Tender, rich salmon is topped with a sweet pea pesto for the perfect spring meal. I serve mine over zucchini noodles, but pasta, rice, or mixed vegetables would work too!
It’s finally starting to feel like spring here on the east coast. Well, except for today. It’s cold and cloudy. Monday was absolutely gorgeous – 70’s and not a cloud in the sky. It felt so good to spend the day outside in a t-shirt and be comfortable! I don’t know about you, but when the weather is nice it makes me want to eat light and veggie-packed meals.
I love everything about today’s recipe – it’s fresh, healthy, easy, and the perfect springtime meal. If you’re trying to add more salmon into your diet, you will love this one! Peas are one of my favorite spring vegetables because they are so sweet and really versatile. You can toss them into rice and pasta dishes, soups, eat them on their on, or make pesto!
Salmon is such a great fish because it pairs well with so many different flavors. Since it’s a rich and hearty fish it stands up well to strong flavors, but it’s perfect with delicate flavors as well. Usually when we think of pesto we think of the robust flavors of garlic and basil, which I love and pairs well with salmon. However, using sweet peas as the base of your pesto makes for a more delicate version of the classic sauce.
It’s sweet, nutty, and has a nice hint of fresh garlic. You can use this pea pesto just as you would regular basil pesto – as a pasta sauce, a sandwich spread, a dip, etc. It goes so well with salmon, which makes the perfect healthy dinner!
I served my salmon over sautéed zucchini noodles, but you can easily use rice, pasta, or some steamed or sautéed veggies. The pesto is where the flavor comes from, so use it to jazz up anything!
If you can get fresh peas, definitely use them. You can usually find them at farmer’s markets throughout the spring, but you’ll have to shuck them and blanch them before using. Frozen (thawed) peas are convenient and work just as well!
To the peas, you’ll add fresh parsley and a little bit of mint (pairs great with peas). Fresh garlic kicks things up and I use almonds for the nut component – you can use whatever your favorite nut is or what you have on hand. You can’t have pesto without cheese… well, you could, but I never leave the cheese out! I use pecorino romano here because it’s a bit more pungent than parmesan cheese, but if you have parmesan on hand you can use that.
If you love pesto you’re going to love this variation. It’s definitely going to be in my fridge throughout the spring because it’s so versatile!
- 1 Cup Fresh or Frozen (thawed) Peas
- ¼ Cup Fresh Parsley
- 2 Tablespoons Fresh Mint
- 1 Clove Garlic, peeled
- 3 Tablespoons Almonds
- ¼ Cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil
- ½ Cup Grated Romano (or parmesan) Cheese
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper, to taste
- 4 (6 oz.) Salmon Filets
- Olive Oil, for drizzling
- Kosher Salt & Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- Preheat the oven to 450º.
- Add the peas, parsley, mint, garlic, and almonds to the bowl of a food processor. Pulse the mixture until finely chopped. Slowly stream in the olive oil with the machine running until well combined.
- Pour the pesto into a bowl and stir in the cheese and season with salt and pepper.
- Place the salmon filets on a baking sheet coated with foil or parchment paper. Drizzle each filet lightly with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
- Bake the salmon at 450º for 10-12 minutes, or until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve the salmon over zucchini noodles, sautéed veggies, pasta, or rice and top each portion generously with the pea pesto.
I love this recipe! Definitely a dinner that will be happening in our house next week. That pea pesto sounds delicious! And I’m always trying to find new salmon variations. Thanks for sharing!
Natalie @ Tastes Lovely recently posted…Lemon Poppy Seed Cookies
Thanks Natalie! Be sure and let me know how you like it – I’m obsessed with the pea pesto. It really goes so well with the salmon!
That salmon looks cooked to perfection! And the pea pesto looks like a great topping! 🙂
Christina @ Bake with Christina recently posted…Coconut Vanilla Bean Cupcakes.
Thanks, Christina! I’m obsessed with the pea pesto!
This is so creative, Keri! I love it! Pesto is my favorite, but I’m loving the pea combination. And using this sauce over salmon is brilliant! Pinning!
Gayle @ Pumpkin ‘N Spice recently posted…Fresh Strawberry Sauce
Thanks Gayle! Pea pesto is such a great twist on regular pesto – you’ll love it!
This sounds amazing! I have never heard of pea pesto before, but I love, love, love peas and any new ways I can find to use them. And I also love pesto. This dish seriously sounds so mouthwatering to me. I can’t wait to try it!!
Annie @ The Garlic Diaries recently posted…Peanut Lime Shrimp
If you peas and love pesto, you’re going to love this pea pesto! It’s such a great combination! Thanks, Annie!
What a fabulously healthy and delicious recipe. I will definitely give pea pesto a try
Kathy @ Olives & Garlic recently posted…Tagliatelle with Pork & Fennel Ragu
Thanks, Kathy!
This dish is SO gorgeous Keri! I have never had a pea pesto before and am SO excited to try it!! Pinned! Glad it is warming up on the East Coast! Hope you and Kyle have a great weekend!
Thanks, Mariah – you’ll love it! You have a great weekend too 🙂
I tried out your recipe for Salmon with the Basil Dressing (baked in parchment) and my husband and I loved it. The basil dressing is my new fave and I can’t wait to make it again to put on everything! This looks just as delicious so I can’t wait to try this out as well! 🙂 Keep turning out these awesome recipes!
Ali recently posted…Top Knotch
Glad you liked it! I’m obsessed with that basil dressing – it’s in my fridge all summer long! Thanks, Ali 🙂
How colorful and healthy this plate looks, Keri! loved the pea pesto!
What a beautiful meal! Pea pesto = genius! I couldn’t imagine pesto without cheese either. 🙂
Rachelle @ Beer Girl Cooks recently posted…Saturday Night Special: Freebird
This looks beautiful Keri! Perfect for spring 🙂 Plus I still haven’t tried zucchini noodles so now I’m doubly inspired!
Maya @ Treats and Eats recently posted…Old Cuban Cocktail