Pesto-Rubbed Baked Salmon with Smashed Cucumber and

Name: Pesto-Rubbed Baked Salmon with Smashed Cucumber and Green Apple Salad
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 30 min
Total time: 45 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: Unsalted butter, softened, as needed; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; Six 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets, preferably wild; 3 tablespoons prepared pesto; 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard; 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice; 1 English cucumber, peeled; Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper; 1/4 cup finely diced pitted Medjool dates (about 6); 2 green apples, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice; 1/2 cup toasted pine nuts; 3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil; 2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint; Juice of 1 lemon

Servings: persons

Unsalted butter, softened, as needed
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
Six 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets, preferably wild
3 tablespoons prepared pesto
2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice
1 English cucumber, peeled
Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper
1/4 cup finely diced pitted Medjool dates (about 6)
2 green apples, cored and cut into 1/4-inch dice
1/2 cup toasted pine nuts
3 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons chopped fresh mint
Juice of 1 lemon

1
For the salmon: Preheat the oven to 250 degrees F.
2
Brush a baking dish with a thin coat of softened butter and sprinkle a little salt and pepper over the surface.
3
Set the salmon fillets upright (flat-side down) on the baking dish, brush a little soft butter over each fillet and sprinkle them with salt and pepper.
4
In a small bowl, whisk the pesto, mustard and lemon juice together and season it with salt and pepper.
5
Spoon the mixture evenly over the salmon, covering the top surface only.
6
Bake until the desired doneness, 8 to 10 minutes for medium rare for 1 1/2-inch-thick fillets (cook longer for thicker pieces).
7
For the salad: Meanwhile, put the cucumber into a clean towel on a cutting board and smash it with the heel of your hand.
8
Unwrap the cucumber and slice it crosswise into 1/2-inch pieces; transfer them to a mixing bowl and sprinkle a little salt over them.
9
Add the dates and apples and stir to mix.
10
Add the pine nuts, olive oil, mint and lemon juice; season with salt and pepper, and toss until evenly combined.
11
Serve the salmon fillets on warm plates with the salad on the side.

337

kcal

Calories

Fat

Carbs

Protein

Fat Carbs Protein

* Per serving · 4 servings · Values may vary.

Tips for the best results

Read through all the steps once before you start and measure out your ingredients first — it makes everything go more smoothly.
Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning before serving.
Avoid overcrowding the pan — cook in batches if needed for the best texture.
Let the dish rest for a few minutes before serving so the flavors settle.
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy within a few days.

Variations & substitutions

Use a neutral oil or a plant-based spread in place of butter for a dairy-free version.
Leave out the nuts to make it nut-free, or swap in seeds for a similar crunch.

No specific allergen information. Please check the ingredient list for possible allergens.

My Personal Notes

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How did you like this recipe?

This recipe makes 4 servings. You can adjust the portion size directly on this page.

You need 14 ingredients. The key ingredients include: Unsalted butter, softened, as needed, Kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper, Six 6-ounce skinless salmon fillets, preferably wild, 3 tablespoons prepared pesto, and more.

Yes, Pesto-Rubbed Baked Salmon with Smashed Cucumber and Green Apple Salad falls under the Seafood category and is a great choice for this type of meal.

Keep refrigerated in an airtight container and enjoy within 1–2 days for the best freshness. Best served cold — no reheating needed.

That's it — enjoy your meal!

Pesto-Rubbed Baked Salmon with Smashed Cucumber and Green Apple Salad

Tips for the best results

Variations & substitutions

My Personal Notes

How did you like this recipe?

Frequently Asked Questions