Rice Free Basil-Pesto Salmon Fillets
Bright, herby, and rich without feeling heavy, these oven-finished salmon fillets are the kind of weeknight dinner that looks far more impressive than the effort involved. The star of the show is a vibrant blender pesto made with fresh basil, creamy avocado, garlic, and a hit of lemon juice — no pine nuts, no cheese, just clean, bold flavor that clings beautifully to the fish. Skipping rice as a base is genuinely no sacrifice here, because the salmon is satisfying and complete on its own, especially with that luscious pesto melting into every flake. The technique is straightforward: a quick stovetop sear locks in a golden crust before the oven finishes the job gently, so you get perfectly cooked fish every single time. A squeeze of fresh lemon at the table ties everything together and keeps the whole plate feeling light and bright. Whether you're pairing it with roasted vegetables, a simple salad, or just eating it as-is, this one earns a permanent spot in the dinner rotation.
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!