Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon is simple to make flavorful and healthy. This simple meal can be made in 20 minutes and it is always a hit!

Last week Ken and I visited a fresh seafood market, and I picked up a fresh salmon plank. When it came time to cook it, I knew I wanted something light and healthy.  That's where this Pesto Salmon recipe came in. This recipe turned out so delicious.  Ken loved it!

How do you choose a fresh salmon

The best way to choose a fresh salmon is to smell it. If the fish has an overly "fishy" or ammonia-like odor, do not buy it. If there is no odor, the salmon should be fine to eat.

Look at the color of your salmon. It should be vibrant red in color with no browning. Browning is a sign of spoilage.

Also, you should make sure that the fish has a shiny appearance and not a dull or dry looking one.

The skin of the salmon should be smooth and moist. If it looks slimy or oily, it probably isn't very fresh. In addition to this, if the fish still has the skin on, the scales should cling tightly to it.

When shopping for salmon fillets, choose ones that are moist and pinkish red in color with white to slightly yellow flesh. Avoid those that look gray or brown or have an overly "fishy" odor. If possible smell the fish near the tail as this is where the oils are strongest.

If you are buying your fish at a supermarket, make sure it is well within its "sell-by" date. Generally speaking, the fresher the fish, the better tasting it will be. Salmon should have firm flesh and a moist appearance with shiny skin. The color of red salmon should have bright undertones with no brown spots or grayish-white flesh.

Salmon steaks should be a deep red color with moist and shiny skin. The bones of the fish should be creamy white in color, not yellowish or brown as this is an indication of age. If buying your salmon from a supermarket, make sure there is no ice crystals on it as this would mean it has been frozen.

Is Salmon good for you

Salmon is an oily fish that provides protein, omega-3 fatty acids, Vitamin D and B12. It also contains niacin, selenium, Vitamin B6 and phosphorus. Oily fish are recommended because they have anti-inflammatory properties and they help with brain development. They also contain less mercury than other fish as opposed to white fish that are rich in protein such as cod or haddock.

The omega-3 fatty acids which are present in oily fish such as salmon, play a vital role in reducing inflammation. Inflammation can lead to many diseases such as heart disease, arthritis and Alzheimer's. Therefore including oily fish in your diet could reduce the risk of these diseases because they are rich in omega-3 fatty acids.

Omega-3 fatty acids which are present in salmon helps to develop good cholesterol or HDL. Good cholesterol is important for reducing bad cholesterol or LDL that can lead to heart disease. Eating salmon that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids can also reduce the risk of strokes and various other cardiovascular diseases.

Salmon is one of the few food sources that are recommended for pregnant women because they contain Omega 3 fatty acids which are important for brain development. Therefore it can help babies to think faster and develop better than those who do not consume any oily fish.

Salmon is also a good source of vitamin D and B12. Vitamin B12 is important for our nervous system and red blood cell formation while Vitamin D helps to increase the absorption of calcium which is required by our bones.

How to choose ripe cherry tomatoes

When choosing ripe cherry tomatoes it is important to look at the color. Tomato with deeper red colors tend to be riper than orange colored ones which might not taste as good. The vine on the tomato should still be attached and there should not be any cracks or mold on them.

It is also easy to tell if the tomatoes are ripe by giving them a gentle squeeze and checking if they are soft and juicy. You should also look for tomatoes with smooth skin as those that have wrinkles or indentations which means they might already be overripe.

Ripe cherry tomatoes can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days wrapped in a plastic bag or container. They should be kept away from direct sunlight and ideally placed at the bottom of the fridge to stop them from getting squashed.

What is pesto

Pesto is a simple Italian sauce made from crushed garlic, pine nuts and basil leaves. The sauce has traditionally been made by hand using mortar and pestle to crush the ingredients together.

Today pesto comes in many different varieties with traditional recipes being more typical of northern Italy while modern versions adapted from the French cuisine can be found more commonly in the Mediterranean region.

There are many different ways to use pesto sauce from simply adding it to pasta or spreading it over toast, but other popular dishes include using it as a dressing for soups and salads or as a sandwich spread.

How to make homemade pesto

Homemade pesto is easy to make using traditional ingredients of basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts and olive oil. For those who are thinking about their weight, the calories in pesto is very high due to its high fat content therefore you can reduce the amount of oil or use a light version which would be equally tasty.

How do I store leftover baked pesto salmon

Leftover baked pesto salmon can be stored in the refrigerator for up to five days. The dish should ideally be eaten within two days of being prepared as it will not taste as good after that time period has elapsed.

How should I reheat this

Baked pesto salmon can be easily reheated by either microwaving or frying until heated through. It is important to check the internal temperature of the fish before serving it to children or the elderly as it should be at least 70 degrees Celsius.

How long can I store this recipe

This salmon recipe can be stored in the freezer for up to 3 months. It is best if it is wrapped in aluminum foil or placed in an airtight container for better results.

Or you can store your leftover Pesto Salmon in the fridge for up to three days.

What should I serve with Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon pairs well with a range of vegetables. Try serving it alongside asparagus, broccoli, or peas.

You can also pair this dish with a side salad and a simple dressing such as vinegar and olive oil for a fresh dinner idea.

For those who enjoy carbs, you might want to serve baked pesto salmon with pasta or rice.

Pesto Salmon is also commonly served on top of quinoa or couscous, which are healthy grains that will help balance out the rest of your meal.

How to tell when this Pesto Salmon Recipe is done cooking

The best way to tell if salmon is done cooking is by using a meat thermometer. The internal temperature of the cooked fish should be between 70 and 75 degrees Celsius.

What does pesto sauce taste like

Pesto sauce tastes fresh and earthy with a strong herbal essence from the basil leaves and pine nuts while having a subtle nutty aftertaste. It also has a strong salty taste due to the intense flavors of cheese and anchovies often found in modern pesto recipes.

What wines go with Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon pairs well with robust red wines such as Chianti, Cabernet Sauvignon, or Merlot. The wine's flavors of fruit, soil, and spice will complement the taste of pesto sauce while cutting through any fattiness.

Is Pesto Salmon healthy

Pesto Salmon recipes are considered healthy because they are high in protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and Vitamin B12. They are also low in carbohydrates which makes them a great meal option for weight loss plans or diets.

Ingredients for Pesto Salmon

• Salmon Fillet
• cherry tomatoes
• garlic, minced
• olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• basil pesto, store bought or homemade
• Fresh lemon, for serving (optional)

How to Make Pesto Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. In a small bowl, add the cherry tomatoes and toss with the minced garlic. Lightly season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
3. On a baking sheet, line with a sheet of parchment paper. Place the salmon fillet, skin side down on the parchment paper.
4. Brush 1-2 tablespoons of olive oil over the top of the salmon. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
5. Gently arrange the prepped tomatoes around the salmon on the sheet pan.
6. Bake in a preheated oven for 10 minutes or until the salmon starts to flake when checked with a fork.
7. Add the pesto sauce over the salmon and bake for an additional 2-3 to heat the pesto.
8. Serve warm with a few lemon wedges. Pair with your favorite leafy greens or roasted vegetables

I hope your family enjoys this Pesto Salmon recipe as much as mine does. Let me know in the comments below if you make this delicious recipe.

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