Pan-Seared Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomato Pesto

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-06-14 · Updated 2026-06-14

A vibrant pan-seared salmon dish served with a tangy sun-dried tomato pesto, inspired by fresh Mediterranean flavors. This Mediterranean-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil) for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 4 pieces, 6 oz each salmon fillets
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes (packed in oil)
• 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp pine nuts
• 1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 minced garlic cloves
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

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Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the salmon skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until cooked through but still moist.
2. Step 2: While the salmon cooks, combine 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves, 2 tbsp pine nuts, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1 tbsp olive oil in a food processor. Pulse until coarsely blended into a vibrant pesto with small chunks remaining.
3. Step 3: Remove the salmon from heat and let rest for 2 minutes. Plate each fillet and spoon 2 tbsp of the sun-dried tomato pesto over the top, serving immediately with a wedge of lemon on the side.