Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary salmon fillet into a culinary masterpiece that's both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. This Roasted Garlic Pesto Salmon is not just a meal; it's a sensory journey that combines the rich, buttery texture of perfectly cooked salmon with the bold, herbaceous notes of pesto and the deep, mellow sweetness of roasted garlic. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this recipe promises to elevate your dinner game and impress even the most discerning palates.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1/4 cup pesto
- 1 head of garlic, roasted
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This temperature is ideal for roasting salmon and will help achieve a nice, flaky texture.
- Prepare the garlic by cutting the top off the head of garlic, exposing the individual cloves. Drizzle a little olive oil over the exposed cloves and wrap the garlic head in aluminum foil. Place it in the oven alongside the salmon to roast.
- While the garlic is roasting, season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides. This will enhance the flavor of the fish.
- Once the garlic has been in the oven for about 15 minutes, place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased with olive oil.
- Spread 1/4 cup of pesto evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. The pesto will add a rich, herby flavor that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Remove the roasted garlic from the oven. Allow it to cool slightly, then squeeze the roasted cloves out of their skins into a small bowl. Mash the garlic with a fork until it forms a smooth paste.
- Mix the mashed roasted garlic with 1 tablespoon of lemon juice to create a flavorful garlic-lemon sauce. This will add brightness to the dish.
- Place the baking sheet with the salmon in the oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
- Once the salmon is done, remove it from the oven and drizzle the garlic-lemon sauce over the top of each fillet for an extra layer of flavor.
- Serve the roasted garlic pesto salmon hot, garnished with fresh herbs if desired, alongside your favorite sides, such as roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
Tips
- Choose high-quality salmon: Fresh, wild-caught salmon will give you the best flavor and texture.
- Don't overcook the salmon: Use a meat thermometer to ensure it reaches 145°F, but remove it just before to prevent drying out.
- For extra flavor, let the salmon marinate in the pesto for 15-30 minutes before cooking.
- If fresh pesto isn't available, store-bought works perfectly fine.
- For a crispy top, briefly broil the salmon for 1-2 minutes after baking.
- The roasted garlic can be prepared in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Pair with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc to complement the rich flavors.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 553kcal
Carbohydrates: 13g
Protein: 43g
Fat: 37g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 112mg
