Easy Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli Recipe
If you’re looking for a quick, healthy, and downright delicious weeknight dinner, this Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli recipe fits the bill perfectly. Bursting with vibrant colors, fresh flavors, and balanced nutrition, this dish brings together tender salmon topped with aromatic pesto, crispy roasted potatoes, and perfectly steamed broccoli in under 30 minutes. It’s a flavorful, satisfying meal that’s easy enough for any day of the week but impressive enough to serve guests.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Fast and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, it’s a lifesaver on busy nights without sacrificing flavor.
- Nutritious Ingredients: Combines omega-3 rich salmon, vitamin-packed broccoli, and hearty potatoes for a balanced meal.
- One-Pan Convenience: Minimal cleanup with roasting everything on a single baking sheet or cooking tray.
- Vibrant Flavors: The fresh, herby pesto brightens the dish and complements the rich salmon beautifully.
- Customizable: Easy to tweak with different herbs, spices, or sides to suit your taste or dietary needs.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but essential, with every ingredient playing a key role in taste, texture, and color. Freshness and quality make the dish truly shine.
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Choose skin-on for extra crispiness or skinless for easier plating.
- Baby Potatoes: Small potatoes roast quickly and develop a crispy outside with a tender inside.
- Broccoli Florets: Bright green and packed with vitamins, they add crunch and freshness.
- Store-Bought or Homemade Pesto: Basil pesto adds an aromatic, herby punch that ties the whole dish together.
- Olive Oil: Essential for roasting and achieving that perfect golden finish on the potatoes and broccoli.
- Garlic Cloves: Adds depth and warmth, enhancing the natural flavors in the dish.
- Lemon: A squeeze brightens and balances the rich salmon and pesto beautifully.
- Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that highlight every ingredient’s natural flavor.
Variations for Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
This versatile Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli recipe is so easy to adapt, whether you want to switch up flavors, cater to dietary preferences, or use what you have on hand.
- Swap Greens: Try asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts instead of broccoli for a different twist.
- Change the Pesto: Use sun-dried tomato pesto, kale pesto, or even a nut-free version for variety.
- Different Potatoes: Sweet potatoes or Yukon gold can replace baby potatoes for extra sweetness or creaminess.
- Spice It Up: Add red pepper flakes or smoked paprika to the potatoes or broccoli for a little heat.
- Make It Vegan: Swap salmon for firm tofu or chickpeas and use vegan pesto alternatives.
How to Make Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
Step 1: Prep the Potatoes
Start by preheating your oven and cutting the baby potatoes in halves or quarters for even roasting. Toss them with olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, then spread them out on a baking sheet in a single layer to ensure they crisp up nicely.
Step 2: Roast the Potatoes
Place the potatoes in the oven and roast for about 15 minutes at 425°F (220°C). This high heat will give them a delicious golden crust while keeping the insides soft and fluffy.
Step 3: Add Broccoli and Salmon
After 15 minutes, take out the baking sheet, add the broccoli florets tossed in olive oil and seasoning, and create space for the salmon fillets. Brush the salmon with a generous layer of pesto, then place them skin side down on the tray.
Step 4: Roast Everything Together
Return the tray to the oven for an additional 12 to 15 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, broccoli is tender-crisp, and potatoes are perfectly roasted.
Step 5: Add Fresh Lemon and Serve
Remove from the oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over the entire dish, and if desired, add a bit more pesto on top. Serve immediately to enjoy the freshest flavors.
Pro Tips for Making Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
- Use Room Temperature Salmon: Let the salmon rest out for 15 minutes before roasting for even cooking.
- Don’t Overcrowd the Pan: Give everything some space on the baking sheet to ensure crisping instead of steaming.
- Choose Fresh Pesto: Freshly made or high-quality store-bought pesto makes a huge flavor difference.
- Cut Uniform Pieces: Cut potatoes and broccoli into similar-sized pieces for even cooking times.
- Lemon Last: Add lemon juice right before serving to retain its brightness and avoid sogginess.
How to Serve Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli
Garnishes
Fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, and additional lemon wedges add a pop of color and flavor that elevate the dish visually and taste-wise.
Side Dishes
For a more substantial meal, serve with a crisp green salad, crusty bread, or a light quinoa pilaf to complement the main flavors without overshadowing them.
Creative Ways to Present
Serve salmon fillets atop the potatoes and broccoli on large plates or family-style on a wooden board for a rustic, inviting dinner presentation that encourages sharing.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store leftover salmon, potatoes, and broccoli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness and flavor.
Freezing
This dish freezes well; just separate portions into freezer-safe containers or bags and freeze for up to 2 months. Defrost overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
Reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes to keep the salmon moist and potatoes crispy. Avoid microwaving to prevent sogginess.
FAQs
Can I use frozen broccoli for this recipe?
Yes, but fresh broccoli is best for roasting as it crisps better. If using frozen, thaw and pat dry to avoid excess moisture making the vegetables soggy.
Is pesto safe to use if I’m allergic to nuts?
Traditional pesto contains pine nuts, but you can find or make nut-free versions using seeds like sunflower or pumpkin seeds for a safe alternative.
How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and be opaque throughout but still moist. Use a thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) if unsure.
Can I prepare the pesto from scratch?
Absolutely! Homemade pesto using fresh basil, olive oil, garlic, Parmesan, and nuts tastes amazing and can be made in just a few minutes using a blender or food processor.
What’s the best way to reheat leftovers without drying out the salmon?
Oven reheating at a moderate temperature with a little foil helps retain moisture; avoid reheating in the microwave unless covered loosely and for short intervals.
Final Thoughts
This Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli recipe is one of those rare dishes that nails the perfect combo of quick prep, healthy ingredients, and incredible flavor that’ll have you cooking it again and again. Whether you’re new to salmon or a seasoned fan, this is a go-to meal that’s as comforting as it is impressive. Give it a try tonight—you’ll wonder why you didn’t make it sooner!
