There’s something truly delightful about combining the fresh, bright flavors of salsa verde with rich, tender salmon. This Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe is a perfectly balanced dish that’s both elegant and incredibly easy to prepare. Whether you’re a seafood lover or just looking to jazz up your weeknight dinners, this recipe brings together juicy salmon fillets topped with a vibrant green salsa that’s bursting with herbs and citrus. It’s wholesome, colorful, and guaranteed to make your taste buds sing!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Each ingredient in this Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe is chosen for its simplicity and how it enhances the final dish. From the flavorful herbs in the salsa verde to the perfectly seasoned salmon, every component plays a crucial role in crafting the perfect bite.
- Fresh Salmon Fillets: Aim for skinless fillets about 4 to 6 ounces each to ensure even cooking and a tender texture.
- Salsa Verde: A vibrant blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lime juice, and green chilies adds that zesty kick and gorgeous color.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Essential for a delicious sear, it brings a subtle fruitiness that complements the fish beautifully.
- Salt: Simply adjust to taste to enhance the natural flavors without overpowering them.
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper: Adds a gentle heat and depth to the salmon seasonings.
- Lime: Fresh wedges provide a bright, tangy finish when served alongside the dish.
How to Make Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Start by heating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This perfect temperature will gently finish cooking the salmon once it’s seared, keeping the fillets moist and flavorful.
Step 2: Season the Salmon
Pat your salmon fillets dry with paper towels—this helps you get a beautiful sear later. Then, season both sides evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper to bring out the best flavor.
Step 3: Sear the Salmon
Heat the extra virgin olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until it shimmers. Place the salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down if your fillets have skin, and let them sear for 4 to 5 minutes until they develop a gorgeous golden crust.
Step 4: Flip and Cook Through
Carefully flip the salmon and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork—deliciously tender and juicy every time.
Step 5: Add Salsa Verde and Bake
Transfer the salmon to a baking dish and generously spoon your fresh salsa verde over each fillet. Pop it into your preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes to let the flavors meld perfectly and warm through.
Step 6: Serve with Lime Wedges
Once out of the oven, serve immediately with lime wedges on the side. A squeeze of lime brightens the dish and brings everything together for an irresistible finish.
How to Serve Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate your Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe, add a sprinkle of chopped fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an extra pop of green and freshness. Thinly sliced radishes or a few microgreens can also add a nice crunchy texture and colorful appeal.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. Think fluffy cilantro-lime rice, roasted seasonal vegetables, or a crisp green salad to balance the richness of the fish. For something heartier, creamy mashed potatoes or garlic sautéed greens are perfect companions.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party or just to impress yourself, serve the salmon atop a bed of quinoa tossed with diced avocado and cherry tomatoes. You can also plate the fillets alongside grilled corn on the cob or atop warm tortillas for a fish taco twist that’s bursting with flavor.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftover salmon with salsa verde, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keeping the salsa separate from the fish until serving helps maintain the best texture.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze cooked salmon with salsa verde for up to 1 month. Wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container or bag to prevent freezer burn.
Reheating
To reheat your Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe, gently warm in a low oven (around 275°F or 135°C) for about 10 minutes. Avoid microwaving if possible, as it can dry out the delicate salmon. Serve with fresh lime wedges to revive the bright flavors.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to fully thaw the salmon before cooking and pat it dry to get that perfect sear. Thawing overnight in the refrigerator works best.
Is salsa verde spicy?
It can be mildly spicy, depending on the chilies used in the salsa verde. If you prefer milder flavors, choose a milder green chili or reduce the amount slightly.
Can I make the salsa verde from scratch?
Yes! Making your own salsa verde is easy and rewarding. Blend fresh herbs like cilantro and parsley with garlic, lime juice, green chilies, and a pinch of salt for the freshest taste.
What if I don’t have a skillet? Can I bake the salmon directly?
While searing adds fantastic texture and flavor, you can bake the salmon directly with salsa verde at 400°F for about 12 to 15 minutes until cooked through. The dish will still be delicious but miss that crispy crust.
Can this recipe be doubled for a larger group?
Definitely! Just adjust your pan size and cook the salmon in batches if needed to ensure each fillet is perfectly cooked and seared.
Final Thoughts
If you’re craving a dish that is fresh, flavorful, and downright satisfying, look no further than this Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe. It strikes the perfect balance between elegant and effortless, making it a go-to for weekday dinners or special occasions. I encourage you to give it a try and watch how quickly it becomes a beloved favorite on your table. Enjoy every vibrant bite!
Print
Simple Salsa Verde Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Simple Salsa Verde Salmon recipe combines tender, seared salmon fillets with vibrant, herbaceous salsa verde for a quick, flavorful meal. The salmon is perfectly cooked on the stovetop then finished in the oven, allowing the salsa verde to warm and meld with the fish. Served with fresh lime wedges, this dish is bright, healthy, and comes together in under 30 minutes making it ideal for an easy weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 Fresh Salmon Fillets (4 to 6 ounces each, skinless)
- 1 teaspoon Salt (adjust to taste)
- 0.5 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper
- 2 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Salsa Verde & Garnish
- 1 cup Salsa Verde (blend of fresh herbs, garlic, lime juice, and green chilies)
- 1 whole Lime (cut into wedges for serving)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for finishing the salmon after searing.
- Season Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry using paper towels to ensure a good sear. Season both sides evenly with salt and freshly ground black pepper.
- Heat Skillet: Place a skillet over medium-high heat and heat the olive oil until it is shimmering, indicating it is hot enough for searing.
- Sear Salmon: Add the salmon fillets to the hot skillet, placing them skin-side down if the skin is present. Sear for 4 to 5 minutes until the bottom is golden and crispy.
- Flip and Cook: Carefully flip the salmon fillets and cook for an additional 3 to 4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add Salsa Verde: Transfer the seared salmon fillets to a baking dish. Spoon the salsa verde evenly over the top of each fillet to infuse flavor during baking.
- Bake: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 5 to 7 minutes until the salsa verde is warmed through and the salmon is cooked to your liking.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and immediately serve each salmon fillet with lime wedges on the side to squeeze over just before eating for a fresh, citrusy burst.
Notes
- Use skinless salmon for a quick sear and easy serving, or with skin if you prefer extra crispy texture.
- Salsa verde can be store-bought or homemade using ingredients like fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, lime juice, and green chilies blended together.
- Watch the salmon closely while searing and baking to avoid overcooking and maintain tender, flaky texture.
- For an extra touch, garnish with chopped fresh herbs or a sprinkle of chili flakes for added heat.
- This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh green salad for a balanced meal.
