Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe

If you’re looking for a dinner that feels fancy but comes together in a snap, then this Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe is exactly what you need. I absolutely love how the creamy roasted pepper sauce perfectly complements the richness of the salmon, making each bite a little celebration. Trust me, once you try this, you’ll want it on repeat for weeknight dinners or when guests drop by unexpectedly.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The ingredients in this Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe work together so well — fresh salmon, rich roasted peppers, and that velvety cream sauce all come alive with just a handful of staples. When shopping, pick the freshest salmon fillets you can find and get roasted red peppers from the jar (or make your own if you’re feeling ambitious – it’s worth it!).

• Salmon Fillets: Skin-on fillets are best for locking in that moisture and flavor while cooking.
• Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil elevates the sauté and adds subtle depth.
• Butter: Adds silkiness to the sauce and helps cook the garlic gently.
• Garlic: Freshly minced gives the sauce a fragrant kick you can’t replicate with powder.
• Roasted Red Peppers: Bring smoky sweetness; jarred is convenient and reliable.
• Baby Spinach: It wilts quickly and adds a light green freshness.
• Half & Half or Heavy Cream: For creamy richness – half & half keeps it lighter, heavy cream is indulgent.
• Parmesan Cheese: Grated fresh if you can, it melts into the sauce with a salty umami boost.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Adjust based on your heat preference, a little goes a long way.
• Parsley: Fresh chopped parsley brightens the flavors at the end.

Variations

I love tweaking this Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe depending on what I have on hand and who I’m cooking for. Feel free to personalize it — that’s part of the fun! Here are a few variations I’ve tried myself or recommend you give a shot.

• Make it Dairy-Free: Swap heavy cream and butter for coconut milk and olive oil to keep it creamy but suitable for lactose intolerance. I tried this for a friend once and it was a hit!
• Spicy Kick: Add more red pepper flakes or even a dash of smoked paprika if you want your sauce to pack more punch.
• Fresh Herbs Twist: Try adding fresh basil or dill instead of parsley for a different herbal note that pairs beautifully with salmon.
• Lighten Up: Use Greek yogurt in place of cream and skip the butter for a lighter yet still delicious sauce.

How to Make Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Season and Sear the Salmon

First, give your salmon fillets a generous sprinkle of salt and pepper on both sides. Heat up olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat — I like to use medium because it cooks the salmon evenly without burning the skin. Place the fillets skin-side down and let them cook for about 5 minutes. You’ll notice the flesh turning pale and opaque from the bottom, which is your cue to flip. Cook the other side for another 5 minutes until done to your liking. Don’t rush flipping, or the skin might stick. Once cooked, set them aside on a warm plate; you’ll bring them back shortly.

Step 2: Build the Roasted Pepper Sauce

Using the same pan (no need to wash, the leftovers add flavor!), add butter and the minced garlic. Stir and cook gently for about one minute — garlic burns quickly, so watch it closely. Next, toss in your diced roasted red peppers and sauté for another two minutes to bring out their sweetness. Then add the baby spinach and let it wilt, which should take just a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Make it Creamy and Add Seasoning

Lower the heat to low and pour in the Half & Half or heavy cream, stirring to combine. Sprinkle in grated Parmesan, red pepper flakes, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir gently and bring the sauce to a light simmer. You’ll see it thicken slightly, coating your spoon with a luscious creaminess — that’s the sign it’s ready!

Step 4: Return Salmon and Serve

Carefully nestle the salmon fillets back into the sauce, spooning some of that lovely roasted pepper goodness over the top. Let everything warm together for a minute or two — this step ties all the flavors beautifully. Then serve it immediately over your choice of pasta, rice, or steamed veggies. Honestly, my family goes crazy for it over a bed of garlic buttered noodles.

How to Serve Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

I usually finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley for a pop of color and freshness. Sometimes I grate a touch more Parmesan on top right before serving — it adds a lovely salty richness. A squeeze of lemon juice can also brighten the whole plate if you like a little zing.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe are creamy garlic mashed potatoes or simple buttered noodles to soak up every bit of that delicious sauce. For something lighter, steamed asparagus or roasted veggies work beautifully too. I even love serving it with a crisp green salad on warmer days.

Creative Ways to Present

When I’m wanting to impress, I arrange the salmon atop a nest of fresh linguine tossed with olive oil and herbs, drizzle the roasted pepper sauce over everything, and garnish with microgreens or edible flowers. It looks stunning and tastes even better. Perfect for date night or a special weekend meal!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover salmon and sauce store well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. I like to keep the sauce and salmon together so the flavors meld, but make sure it’s cooled before sealing. When I store leftovers, I always leave a little bit of sauce loose in the container so the salmon doesn’t dry out.

Freezing

I usually avoid freezing cooked salmon because it can lose its texture on reheating, but if you want to freeze the sauce on its own, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Just thaw in the fridge overnight and gently reheat on the stove before adding fresh-cooked salmon or other protein.

Reheating

I gently reheat leftovers on low heat in a skillet to avoid overcooking the salmon. Covering the pan helps heat evenly while keeping the fish moist. Avoid microwaving if possible because it can make salmon rubbery and unevenly heated.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

When I first tried this Salmon in Roasted Pepper Sauce Recipe, I was amazed at how sophisticated it tasted despite being so easy. It quickly became a favorite in my home, especially on those busy evenings when I wanted something impressive without stress. You’re going to love how this recipe brings together simple ingredients into a dish that’s bursting with flavor and comfort. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll be a new staple in your dinner rotation.

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