Amazingly Moist Pesto Salmon and Asparagus in Foil (in 30 Minutes)

Inside: A super moist and flaky salmon filet topped with delicious basil pesto and juicy tomato on a bed of roasted asparagus, all wrapped up in a foil packet. Easy, quick, and healthy, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner recipe!

How about a simple recipe that’s healthy? And quick? And that’s all contained in its own foil packet making it a breeze to clean up?

This pesto salmon is my favorite fast delicious dinner for busy weeknights that I feel good about eating.

Cooking the fish in foil makes it so moist and flaky, even my family who aren’t huge salmon fans, eat it every time.

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The ingredients for pesto salmon.

• Salmon filets
• Traditional jarred pesto sauce (my favorite is this Classico Traditional Basil Pesto—it’s packed with flavor and available in most grocery stores)
• Fresh asparagus
• Grape or cherry tomatoes
• Lemon juice
• Olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Aluminum foil

See the recipe card for exact amounts.

How to make pesto salmon in foil.

1. Preheat the oven to 400 degrees.
2. Tear the foil. Cut four pieces approximately 12-14 inches wide.
3. Prep the asparagus. Wash and then cut or break off the tough ends. Toss the spears in a bowl with 2 tsps. of olive oil and salt and pepper. Divide it between the sheets of foil.

4. Add the salmon and pesto. Lay a salmon filet on top of the asparagus, and sprinkle with salt and pepper. Then spread a generous amount of pesto sauce over each piece of salmon.

5. Top with lemon juice and tomatoes. Drizzle lemon juice over the fish. Cut the grape tomatoes in half and toss in another teaspoon of olive oil and salt. Divide them over each salmon filet.

6. Fold the foil packets. Wrap the sides of the foil up over the salmon (but not too tightly). Then roll up and crimp the ends.

7. Bake. Place the foil packets on a baking sheet and bake for 20-25 minutes or until the fish flakes and is no longer bright pink inside (the internal temperature should be around 125-130 degrees).

SH&H Tip: Before serving, open the corner of each foil packet slightly and drain out the liquid that forms while cooking. Or remove the asparagus and fish and plate it without the foil.

This cooking method can also be used for one large salmon filet by piling it all into one large foil packet!

Pesto salmon FAQ’s.

What can I serve with pesto salmon?

This dish is a protein entree and a vegetable all in one and we usually don’t add anything with it. But it pairs beautifully with sides! Here are some delicious partners for this baked pesto salmon recipe:

• Green salad
• Jasmine rice
• Wild rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Crusty baked bread with butter

Can I grill pesto salmon packets?

Yes, you can. Heat the grill to medium-high heat (around 400 degrees) and place the foil packets on the grates. Grill for 20-25 minutes until the fillets are cooked all the way through.

Can I use my own homemade basil pesto?

Of course! I like pesto from the grocery store just because it makes this meal so fast. But you can make your own pesto with a little fresh basil, garlic cloves, seasonings, olive oil, parmesan, and a food processor.

I don’t like asparagus. Are there other options?

I’ve seen similar recipes use green beans. You’ll need to blanch them before adding to the packets.

If you love asparagus, here’s my most popular healthy salad on Pinterest featuring it.

Is this pesto salmon recipe keto friendly and low carb?

If you use storebought pesto like I do, it is fairly keto and low carb. If you are in the strict stages of these diets, you can further lower the carbs by researching the nutrition labels or making homemade.

Pile it on, wrap it up, pop it in the oven. What healthy meal could be easier?

This flaky salmon is moist and full of basil garlic goodness. Oh, and good-for-you fats and Vitamin B. 😊

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