This low carb creamy pesto salmon is one of those weeknight dinners that looks and tastes like you put in a ton of effort, but it’s really just one herby mixture slathered over raw salmon and baked in a cast iron skillet. The sauce is a simple mash-up of basil pesto, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, and a squeeze of lemon juice that bakes into a rich, tangy crust over the fish. I started making this on nights when I wanted something a little fancy but didn’t have the brain space for a long recipe, and it quickly became a regular in our rotation.
Serve this creamy pesto salmon straight from the cast iron skillet with something that soaks up the extra sauce, like roasted asparagus, sautéed green beans, or a simple side salad with a lemony vinaigrette to keep things low carb. If you’re cooking for a mixed crowd, add a small portion of buttered pasta, cauliflower rice, or roasted baby potatoes on the side. A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling water with lemon pairs really nicely with the bright, herby flavors.
