If you’re craving a nutritious, vibrant, and fast dinner, look no further than Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli. This dish bursts with fresh flavors, combining tender salmon glazed with fragrant pesto alongside perfectly roasted potatoes and crisp-tender broccoli. It’s a wonderful balance of protein, healthy fats, and fresh vegetables that’s easy to prepare on any busy weeknight. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe brings wholesome comfort and colorful presentation to your table in no time.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Speed and simplicity: Ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for hectic evenings when you want a home-cooked meal fast.
- Balanced nutrition: Combines omega-3 rich salmon with fiber-packed potatoes and vitamin-packed broccoli for a well-rounded plate.
- Versatile flavors: The vibrant basil pesto adds a fresh, herby punch that complements all components beautifully.
- Minimal cleanup: All components can roast or cook simultaneously on a single sheet pan or skillet.
- Comfort and freshness: Combines hearty and light textures, making it satisfying but not heavy.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward but essential to creating the perfect Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli. Each one plays a key role in building layers of flavor, texture, and color that make this dish pop on your dinner table.
- Salmon fillets: Use fresh or thawed wild-caught salmon for rich flavor and tender texture.
- Basil pesto: Fresh or store-bought pesto brings the herby, garlicky zing.
- Baby potatoes: Small, waxy potatoes roast to crispy, golden perfection without the hassle of peeling.
- Broccoli florets: Adds crunch, vibrant green color, and nutritional value.
- Olive oil: Helps roast vegetables and adds a silky finish to the salmon.
- Salt and pepper: Essential for seasoning to enhance natural flavors.
- Lemon wedges (optional): For a fresh splash of acidity when serving.
Variations for Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
This recipe is wonderfully flexible, letting you tweak ingredients to suit your taste, dietary needs, or what’s in season. Feel free to explore these variations to keep it exciting every time.
- Swap the pesto: Try sun-dried tomato pesto or chimichurri for a different flavor profile.
- Change the veggies: Replace broccoli with asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts.
- Use sweet potatoes: For a slightly sweeter and nutrient-dense alternative to regular potatoes.
- Make it dairy-free: Opt for dairy-free pesto or make your own without cheese.
- Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or walnuts on top for extra texture.
How to Make Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
Step 1: Prepare the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven to 425°F (220°C). Cut baby potatoes in halves or quarters depending on size, then toss them in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them evenly on a baking sheet and roast for about 15 minutes to get them tender and slightly crispy.
Step 2: Add the Broccoli and Salmon
While the potatoes begin roasting, toss broccoli florets with olive oil, salt, and pepper. After the first 15 minutes, gently add broccoli to the same baking sheet around the potatoes. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet. Spread a generous layer of pesto over each salmon fillet.
Step 3: Roast Everything Together
Return the baking sheet to the oven and roast for another 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, the broccoli is tender, and potatoes are golden brown.
Step 4: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from the oven and allow the salmon to rest for a couple minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the dish if desired for a bright finish. Plate the salmon alongside the potatoes and broccoli, spooning any pan juices over the top.
Pro Tips for Making Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
- Uniform potato pieces: Keep potato chunks roughly the same size to ensure even roasting.
- Room temperature salmon: Let salmon sit out for 10-15 minutes before cooking to promote even cooking.
- Don’t over-pesto: Use enough pesto for flavor but avoid overcrowding the fillets to prevent burning.
- Check broccoli midway: If it cooks faster, remove it early to maintain a perfect crunch.
- Use a thermometer: Salmon is perfectly cooked at 125-130°F (52-54°C) for moist and tender results.
How to Serve Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
Garnishes
Brighten up your plate with fresh garnishes like lemon zest, freshly chopped basil, or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for extra flavor and eye appeal.
Side Dishes
This dish is a complete meal on its own but pairs beautifully with a simple mixed green salad, garlic bread, or a light quinoa salad to round things out.
Creative Ways to Present
For a special touch, serve the salmon fillet on a bed of mashed potatoes or drizzle a bit more pesto or a balsamic glaze artistically over the veggies before plating.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
You can freeze cooked salmon and vegetables separately in freezer-safe containers or bags for up to 2 months, but fresh pesto is best made after thawing to keep the bright flavor.
Reheating
Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes or until warmed through to avoid drying out the fish and veggies.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, just be sure to thaw it completely and pat dry before cooking for the best texture and even cooking.
What if I don’t have fresh pesto?
Store-bought pesto works perfectly here, or you can quickly blend basil, olive oil, garlic, pine nuts, and Parmesan for a fresh homemade version.
Can I make this recipe vegetarian?
Absolutely! Substitute the salmon with firm tofu or chickpeas and proceed with the same roasting method.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, all ingredients are naturally gluten-free, making it safe for gluten-sensitive diets.
How can I tell when the salmon is cooked perfectly?
Check for an internal temperature of 125-130°F or ensure it flakes easily with a fork while remaining moist inside.
Final Thoughts
Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli is a delightful recipe that blends fresh, vibrant flavors with nourishing ingredients, all ready in a flash. Whether you’re cooking for family or just treating yourself after a long day, this dish delivers satisfaction and health without sacrificing speed or taste. Give it a try, and watch it become one of your favorite go-to dinners!