If you’re craving a dish that’s as vibrant in flavor as it is elegant in presentation, then you absolutely must try Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto. This recipe pairs perfectly crispy, golden-skinned salmon with a luscious, nutty pesto that bursts with fresh basil and zesty lemon. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a fusion of rich, buttery fish with the creamy crunch of macadamias. It’s surprisingly simple to make yet sophisticated enough to impress anyone at your dinner table.

Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

Don’t let the short list fool you—each ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role. From the creamy macadamia nuts that give the pesto its unique crunch to the fresh basil that adds a pop of color and herbal brightness, every component contributes to the dish’s unforgettable taste and texture.

Raw macadamia nuts: The secret to a rich, buttery pesto with satisfying crunch.
Fresh basil: Adds vibrant color and a fragrant, herbal flavor essential for pesto.
Garlic cloves: Infuses a hint of pungency and depth to balance the richness.
Half a lemon (juiced): Brightens the pesto with fresh acidity.
Sea salt: Enhances all the natural flavors beautifully.
Black pepper: A subtle heat to complement the creamy pesto.
Extra virgin olive oil: Helps bind the pesto ingredients into silky smoothness.
Wild-caught salmon fillets (1.5 lbs): Offers a freshness in flavor and a tender, flaky texture.
Butter or ghee: For searing the salmon to golden, crispy perfection.

How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto

Step 1: Prepare the Macadamia Pesto

Begin by combining the raw macadamia nuts, fresh basil, garlic, lemon juice, sea salt, and black pepper in a food processor. Blend until the mixture becomes smooth but still retains a bit of texture. Be sure to scrape down the sides to get everything evenly incorporated. Slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil as you continue blending, which will transform the mixture into a silky pesto that’s rich and vibrant.

Step 2: Prep the Salmon

Remove your salmon fillets from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking. This brings the fish to room temperature, ensuring even cooking. Rinse gently under cold water and then pat them completely dry with paper towels. This step is crucial—dry salmon skin sears up beautifully crisp, giving you that irresistible crunch.

Step 3: Season and Sear the Salmon

Sprinkle both sides of the fillets with sea salt. Heat butter or ghee in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot and shimmering. Carefully place the salmon fillets skin-side down into the pan. Cook for about 4 minutes per side for fillets around ¾-inch thick, adjusting the time if your fillets are thicker or thinner. The goal is a crispy, golden crust on the outside while the inside remains tender and flaky.

Step 4: Plate and Enjoy

Once cooked, transfer the salmon to plates and generously top each fillet with the luscious macadamia pesto. Garnish with a few fresh basil leaves if you like for an extra pop of color and aroma. Serve immediately to savor every mouthwatering bite of this stunning dish.

How to Serve Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto

Garnishes

A few fresh basil leaves on top bring a fresh herbal note and brighten the presentation beautifully. You can also add thin lemon wedges or a sprinkle of toasted macadamia nuts to enhance both flavor and texture on the plate.

Side Dishes

This Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted asparagus, or even a creamy cauliflower mash. Each side complements the rich salmon and fresh, nutty pesto without overpowering the dish’s delicate balance.

Creative Ways to Present

For a modern twist, serve the salmon atop a bed of lightly sautéed baby spinach or a quinoa salad tossed with fresh herbs. Drizzle extra macadamia pesto around the plate for a beautiful touch of color and flavor that will wow your guests.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto should be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Try to eat within 2 days for the best texture and flavor, as fish can dry out quickly.

Freezing

While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the cooked salmon and pesto separately in freezer-safe containers. Freeze salmon for up to 1 month and pesto for up to 3 months to maintain optimal taste.

Reheating

Reheat the salmon gently in a low oven or in a skillet over medium-low heat to preserve the crispy skin. Add the pesto fresh after warming to keep its brightness and texture intact.

FAQs

Can I make the macadamia pesto without a food processor?

While a food processor makes the job quicker and smoother, you can finely chop the ingredients by hand and then mix them together with oil. The texture will be a little chunkier and rustic, which can be quite delightful.

What can I use if I don’t have macadamia nuts?

Pine nuts or cashews make excellent substitutes for macadamia nuts in this pesto. They offer a similar creamy texture and mild flavor that complements the basil and salmon.

How do I ensure the salmon skin gets crispy?

The key is to pat the fillets dry thoroughly before cooking and to cook the skin-side down in a hot pan with butter or ghee without moving it too much. This allows the skin to render and crisp nicely.

Is wild-caught salmon necessary for this recipe?

Wild-caught salmon tends to have a richer flavor and firmer texture, which pairs beautifully with the pesto. However, farmed salmon can work if wild caught is unavailable—just be sure to select fresh, high-quality fillets.

Can this dish be made dairy-free?

Absolutely! Substitute the butter or ghee with a plant-based oil like avocado or coconut oil for pan-searing the salmon while keeping the recipe completely dairy-free.

Final Thoughts

This Pan-Seared Salmon with Macadamia Pesto is truly one of those dishes that feels like a special occasion, yet is simple enough for a weeknight dinner. The juicy, crispy salmon paired with the nutty, zesty pesto is guaranteed to brighten up any mealtime. Give it a try—you might just find a new favorite recipe to keep coming back to!