A light, flavorful, protein-packed dinner ready in 20 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights.
💚 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Healthy & Low Carb: Zucchini noodles keep this dish light without sacrificing flavor.
- High Protein: Salmon provides omega-3s and lean protein.
- Fast & Easy: Ready in minutes with minimal cleanup.
- Fresh & Flavor-Packed: Basil pesto adds bold taste without needing many ingredients.
Short Description
This Pesto Salmon & Zucchini Noodles recipe brings together flaky pan-seared salmon, fresh zucchini noodles, and a vibrant basil pesto for a quick, nutritious dinner that tastes gourmet but cooks in under 20 minutes.
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Additional Time 0 minutes
Cook Temperature: Medium-High Heat (Stovetop, approx. 375°F)
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2 servings
Ingredients
Salmon
- 2 salmon fillets (5–6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
Zucchini Noodles
- 2 medium zucchini, spiralized
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 small garlic clove, minced
- Salt & pepper, to taste
Pesto
- 3 tbsp basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
- 1 tbsp grated Parmesan (optional)
- Cherry tomatoes or lemon slices (optional garnish)
👩🍳 Directions
1. Season the salmon.
Pat salmon dry and sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and lemon juice.
2. Cook the salmon.
Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat.
Add salmon fillets, skin-side down, and cook 3–4 minutes per side until golden and cooked through. Remove and set aside.
3. Prepare the zucchini noodles.
In the same pan, add 1 tbsp olive oil and minced garlic.
Add spiralized zucchini and sauté for 2–3 minutes until just softened (don’t overcook).
4. Toss with pesto.
Turn off heat, add pesto to the zucchini noodles, and toss lightly to coat.
5. Assemble and serve.
Place pesto zucchini on plates, top with the salmon, and garnish with cherry tomatoes or Parmesan if desired.
📝 Recipe Notes & Variations
• Extra Creamy: Add 1 tablespoon of heavy cream to the pesto.
• Spicy Kick: Add red pepper flakes to the salmon seasoning.
• Veggie Swap: Try squash noodles, steamed broccoli, or roasted cherry tomatoes.
• Air Fryer Option: Air fry salmon at 400°F for 10–12 minutes.
• Meal Prep: Store zucchini and salmon separately to avoid sogginess.
🍽️ Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
(Assuming the recipe makes 2 servings — values below are for 1 bowl)
- Calories: 430
- Protein: 38g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Total Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 13g
- Polyunsaturated Fat (Omega-3 rich): 6g
- Cholesterol: 110mg
- Sodium: 540mg
- Sugar: 6g
- Vitamin A: 20% DV
- Vitamin C: 45% DV
- Calcium: 6% DV
- Iron: 10% DV
- Potassium: 840mg
🛒 Helpful Kitchen Tools
- Spiralizer — Get on Amazon
- Nonstick Skillet — Get on Amazon
- Fish Spatula — Get on Amazon
- Meal Prep Containers — Get on Amazon
