Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe – Delicious & Easy Recipe

If you are on the hunt for a vibrant, flavorful dinner that’s both nutritious and satisfying, look no further than this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe – Delicious & Easy. It brings together tender, perfectly seared salmon filet with a luxuriously smooth roasted red pepper sauce that delivers a delightful balance of smoky sweetness and creamy richness. Whether you’re cooking for a quick weeknight meal or impressing guests, this dish feels special without complicated steps. You’ll love how the mellow coconut milk-based sauce complements the flaky salmon, making each bite an irresistible experience that invites you back for seconds.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this recipe lies in its simple, wholesome ingredients that each play an important role—bringing texture, color, and layers of flavor to the table. When brought together, these components make the dish pop with freshness and depth without needing flashy extras.

• 2 lbs salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon portions form the hearty protein base, ensuring juicy, rich flavor.
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil: Chosen for its high smoke point and mild taste, perfect for searing the salmon perfectly.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt: Enhances the natural flavors without overpowering, allowing the salmon and sauce to shine.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds warmth and subtle savory notes that marry beautifully with the pepper sauce.
• ½ tsp paprika: Delivers mild smokiness and a gorgeous reddish hue to the salmon crust.
• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped: Brings sweetness and aromatic depth to the roasted red pepper sauce.
• 5 large cloves garlic, minced: Intensifies the sauce with a bold, fragrant punch.
• 1 (16-oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained: The star ingredient of the sauce, lending vibrant color and that signature smoky sweetness.
• 1 (15-oz) can full-fat coconut milk: Adds a velvety creaminess and slight tropical flair, making the sauce silky smooth.
• 1 tsp sea salt, to taste: Balances all flavors in the sauce for a harmonious finish.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional): Provide bursts of juicy freshness and a pop of color.
• 5 ounces baby spinach (optional): Lightly wilted greens that add a pleasant earthiness and nutrient boost.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe – Delicious & Easy

Step 1: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

Start by warming 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Toss in the chopped yellow onion and cook it gently until soft and translucent, about 5 minutes. Then add the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, roughly 2 to 3 minutes. This fragrant base is essential because it deepens the flavor and mellows the sharpness of the garlic.

Next, transfer this onion and garlic mixture to a blender. Add the drained roasted red peppers, coconut milk, and sea salt. Blend everything together until silky smooth. This sauce will be the luscious heart of your dish, so take a moment to appreciate its beautiful reddish hue and creamy texture. Set aside the sauce while you prepare the salmon.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Pat the salmon portions dry, then sprinkle each with garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt for that perfect flavor boost. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the pan skin side up with the fleshy side down first—this technique helps get a nice sear without the skin sticking.

Cook the salmon for about 6 minutes before carefully flipping it to the skin side. Continue cooking for another 4 minutes, or until the salmon reaches your preferred doneness—ideally between 125 and 145 degrees Fahrenheit for a tender, flaky bite. Watch for that golden crust forming, it’s pure magic!

Step 3: Put It All Together

Use the same skillet to gently warm the roasted red pepper sauce over medium heat. If you’re adding cherry tomatoes and baby spinach, stir them in now. Cook for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach wilts and the tomatoes soften slightly. This step adds fresh bursts of flavor and lovely texture contrast to the creamy sauce.

Serve the salmon fillets on individual plates or shallow bowls. Spoon the roasted red pepper sauce generously over the salmon, allowing that silky creaminess to coat every bite. This is the moment where everything comes together, effortlessly creating a harmony of taste and color on your plate.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe – Delicious & Easy

Garnishes

To elevate your plating, sprinkle freshly chopped parsley or basil over the dish for a burst of herbal brightness. A light drizzle of lemon juice or a few lemon wedges on the side can add a vibrant citrus note that cuts through the richness beautifully. Toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can also provide a pleasant crunch that contrasts nicely with the tender salmon and creamy sauce.

Side Dishes

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe – Delicious & Easy pairs exceptionally well with simple yet complementary sides. Think fluffy steamed jasmine or basmati rice, mashed potatoes with a touch of butter and garlic, or even a bed of al dente pasta tossed lightly with olive oil and herbs. Roasted or steamed asparagus, green beans, or a crisp salad would add freshness and balance to your meal.

Creative Ways to Present

If you’re feeling adventurous, serve this salmon recipe over a creamy polenta or a quinoa pilaf for extra texture and nutrition. Another fun idea is to plate the salmon on individual lettuce cups for a lighter, hand-held dining experience. Alternatively, serve alongside roasted vegetable stacks or spiraled zucchini noodles for a lower-carb option that still looks stunning and tastes fantastic.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

After enjoying your meal, refrigerate any leftover salmon and sauce in an airtight container within two hours to maintain freshness. The flavors meld even better after a day in the fridge, making leftovers a delight for your next meal.

Freezing

You can freeze the roasted red pepper sauce separately in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. To freeze cooked salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then place it in a freezer bag to prevent freezer burn. Keep in mind that salmon texture may slightly change after freezing, but the sauce will hold beautifully for future use.

Reheating

When reheating, gently warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Reheat the salmon in the oven at 275°F (135°C) wrapped in foil or covered to keep it moist, rather than microwaving, which can dry it out. Warm just until heated through to preserve that tender, flaky texture.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish for this recipe?

Absolutely! While salmon pairs perfectly with the creamy roasted red pepper sauce, you can substitute with other firm fish such as cod, trout, or halibut. Just adjust cooking times as needed based on thickness.

Is this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, it is naturally dairy-free when using coconut milk in the sauce. For those who prefer, oat or almond milk can be used as a lighter alternative while still keeping the sauce creamy and delicious.

Can I make the roasted red pepper sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made up to 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator. This makes the cooking process quicker on busy days without compromising flavor.

What can I substitute if I don’t have avocado oil?

Avocado oil is preferred for its mild flavor and high smoke point, but you can substitute with olive oil or grapeseed oil. Just keep in mind that olive oil has a stronger flavor and a slightly lower smoke point.

How do I know when the salmon is cooked perfectly?

Salmon is best when flaky and just opaque in the center. Using a food thermometer, aim for an internal temperature between 125°F and 145°F, depending on how well done you like it. It should feel firm but still moist and tender inside.

Final Thoughts

This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe – Delicious & Easy truly captures that perfect blend of vibrant flavors and comforting creaminess. It’s a dish that feels upscale yet surprisingly simple, ideal for sharing with family or treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home. I encourage you to dive in and savor this wonderful recipe—you might just find it becomes one of your go-to favorites as it has for me!

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