Grilled Salmon with Creamy Pesto Sauce: An Easy and Elegant Recipe

Grilled salmon is a classic dish, renowned for its simplicity and health benefits. Elevate this simple meal to a gourmet experience with a vibrant and luscious creamy pesto sauce. This recipe combines the smoky char of perfectly grilled salmon with the herbaceous freshness of pesto, enriched with cream for a silky smooth texture. The result is a dish that is both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

## Why This Recipe Works

* **Quick and Easy:** This recipe requires minimal prep time and cooks quickly, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
* **Flavorful:** The combination of grilled salmon and creamy pesto sauce creates a symphony of flavors that is both satisfying and delicious.
* **Healthy:** Salmon is a rich source of omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and essential nutrients. Pesto adds a boost of antioxidants and healthy fats.
* **Versatile:** This dish can be served with a variety of sides, such as roasted vegetables, pasta, or a simple salad.
* **Impressive Presentation:** The vibrant green sauce and perfectly grilled salmon make for a visually appealing dish that is sure to impress your guests.

## Ingredients

### For the Salmon:

* 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off (your preference)
* 1 tablespoon olive oil
* 1 teaspoon salt
* 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
* 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder (optional)
* 1/4 teaspoon paprika (optional)
* Lemon wedges, for serving

### For the Creamy Pesto Sauce:

* 1/2 cup prepared pesto (store-bought or homemade)
* 1/4 cup heavy cream
* 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
* 1 tablespoon lemon juice
* 1 clove garlic, minced (optional, if your pesto is mild)
* Salt and pepper to taste

## Equipment

* Grill or grill pan
* Small bowl
* Whisk
* Tongs
* Instant-read thermometer (recommended)

## Instructions

### Preparing the Salmon

1. **Preheat the grill:** Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (around 400-450°F or 200-230°C). If using a grill pan, heat it over medium-high heat on the stovetop.
2. **Prepare the salmon:** Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps to achieve a better sear. Drizzle the salmon with olive oil and season generously with salt, pepper, garlic powder (if using), and paprika (if using). Make sure to coat both sides of the salmon fillets evenly.
3. **Oil the grill grates:** Lightly oil the grill grates with cooking spray or a paper towel dipped in oil. This will prevent the salmon from sticking.

### Grilling the Salmon

1. **Grill the salmon:** Place the salmon fillets on the preheated grill, skin-side down (if using skin-on fillets). If using skinless fillets, place them directly on the grill grates.
2. **Cook the salmon:** Grill the salmon for 4-6 minutes per side, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets and the temperature of your grill. Use an instant-read thermometer to check the internal temperature of the salmon; it should reach 145°F (63°C).
3. **Avoid Overcooking:** Be careful not to overcook the salmon, as it can become dry. It is better to slightly undercook the salmon, as it will continue to cook slightly after being removed from the grill. The flesh should be opaque and easily flake with a fork when it is done.

### Preparing the Creamy Pesto Sauce

1. **Combine ingredients:** In a small bowl, combine the pesto, heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and minced garlic (if using). Whisk until smooth and well combined.
2. **Season to taste:** Taste the sauce and season with salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust the amount of lemon juice or Parmesan cheese to achieve your desired flavor. For a richer flavor, you can add a touch more Parmesan cheese. For a brighter flavor, add a bit more lemon juice. Remember that pesto itself can be salty, so be mindful when adding extra salt.

### Assembling and Serving

1. **Plate the salmon:** Place the grilled salmon fillets on plates.
2. **Spoon the sauce:** Spoon the creamy pesto sauce over the salmon fillets.
3. **Garnish and serve:** Garnish with extra Parmesan cheese, a sprig of basil, and lemon wedges, if desired. Serve immediately.

## Tips for Grilling the Perfect Salmon

* **Choose the right salmon:** Look for fresh, high-quality salmon fillets. Sockeye salmon and King salmon are excellent choices for grilling, as they have a rich flavor and high fat content, which helps to keep them moist.
* **Pat the salmon dry:** Patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels before grilling helps to achieve a better sear and prevents them from steaming.
* **Oil the grill grates:** Oiling the grill grates prevents the salmon from sticking and makes it easier to remove from the grill.
* **Don’t overcrowd the grill:** Cook the salmon in batches if necessary to avoid overcrowding the grill. Overcrowding the grill can lower the temperature and prevent the salmon from cooking evenly.
* **Use an instant-read thermometer:** An instant-read thermometer is the best way to ensure that the salmon is cooked to the correct internal temperature (145°F or 63°C).
* **Let the salmon rest:** After grilling, let the salmon rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more moist and flavorful salmon fillet.

## Variations

* **Spicy Pesto:** Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the pesto sauce for a spicy kick.
* **Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto:** Use sun-dried tomato pesto instead of traditional basil pesto for a different flavor profile.
* **Lemon-Herb Pesto:** Add lemon zest and fresh herbs, such as dill or parsley, to the pesto sauce for a brighter, more aromatic flavor.
* **Goat Cheese Pesto:** Substitute some of the Parmesan cheese with goat cheese for a tangy and creamy twist.
* **Grilled Vegetables:** Grill some vegetables, such as asparagus, zucchini, or bell peppers, alongside the salmon for a complete meal.
* **Pasta:** Serve the grilled salmon and creamy pesto sauce over pasta, such as linguine or fettuccine.
* **Salad:** Flake the grilled salmon and toss it with a green salad and the creamy pesto sauce for a light and refreshing meal.

## Serving Suggestions

* **Roasted Vegetables:** Serve with roasted asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes.
* **Quinoa or Rice:** Serve over a bed of quinoa or brown rice.
* **Pasta:** Toss with your favorite pasta, such as linguine, fettuccine, or penne.
* **Salad:** Serve with a simple green salad or a more elaborate salad with mixed greens, tomatoes, cucumbers, and a vinaigrette dressing.
* **Crusty Bread:** Serve with crusty bread for soaking up the delicious creamy pesto sauce.

## Making Pesto From Scratch

While store-bought pesto works perfectly well in this recipe, making your own pesto from scratch is surprisingly easy and yields a fresher, more vibrant flavor. Here’s a basic recipe for homemade pesto:

### Ingredients for Homemade Pesto:

* 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
* 1/4 cup pine nuts
* 2 cloves garlic, minced
* 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
* 1/2 cup olive oil
* Salt and pepper to taste

### Instructions for Homemade Pesto:

1. **Combine ingredients:** In a food processor, combine the basil leaves, pine nuts, and garlic. Pulse until coarsely chopped.
2. **Add Parmesan cheese:** Add the Parmesan cheese and pulse until combined.
3. **Slowly drizzle in olive oil:** With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy.
4. **Season to taste:** Season with salt and pepper to taste.

### Tips for Making Homemade Pesto:

* **Use fresh basil:** Fresh basil is essential for the best flavor. Avoid using wilted or bruised basil leaves.
* **Toast the pine nuts:** Toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto enhances their flavor. To toast pine nuts, spread them in a single layer on a baking sheet and bake at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes, or until lightly golden brown.
* **Use a food processor:** A food processor is the easiest way to make pesto. However, you can also use a mortar and pestle for a more traditional method.
* **Store pesto properly:** Store homemade pesto in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. To prevent the pesto from browning, drizzle a thin layer of olive oil over the top before storing.
* **Freeze pesto:** Pesto can also be frozen for longer storage. Divide the pesto into ice cube trays and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the pesto cubes to a freezer bag and store in the freezer for up to 3 months.

## Health Benefits of Salmon

Salmon is a nutritional powerhouse, offering a wide range of health benefits. Here are some of the key benefits of including salmon in your diet:

* **Rich in Omega-3 Fatty Acids:** Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for brain health, heart health, and reducing inflammation.
* **High in Protein:** Salmon is a complete protein source, providing all the essential amino acids your body needs.
* **Good Source of Vitamin D:** Salmon is one of the few food sources of vitamin D, which is important for bone health and immune function.
* **Rich in B Vitamins:** Salmon is a good source of B vitamins, which are essential for energy production and nerve function.
* **Contains Antioxidants:** Salmon contains antioxidants, such as astaxanthin, which can help protect against cell damage.

## Nutritional Information (per serving)

* Calories: Approximately 450-550
* Protein: 40-50 grams
* Fat: 25-35 grams
* Carbohydrates: 5-10 grams

*Note: Nutritional information is an estimate and may vary depending on the specific ingredients used.*

Enjoy this delicious and healthy Grilled Salmon with Creamy Pesto Sauce! It’s a simple yet elegant dish that is perfect for any occasion.