Almond Free Basil-Pesto Salmon Fillets
Bright, herbaceous, and genuinely stunning on the plate, this salmon dish delivers restaurant-level results with a surprisingly short ingredient list. The pesto here skips the traditional pine nuts entirely and leans on creamy avocado instead, giving it a silky, rich texture that clings beautifully to each fillet as it roasts. That swap also means anyone navigating tree-nut concerns can dig in without a second thought — no label-checking required. Fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, and a touch of ground ginger make the sauce pop with layers of flavor that feel anything but simple. The technique is straightforward: a quick stovetop sear locks in a golden crust, then the oven finishes the job while the pesto melts into the fish. Serving it with extra lemon wedges and a few torn basil leaves makes the whole thing look effortlessly put-together. It's the kind of weeknight dinner that feels like a special occasion without any of the fuss.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
4 servings
For the pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- ½ medium avocado, pitted and scooped
- 2 cloves garlic, peeled
- 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
- ¼ tsp ground ginger
For the salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- ½ tsp fine sea salt
For serving
- lemon wedges, for serving (optional)
- fresh basil leaves, for serving (optional)
Instructions
- 1
Preheat the oven to 400°F (205°C).
- 2
Combine the basil, avocado, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and ground ginger in a food processor or blender. Pulse several times to break everything down, then stream in the 1/4 cup olive oil with the motor running until the pesto is smooth and bright green. Taste and adjust salt if needed. Set aside.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!