Creamy Pesto Salmon with Broccoli and Rice
This dish features tender seared salmon fillets coated in a luscious creamy basil pesto sauce, served with steamed broccoli and fluffy rice. It’s an easy, balanced weeknight dinner that combines protein, greens, and grains in one comforting yet fresh Mediterranean-style meal.
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Serves: 3–4
Ingredients
For the Salmon and Sauce
4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz / 140 g each)
Salt & black pepper, to taste
1 tbsp olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ cup light cream or half-and-half
¼ cup basil pesto
2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp lemon juice
½ tsp lemon zest
1 cup broccoli florets, lightly steamed or blanched
For Serving
2 cups cooked white or brown rice
Fresh basil or parsley, chopped for garnish
Extra lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Cook the Salmon
Pat salmon dry and season both sides with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook 3–4 minutes per side, until golden and just cooked through.
Remove salmon and set aside on a plate.
2. Make the Creamy Pesto Sauce
In the same skillet, add minced garlic and saute for 30 seconds until fragrant.
Reduce heat to low, then pour in cream, pesto, Parmesan, and lemon juice.
Stir until smooth and slightly thickened (about 2–3 minutes).
3. Add Broccoli and Combine
Stir in steamed broccoli and gently nestle salmon fillets back into the sauce.
Spoon the sauce over the salmon and let everything warm together for 2 minutes.
4. Serve
Serve the creamy pesto salmon and broccoli over fluffy rice.
Garnish with fresh herbs and lemon zest for brightness.
Notes & Tips
Lighter option: Use Greek yogurt or coconut milk instead of cream.
Add crunch: Sprinkle toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds before serving.
Make it a bowl: Layer rice, broccoli, salmon, and drizzle extra pesto sauce on top.
Meal prep tip: Keeps well in the fridge for up to 2 days; reheat gently with a splash of milk or water.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Can I bake the salmon instead?
Yes — bake at 400°F (200°C) for 12–14 minutes, then pour the creamy pesto sauce over before serving.
Q2: Can I substitute broccoli?
Absolutely! Try asparagus, zucchini, or green beans.
Q3: Is this Mediterranean-friendly?
Yes — it uses olive oil, fish, greens, herbs, and healthy fats, all core parts of the Mediterranean diet.
Nutritional Information
Calories: ~480 kcal
Protein: 36 g
Carbohydrates: 28 g
Fat: 24 g
Fiber: 3 g
Sugar: 3 g