Imagine a dish so incredibly delicious that it transforms an ordinary dinner into a gourmet experience in just 35 minutes. Our Superb Salmon Pesto and Asparagus Bake is not just a recipe—it's a culinary adventure that combines the rich, buttery flavor of salmon with the vibrant, herbaceous punch of pesto and the tender crunch of fresh asparagus. Whether you're a seasoned home cook or a kitchen novice, this Italian-inspired masterpiece will have you looking like a professional chef with minimal effort and maximum flavor!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 25 mins
Total Time: 35 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 100g asparagus
- 4 tablespoons pesto
- 50g grated parmesan cheese
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 200°C (400°F) to ensure it's hot enough for baking the salmon and asparagus.
- Prepare a baking dish by lightly greasing it with a bit of olive oil or cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. Season both sides of the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
- Trim the tough ends off the asparagus and rinse them under cold water. If the asparagus is thick, you may want to peel the lower part of the stalks for tenderness.
- In a small bowl, mix the pesto with half of the grated parmesan cheese. This will enhance the flavor of the salmon and asparagus.
- Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Spread the pesto mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
- Arrange the asparagus around the salmon in the baking dish. Drizzle a little olive oil over the asparagus and season with salt and pepper.
- Sprinkle the remaining grated parmesan cheese over the salmon and asparagus for an added layer of flavor and a nice crust.
- Cover the baking dish with aluminum foil to keep the moisture in while cooking.
- Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for about 20 minutes. This will allow the salmon to cook through and the asparagus to become tender.
- After 20 minutes, remove the foil and bake for an additional 5 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the cheese is golden and bubbly.
- Once cooked, remove the baking dish from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together.
- Plate the salmon and asparagus, drizzling any remaining pesto from the baking dish over the top for extra flavor. Serve immediately and enjoy your superb salmon pesto and asparagus bake!
Tips
- Choose Fresh Ingredients: Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets and crisp asparagus for the best results.
- Pat Salmon Dry: Always pat your salmon fillets dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect, crispy exterior.
- Don't Overcook: Salmon is best when it's slightly translucent in the center. Use the 20-minute covered baking method to keep it moist.
- Cheese Matters: Use freshly grated parmesan for the most robust flavor and best melting properties.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to use homemade or store-bought pesto, but consider adding a personal touch with fresh basil or a squeeze of lemon.
- Serving Suggestion: Pair this dish with a light white wine or a crisp salad for a complete meal that's sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 465kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: g
Fat: 33g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Cholesterol: 75mg
