, & minus the capers is one of the ways I always cook salmon. I decided to add my rating because this “recipe” shows you don’t need alot of fancy ingredients or techniques to turn out a great tasting main dish. A great “recipe” because it allows the fish to be the star – no need for anything but a great piece of fish & simple seasonings. I usually prepare this in the GF grill, sometimes w/ addition of dijon mustard, make a quick salad & boom – a very nice yet lite dinner’s done in less than 5 minutes – Love it!

      Reply
    2. Oana says

      January 25, 2019 at 12:13 pm

      5 stars
      My family loved it!!

      Reply
      • Andrea Howe says

        January 28, 2019 at 12:59 pm

        I’m so happy to hear that! Thank you for commenting and leaving a rating 🙂

        Reply
    3. Tawnie Kroll says

      January 21, 2019 at 7:57 am

      5 stars
      I can’t wait to make my avocado pesto for this recipe!!! Thank you!

      Reply
    4. Susie Weinrich says

      January 17, 2019 at 8:44 am

      5 stars
      I love making sheet pan dinners, especially during the week when we are crunched for time. Great recipe!

      Reply
      • Andrea Howe says

        January 17, 2019 at 8:45 am

        Thanks so much, this is a definite favorite around our house!

        Reply

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    Welcome to Howe We Live. I’m Andrea, a passionate home cook and mother of 3. I’ve been cooking and writing about healthy eating for almost a decade, and my number one goal here is to help you develop the tools needed to throw together a great meal at home that is both delicious, and healthy-ish. All eaters are welcome here! Read More

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