fbpx

Baked Salmon with Basil & Thyme Pesto

Serves 2 | Prep 15 mins | Cook 12 mins

Pesto goes with pretty much everything and when made in advance and stored in the fridge, can be a time saver for quickly adding some amazing flavour to your meals. While traditional pesto uses parmesan, I’ve used nutritional yeast for a dairy free option. The baked salmon topped with this pesto pairs beautifully. I also love it over white fish, chicken or roast vegetables. Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which support healthy brain function and can be supportive in treatment for women with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS as they are anti-inflammatory, and they are also supportive in egg implantation if you are wanting to fall pregnant. Our body is unable to produce them on their own so we must consume them.

Pesto goes with pretty much everything and when made in advance and stored in the fridge, can be a time saver for quickly adding some amazing flavour to your meals. While traditional pesto uses parmesan, I’ve used nutritional yeast for a dairy free option. The baked salmon topped with this pesto pairs beautifully. I also love it over white fish, chicken or roast vegetables. Salmon is rich in omega 3 fatty acids which support healthy brain function and can be supportive in treatment for women with hormonal imbalances such as PCOS as they are anti-inflammatory, and they are also supportive in egg implantation if you are wanting to fall pregnant. Our body is unable to produce them on their own so we must consume them.

  • 2 salmon fillets (with or without skin is ok)
  • fresh lemon wedges to serve (optional)
  • 1 tbsp sesame seeds
  • Pesto
  • 1 bunch basil (about 2 handfuls)
  • 3 sprigs of thyme
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ¼ cup sunflower seeds
  • ¼ cup pine nuts
  • ⅓ cup olive oil
  • 2 tbsp nutritional yeast
  • ½ fresh lemon juice
  • salt and pepper to season

Pesto

  1. Remove the basil leaves and thyme leaves from their stems then place into a food processor with the remaining pesto ingredients.

  2. Blend well til pesto texture is reached. You can add a touch more lemon juice or olive oil if you need to make it not as thick. Add seasoning as required.

  3. You will use about 3-4 tablespoons on the salmon, any remaining can be placed in an air-tight container and kept in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Baked Salmon

  1. Place baking paper on an oven tray, and place the salmon fillets on the tray, skin side down.

  2. Spread about 1-2 tablespoons of the pesto over each of the fillets, then sprinkle with the sesame seeds.

  3. Place in the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until cooked to your liking. Allow to rest for 2 minutes before serving. This is lovely paired with roast vegetables or a rocket salad.