Crispy Salmon with Pesto and Cauliflower
This dish features golden, crispy-skinned salmon paired with roasted cauliflower and a vibrant basil pesto. It’s healthy, protein-rich, and bursting with Mediterranean flavors — perfect for an easy yet elegant dinner.
⏱ Time
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (about 150–180 g each, skin-on)
1 tbsp olive oil
Salt & black pepper to taste
For the Cauliflower:
1 medium cauliflower, cut into florets
2 tbsp olive oil
1/2 tsp garlic powder
1/2 tsp paprika (optional)
Salt & black pepper
For the Pesto (or use store-bought):
1 cup fresh basil leaves
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1/4 cup pine nuts (or walnuts/almonds)
1 garlic clove
1/3 cup olive oil
Juice of 1/2 lemon
Salt & pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Roast cauliflower:
Preheat oven to 200°C (400°F).
Toss cauliflower florets with olive oil, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and pepper.
Roast for 20–25 minutes until golden and slightly crispy.
2. Make pesto (if homemade):
In a blender/food processor, combine basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Stream in olive oil until smooth.
3. Cook salmon:
Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high.
Place salmon skin-side down and cook 4–5 minutes until skin is crispy.
Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through.
4. Assemble dish:
Plate roasted cauliflower, place salmon on top, and drizzle generously with pesto.
Garnish with extra basil or lemon wedges.
Notes & Tips
For extra crunch: top with toasted breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.
Swap cauliflower with broccoli, zucchini, or asparagus.
Salmon can also be baked in the oven at 200°C (400°F) for 12–15 minutes if you prefer hands-off cooking.
❓ frequently asked questions FAQ
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes — skip Parmesan in pesto or use nutritional yeast.
Q: Can I meal-prep it?
Yes — roast cauliflower and make pesto ahead. Cook salmon fresh for best crispiness.
Nutritional information
Calories: 420 kcal
Protein: 34g
Carbs: 10g
Fat: 28g
Fiber: 4g