Looking for a great date night recipe this spring? This Pesto Salmon and Goat Cheese, Cranberries, and Walnuts is pretty enough for the job and is chock full of my favorite flavors. The richness of the pesto and warm goat cheese is set off deliciously by a bit of sweetness from the cranberries. The walnuts add just enough texture to the dish to make it extra satisfying. Don’t worry, although it sounds impressive, this great recipe couldn’t be simpler to make!
Pesto Salmon Recipe
This baked pesto salmon recipe is bursting with flavor and yet is a fast and easy recipe to make. Salmon is full of healthy fats so you can feel good about this yummy, healthy dinner recipe. Use these step by step cooking directions with photos or skip to the recipe card as you prefer.
Ingredients:
- Fresh Salmon (1 fillet per person, fillets are typically 5-6 oz each)
- Olive oil
- Pesto (homemade pesto with fresh basil and pine nuts or grocery store bought works just fine and is perfect on a busy weeknight)
- Black Pepper
- Parmesan cheese
- Goat cheese (feta could also be used)
- Chopped walnuts ( I used honey coated for added flavor)
- Craisins (dried cranberries)
How To Make Baked Salmon And Pesto:
Preheat oven to 365 degrees fahrenheit. Rinse off salmon filets in cool water and pat dry. In baking dish (skin side down if it still has it), coat the fillets in olive oil, and a little salt and black pepper as desired.
Cover the top of the salmon fillets generously with the pesto sauce and sprinkle with parmesan cheese.
Cover dish with tin foil and bake for about 25 minutes, depending on how well you like your salmon cooked. Combine chopped walnuts and craisins together in light olive oil.
Top cooked salmon with cranberry and walnut mixture and sprinkle on the goat cheese crumbles. Bake uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the salmon fillet. You can check the internal temperature to ensure it is done.
Serve and enjoy. I love it alongside a rice pilaf for a complete meal. It would also be great served with a salad if you prefer.
Salmon can be expensive, but this super food is worth it! This fish has some amazing health benefits and if you’re looking for beautiful skin, nails, and hair look no further. It’s a high-quality protein, packed full of vitamins and minerals like potassium, selenium, and vitamin B12. Most awesome is their high content of omega-3 fatty acids which promotes healthy brain and heart function. Salmon is a super healthy choice during pregnancy as well, just be careful to limit your intake to under 12 oz a week due to the mercury content. I couldn’t think of a better dish that will make you feel great AND look great than this baked pesto salmon!
Printable Recipe Card For Pesto Salmon And Goat Cheese
Pesto Salmon with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, And Cranberries
Ingredients
- 4 Salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp Olive oil
- 8 tbsp Pesto
- pinch Black Pepper
- 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese
- 1/2 cup Goat cheese crumbles
- 1/4 cup Chopped walnuts
- 1/4 cup Dried cranberries
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 365ᵒ.
- Rinse off salmon fillets in cool water and pat dry. In baking dish (skin side down if it still has it), coat the fillets in olive oil, and black pepper as desired.
- Layer the top of the salmon fillets generously with the pesto sauce and sprinkle with parmesean cheese.
- Cover dish with tin foil and bake for 25 minutes.
- Combine chopped walnuts and dried cranberries together in light olive oil.
- Top cooked salmon with cranberry and walnut mixture and sprinkle on the goat cheese crumbles.
- Bake uncovered, for another 5-10 minutes depending on the thickness of the fish.
- Serve and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Pesto Salmon with Goat Cheese, Walnuts, And Cranberries
Serves: 4
| Amount Per Serving: | ||
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 663.8 kcal | |
| % Daily Value* | ||
| Total Fat 48.92 g | 73.8% | |
| Saturated Fat 12.35 g | 60% | |
| Trans Fat 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol 112.9 mg | 37.3% | |
| Sodium 671.97 mg | 28% | |
| Total Carbohydrate 10.24 g | 3.3% | |
| Dietary Fiber 1.5 g | 4% | |
| Sugars 5.19 g | ||
| Protein 45.05 g | ||
| Vitamin A 9.35 % | Vitamin C 7.49 % | |
| Calcium 22.17 % | Iron 12.32 % | |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Family Focus Blog
Conclusion
Trying salmon with pesto and goat cheese offers a flavorful combination of rich textures and tastes. The creamy, tangy taste of goat cheese pairs well with the fresh, herby notes of pesto, while the mild richness of salmon balances these flavors. Together, they create a harmonious dish that’s savory and satisfying.
Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, great for heart health. Goat cheese adds calcium and protein, and pesto (especially when made with ingredients like basil, garlic, and olive oil) brings antioxidants and healthy fats. In addition, this combination can be quickly assembled by baking or grilling the salmon, spreading pesto, and adding crumbled or melted goat cheese on top for a gourmet-style dish with minimal effort.
Just a few simple ingredients and it is such a delicious way to enjoy Atlantic salmon. I hope you enjoy this pesto salmon recipe with goat cheese, cranberries and walnuts. What is your favorite way to prepare salmon? Tell us about it in the comments or share on social media @familyfocusblog!
Related Recipes:
Easy Pesto Sauce Recipe- Lip Smacking Good!
Erlene says
This looks wonderful and a different way to prepare salmon. I love goats cheese with salmon so I can’t wait to try this pesto salmon and the toppings.