If you are craving a dinner that’s bursting with flavor and feels luxurious without being complicated, this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe is your new best friend in the kitchen. Imagine tender salmon fillets smothered in a luscious, velvety sauce made from roasted red peppers, garlic, and a touch of cream, all coming together in perfect harmony. This dish not only dazzles your taste buds but also adds a vibrant pop of color to your plate, making any meal feel special. Whether you’re looking for an impressive weeknight dinner or a dish to share with friends, this recipe delivers everything you want and more.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet play crucial roles in building the flavors and texture of this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe. Each component adds a unique touch, from the freshness of thyme to the smoky sweetness of paprika, coming together in a beautifully balanced dish.
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Used to sear the salmon, giving it a rich, golden crust.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural flavors.
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder: Adds a subtle depth of flavor before cooking.
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional): A smoky hint that complements the roasted red pepper perfectly.
- 2 large roasted red peppers: The star ingredient, providing sweetness and a vibrant hue to the creamy sauce.
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream): Gives the sauce its signature silky texture; use coconut cream for a dairy-free twist.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: For sautéing the garlic and creating a flavorful base for the sauce.
- 2 cloves garlic, minced: Fresh garlic intensifies the aroma and savory flavor of the sauce.
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice: Adds brightness and balances the creaminess.
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried): Herbs elevate the sauce with their fragrant, earthy notes.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: For seasoning the sauce just right.
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (optional): A fresh, colorful garnish to finish the dish.
How to Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Season the Salmon
Start by patting the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure they sear beautifully. Rub each fillet with olive oil, then sprinkle salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika all over. This simple seasoning sets the stage for the rich flavors to shine through.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon Fillets
Heat a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat and add a bit of olive oil. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if your fillets have skin) and cook for about 4-5 minutes without moving to develop a nice crust. Flip carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from the pan and set aside while you prepare the sauce.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
In the same pan, reduce heat to medium and add olive oil. Toss in the minced garlic and sauté just until fragrant, about 30 seconds to 1 minute — don’t let it burn! Transfer the roasted red peppers to a blender or food processor, add the sautéed garlic, heavy cream, lemon juice, thyme, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy. Pour the sauce back into the skillet and gently warm it over low heat.
Step 4: Combine and Finish the Dish
Return the cooked salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the creamy roasted red pepper sauce generously over each piece. Let the salmon warm in the sauce for a minute or two so all those flavors meld together beautifully. This final step brings the whole creamy roasted red pepper salmon recipe together, making it irresistibly delicious.
How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley adds a burst of color and a bright, herbal note that complements the creamy sauce perfectly. You can also add a few lemon wedges on the side for an optional extra pop of acidity.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs wonderfully with simple, fresh sides like steamed asparagus, garlicky sautéed spinach, or fluffy quinoa. A light green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette also balances the richness of the creamy roasted red pepper salmon recipe beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For an elegant presentation, serve the salmon atop a bed of creamy mashed potatoes or polenta. Alternatively, place it over a swirl of roasted vegetable purée or scatter toasted pine nuts for added texture and visual appeal. Your guests will be wowed by this vivid, sumptuous plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover salmon and sauce together in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to 2 days, allowing you to enjoy the flavors without losing any freshness.
Freezing
While fresh is always best, you can freeze portions of the cooked salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers or heavy-duty freezer bags for up to 1 month. Make sure to cool completely before freezing to preserve the creamy texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a skillet over low heat, then add the salmon and heat just until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Avoid microwaving, which can make the salmon tough and the sauce separate.
FAQs
Can I use fresh red peppers instead of jarred roasted ones?
Absolutely! You can roast fresh red peppers under a broiler or on a grill until charred, then peel and use them in the recipe. This gives a fresh, smoky flavor that’s outstanding in your creamy roasted red pepper salmon recipe.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?
Yes, simply swap the heavy cream for coconut cream or another creamy plant-based alternative. This keeps the sauce rich and silky while accommodating dairy-free diets.
What if I don’t have salmon fillets? Can I use other fish?
While salmon is ideal for its fat content and flavor, you can try this recipe with other firm, oily fish like trout or arctic char, adjusting cook times as needed since thickness varies.
How spicy is the sauce? Can I adjust that?
The recipe is naturally mild and creamy, but you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a dash of hot sauce to the sauce for some heat if you prefer a spicier kick in your creamy roasted red pepper salmon recipe.
Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
Definitely! The sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead and refrigerated. When ready to serve, gently reheat and pour over freshly cooked salmon for a quick and impressive meal.
Final Thoughts
This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe is truly one of those dishes that makes dinner feel indulgent yet approachable. It’s a beautiful blend of vibrant roasted peppers, luscious cream, and perfectly cooked salmon that’s sure to become a favorite in your cooking rotation. Give it a try and watch how it brings a little extra joy and color to your table!
Print
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
This Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon recipe offers a deliciously tender and flaky salmon fillet topped with a rich, flavorful sauce made from roasted red peppers, garlic, cream, and herbs. Perfect for a quick yet impressive weeknight dinner, the sauce complements the natural richness of the salmon, resulting in a harmonious blend of smoky, creamy, and savory flavors.
Ingredients
Salmon
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin on or off, as preferred
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika (optional, for extra flavor)
Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Sauce
- 2 large roasted red peppers (from a jar or freshly roasted)
- 1/4 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme (or 1/2 teaspoon dried thyme)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
- 1 tablespoon chopped fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Brush both sides with olive oil, then season evenly with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika if using. Set aside.
- Make the Sauce Base: In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted red peppers, heavy cream (or coconut cream), olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, and thyme. Blend until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the seasoned salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or a lightly greased baking dish. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
- Heat the Sauce: While the salmon bakes, pour the blended roasted red pepper sauce into a small saucepan and warm it gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until heated through. Avoid boiling to maintain the creamy texture.
- Serve: Plate the baked salmon fillets and spoon the warm roasted red pepper sauce over each piece. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
- For a dairy-free option, substitute heavy cream with coconut cream in the sauce.
- Roasted red peppers can be jarred or freshly roasted by charring red bell peppers over a flame or under a broiler until blackened, then peeled.
- Adjust seasoning and herbs in the sauce to your preference, adding more lemon juice for brightness or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
- This recipe pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad.
