Baked Salmon with Pesto Butter

Quick-baked salmon fillets topped with a basil, garlic, and Parmesan pesto butter that melts into a sauce.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
• 3/4 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, softened
• 2 tablespoons prepared Basil Pesto
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon pine nuts, toasted

Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Place the salmon fillets on an oiled baking sheet and season with salt and pepper.
2. Mash together the softened butter, pesto, garlic, and Parmesan to make the pesto butter.
3. Spread the pesto butter over the top of each fillet and scatter with pine nuts.
4. Bake for 10 to 12 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily and the butter has melted into a sauce.
5. Serve immediately, spooning the melted pesto butter over each portion.

Notes

Adapted from Jacques Pepin’s baked salmon with pesto butter.