This easy grilled salmon recipe in foil, with basil pesto and sautéed peppers and shallots, requires virtually no clean-up. It’s perfect for busy weeknights and entertaining!
By no choice of my husband’s, the grill has become my domain. His mistake was helping me to get over my irrational fear of turning on the gas grill (see How to: Turn on a Gas Grill if you know that fear well). I now wield the tongs like Annie Oakley wielded her six-shooter. I am one with the fire.
As soon as the nice weather hits, I turn to barbecuing for about 75% of our meals. One of our favorites, thanks to my mum’s ingenuity, is Easy Grilled Salmon in Foil with Ginger & Soy Sauce. Since that recipe is always such a success, I used the same principles, but changed up the flavors with a dollop of basil pesto and some sauteed red bell peppers and shallots.
And the leftovers? Killer on a pizza! That was my husband’s brilliant idea.
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While the peppers and shallots are cooking, smear the piece of salmon with some homemade or store-bought basil pesto. Make sure that you like the taste of the pesto you’re using because, besides the salmon itself, this is the essence of the recipe.
Cover the salmon with the sautéed peppers and shallots, and wrap it all in one pretty foil package. Ten to fifteen minutes later, you will be rewarded with a tender, flavorful meal. Easy, right?
The biggest challenge in any salmon recipe (okay, any fish recipe at all) is taking care not to overcook the salmon.
If have a little trick for you.
Stick a small sharp knife into the thickest part of the salmon and hold it there for 10 seconds. Remove the knife and cautiously touch it to your upper lip (it’s very sensitive to temperature). If the knife is hot, the fish is done.
Seriously, it works every time.
Other easy recipes for the grill:
Cookin’ Canuck’s Grilled Potatoes with Rosemary & Smoked Paprika
Cookin’ Canuck’s How to: Grill Corn
The Iron You’s Chicken Shawarma with Lime Avocado Mayo
Simple Healthy Kitchen’s Grilled Nectarine & Chevre Salad with Honey Fig Vinaigrette
Dessert for Two’s Smoky Portobello Tacos
If you make this recipe, I’d love to see it on Instagram! Just use the hashtag #COOKINCANUCK and I’ll be sure to find it.
Easy Grilled Pesto Salmon in Foil Recipe
Calories 254.1 / Total Fat 12.7g / Saturated Fat 2.3g / Cholesterol 65.2mg / Sodium 186.2mg / Total Carbohydrates 2.7g / Fiber 0.5g / Sugars 0.8g / Protein 32.0g / WW (Old Points) 6 / WW (Points+) 6
Ingredients
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 cup minced shallots
- 1 red bell pepper, cut into thin strips
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp ground pepper
- 1/2 salmon (about 1 1/2 lbs.), with or without skin (remove before eating)
- 3 tbsp basil pesto (purchased or homemade)
Directions
- Preheat the grill to medium heat.
- Heat the olive oil in a large skillet set over medium heat. Add the shallots and cook, stirring occasionally, for 2 minutes.
- Add the red bell pepper, salt and pepper, and cook until the bell pepper is just tender, about 3 minutes.
- Lay the salmon on a double sheet of foil that is lightly coated with cooking spray.
- Spread the pesto over the salmon and arrange the shallot and red bell peppers over the pesto.
- Seal the foil by folding it as though you wrapping a present. Slide the foil packet onto the grill and close the lid. Cook until the salmon is just cooked through, 10 to 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the salmon. Take care not to overcook the salmon.
- Unwrap the salmon from the foil,4cut into pieces and serve hot or at room temperature.
Recipe Notes
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Kelly says
It’s only 10:30am and my stomach is now grumbling for lunch! This salmon looks amazing!! Seriously wish I had some right now !
Liz @ The Lemon Bowl says
I love your tip for testing salmon on the grill!!!! Can I please come help you eat this?
Olivia says
I definitely must try this recipe in the summer. Here in Canada I always find the best wild salmon. My husband and I always have it for dinner. Thanks for sharing 😉
Carol at Wild Goose Tea says
Great tip for testing salmon. Sooooooooooo often salmon/ fish is overcooked.
Such a shame too. This is definitely quick and easy and keeps the grill clean too.
Funny about you taking over the grill. 🙂
cheri says
Hi Dara, your amazing, I am so afraid of our grill, good for you. Love salmon, this sounds delicious!
Crystal | Apples & Sparkle says
Gorgeous salmon! I love the flavors and the ease of the dish! : )
Margaret says
I just bought some salmon and was wondering about how to cook it. Get tired of same ol’ salmon. Thanks for this one. It is my supper tonite. Looks wonderful.
Stephanie Weaver, The Recipe Renovator says
Great recipe and great tip for testing it! I’ll have to figure out a pesto sub so I can make this (can’t do parmesan or nuts these days, but will think of something).
Jeanette | Jeanette's Healthy Living says
Love how easy and delicious this sounds Dara – grilling fish is one of my favorites during the summer. Love that tip to test doneness.
Donna says
Just added to my grilling Must Try list!
Cassie Sue says
I made this last night and it was fantastic! And it really couldn’t be any easier. Even my husband who swore that “Pesto is not his favorite” thought it was delicious. I did add a little red pepper flakes to the salmon, and topped it with some parmesan cheese when it came out of the oven (to woo the hubby) but those items really were not needed. I served it alongside some mashed potatoes.
I will be making it again in the future. Thanks!
Shirley says
when the cold weather hits here ( Montreal) , how long would you cook this in the oven? Great flavours! Thank you!