Easy Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli Recipes

If you’re looking for a delicious dinner that combines vibrant flavors, wholesome ingredients, and minimal fuss, this Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli recipe is an absolute winner. Bursting with fresh pesto, tender salmon, crispy roasted potatoes, and perfectly cooked broccoli, it’s a meal that comes together quickly and offers a delightful balance of texture and taste. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just treating yourself, this easy recipe promises a satisfying plate that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Effortless Flavor: Bright pesto brings phenomenal taste without complicated sauces or ingredients.
• One-Pan Magic: Roasting salmon, potatoes, and broccoli together saves time and cleanup.
• Healthy & Balanced: Packed with omega-3s, veggies, and wholesome carbs, it’s nutrition done right.
• Versatile for Any Night: Perfect for weeknight dinners or easy entertaining with a gourmet touch.
• Customizable: Easily adapt with fresh herbs, spices, or other veggies depending on what you have on hand.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli recipe are straightforward but essential for building layers of flavor and texture. Each component plays a key role to ensure your dish is perfectly balanced, colorful, and satisfying.

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh or thawed, firm but tender for flaky, juicy results with a crispy exterior.
• Yukon Gold Potatoes: Small to medium-sized, ideal for roasting to golden perfection with a creamy inside.
• Broccoli Florets: Bright green and crisp-tender to complement the rich salmon and earthiness of potatoes.
• Basil Pesto: Fresh or store-bought, made with basil, pine nuts, garlic, and Parmesan for herbaceous depth.
• Olive Oil: High-quality extra virgin, perfect for coating and roasting to create a luscious finish.
• Salt and Pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance every ingredient and bring all the flavors together.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Adds a bright, zesty kick that lifts the entire dish.

Variations for Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli

This recipe is incredibly flexible, making it fun to tailor to your preferences, dietary restrictions, or seasonal ingredients. Don’t be afraid to experiment to make it your own!

• Swap the Potatoes: Use sweet potatoes or fingerlings for a different texture and subtle sweetness.
• Change Your Greens: Substitute broccoli for asparagus, green beans, or Brussels sprouts based on what you like.
• Add Heat: Mix red pepper flakes into the pesto or drizzle a spicy oil over the dish for a kick.
• Make it Vegan: Replace salmon with marinated tofu or chickpeas and use a dairy-free pesto.
• Herb Twist: Try swapping basil with cilantro or parsley to give your pesto a fresh new flavor profile.

How to Make Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Wash the potatoes thoroughly and cut them into even, bite-sized pieces so they cook uniformly. Trim broccoli florets into manageable sizes, ensuring they roast quickly alongside everything else.

Step 2: Toss Potatoes with Olive Oil and Seasoning

In a large bowl, coat the potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out evenly on a baking sheet or roasting pan, giving them plenty of space for crispiness. Roast these for about 20 minutes to get them started.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon and Broccoli

While the potatoes begin roasting, pat the salmon dry and spread a generous layer of basil pesto all over each fillet. Toss broccoli florets lightly in olive oil, salt, and pepper. Once the potatoes have roasted for 20 minutes, add the broccoli florets to the pan, nestle the pesto-coated salmon on top, and continue roasting.

Step 4: Roast Everything Together

Roast for an additional 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the broccoli is tender but still vibrant and slightly crisp. The potatoes should be golden brown and fully cooked through.

Step 5: Finish with Fresh Lemon

Remove from the oven and squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon and veggies to add brightness and a refreshing zing. Serve hot and enjoy the marvelous combination of rich, herby, and roasted flavors.

Pro Tips for Making Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli

• Use Uniform Cuts: Cutting potatoes and broccoli into similar sizes ensures even cooking and avoids overdone or undercooked pieces.
• Dry Your Salmon Well: Patting the fillets dry before applying pesto helps the surface crisp up better.
• Don’t Overcrowd: Give everything space on the sheet pan for roasting to maximize browning and texture.
• Quality Pesto Matters: Fresh homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought version makes a noticeable difference in flavor.
• Check Oven Temperature: Using an oven thermometer can help maintain the right temperature for perfect roasting.

How to Serve Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli

Garnishes

Fresh basil leaves, lemon zest, or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts add color and extra flavor layers, bringing the dish to life and adding an elegant finish.

Side Dishes

Pair this main with a crisp mixed green salad or a light quinoa pilaf to complement the rich pesto salmon and roasted veggies without overpowering the flavors.

Creative Ways to Present

For a restaurant-quality touch, arrange salmon fillets atop the potatoes and broccoli on a large serving platter, drizzle with extra pesto or balsamic glaze, and add edible flowers or microgreens for visual appeal.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Cool the leftover pesto salmon with potatoes and broccoli completely before transferring to an airtight container. Store in the refrigerator, where it will keep fresh for up to 3 days.

Freezing

You can freeze leftovers, but for best taste and texture, separate the salmon from the potatoes and broccoli when freezing. Wrap individually to maintain quality, then thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat leftovers gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through. Using the oven helps preserve the crispy edges on potatoes and salmon, unlike microwaving, which can make textures soggy.

FAQs

Can I use other fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! Firm fishes like cod, halibut, or trout work wonderfully with pesto and go well with roasted potatoes and broccoli.

Is store-bought pesto okay to use?

Yes, high-quality store-bought pesto can save time and still provide delicious flavor, but homemade pesto offers the freshest taste and can be customized.

How can I make this recipe paleo or keto-friendly?

Simply swap roasted potatoes for cauliflower florets or zucchini for a low-carb alternative while keeping the rest of the recipe the same.

Can I prepare this meal ahead of time for a dinner party?

Yes! Prep all components ahead, keep salmon and veggies separate from potatoes, then roast everything fresh just before serving for best results.

What’s the best way to ensure salmon stays moist while roasting?

Coating salmon with pesto and roasting it along with moist vegetables helps keep it tender; avoid overcooking by checking for flakiness at 15-20 minutes.

Final Thoughts

There’s something so comforting about a meal that’s both easy to prepare and bursting with fresh, vibrant flavors. This Pesto Salmon with Potatoes & Broccoli recipe delivers just that, combining wholesome ingredients and simple techniques for a truly satisfying result. Whether you’re cooking for a cozy night in or impressing guests, give this recipe a try—you might just find your new favorite weeknight go-to!

Related Posts

• Easy Honey Lime Chicken Enchiladas Recipe to Try
• Why Marry Me Chicken Is a Must-Try Recipe
• How to Perfect Salt and Pepper Shrimp Fast

Print