Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

If you are craving a dish that flawlessly combines vibrant color, rich flavor, and healthy goodness, then this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe is about to become your new favorite. Imagine tender salmon filets cooked to perfection, bathed in a luscious roasted red pepper sauce that’s both creamy and bursting with sweet, smoky notes. It’s a dish that’s simple to make but feels absolutely gourmet, perfect for impressing family or just treating yourself to something truly satisfying on a weeknight.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Gathering a handful of simple, fresh ingredients is all it takes to create this stunning dish. Each component plays its part—whether it’s the richness of salmon, the subtle heat of paprika, or the creamy, tangy punch of roasted red pepper sauce—these ingredients work together beautifully to make the flavors pop.

• 2 lbs salmon, cut into individual portions: Choose fresh, high-quality salmon for the best texture and taste.
• 2 Tbsp avocado oil: A healthy oil with a mild flavor that’s perfect for cooking salmon without overpowering it.
• 1/2 tsp sea salt, to taste: Enhances all the flavors naturally.
• 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic undertone without the need to chop fresh.
• ½ tsp paprika: Brings warmth and a slight smokiness to the salmon seasoning.
• 1 Tbsp avocado oil (for sauce): Used to soften the onions and garlic, building a rich flavor base.
• 1 cup yellow onion, chopped: Provides sweetness and depth to the roasted red pepper sauce.
• 5 large cloves garlic, minced: Infuses the sauce with pungent, aromatic flavor.
• 1 (16-oz) jar roasted red peppers, drained: The star of the sauce, delivering vibrant color and natural sweetness.
• 1 (15-oz) can full-fat coconut milk: Gives the sauce its creamy texture and subtle tropical note.
• 1 tsp sea salt, to taste: Balances the sauce perfectly.
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional): Adds a pop of freshness and slight acidity.
• 5 ounces baby spinach (optional): Wilts perfectly into the sauce, boosting nutrition and color.

Optional Substitutions: For a dairy-free version, swap coconut milk for oat or almond milk. To lower sodium, either use reduced-salt alternatives or simply cut back on the salt quantity.

How to Make Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

Step 1: Make the Roasted Red Pepper Sauce

This sauce is the heart of the dish and sets it apart with its gorgeous blend of flavors. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the chopped onions and let them soften beautifully; this typically takes about 5 minutes. The softened onions bring natural sweetness that balances the peppers perfectly. Next, stir in the minced garlic and cook for another 2 to 3 minutes until you can smell that amazing aroma filling your kitchen. Then, transfer this fragrant mixture to a blender along with the roasted red peppers, creamy coconut milk, and salt. Blend everything until it’s luxuriously smooth. Set this sauce aside as you move on to the salmon.

Step 2: Cook the Salmon

Seasoning the salmon is key to layering the flavors. Sprinkle garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt evenly over each filet. Heat the remaining 2 tablespoons of avocado oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot but not smoking. Place the salmon filets skin side up, which means the flesh touches the pan first, and cook for about 6 minutes. This method helps get that lovely sear on the salmon. Then flip carefully and cook for an additional 4 minutes on the skin side. Cooking times can vary depending on the thickness of your filets, but you’re aiming for a perfect medium doneness, around 125 to 145 degrees Fahrenheit. The salmon should be flaky yet tender.

Step 3: Put It All Together

Pour the reserved roasted red pepper sauce back into a skillet on medium heat and allow it to gently warm up. Add the cherry tomatoes and baby spinach if you’re using them. Stir everything together, letting the spinach wilt and the tomatoes soften slightly; this usually takes 2 to 3 minutes and adds a lovely freshness and texture contrast to the creamy sauce. Finally, plate the salmon portions and spoon the generous sauce over each piece. Serve it alongside your choice of sides to complete this hearty, colorful meal.

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

Garnishes

Simple garnishes can elevate this dish even more. Consider a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or basil for green freshness and an herbal lift. A few lemon wedges on the side add a zingy brightness that cuts through the rich creaminess beautifully, making every bite more vibrant.

Side Dishes

This salmon pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, which soaks up the luscious sauce, or creamy mashed potatoes for a comforting twist. For something lighter, try a quinoa salad or roasted vegetables to keep things fresh and nutritious.

Creative Ways to Present

Serve the salmon nestled on a bed of sautéed greens or a colorful cauliflower rice pilaf to add texture and visual appeal. For a dinner party, place the salmon and sauce in individual shallow bowls, garnished with microgreens and edible flowers to impress your guests with style and flavor.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Store the salmon and sauce separately if possible to maintain optimal texture and flavor.

Freezing

You can freeze both the cooked salmon and the roasted red pepper sauce, but it’s best to do so separately. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and place it in a freezer-safe bag or container. The sauce can be frozen in a separate airtight container. Both will last up to 2 months in the freezer. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

Reheating

Reheat the sauce gently on the stovetop over low heat, stirring occasionally. For the salmon, reheat in a low-temperature oven or microwave carefully just until warmed through to avoid drying it out. Add a splash of water or broth to the sauce if it thickens too much upon reheating.

FAQs

Can I use other types of fish instead of salmon?

Absolutely! While the recipe is designed for salmon’s rich flavor and texture, you can swap in similar fatty fish like trout, arctic char, or even firm white fish like cod or halibut for a different twist.

Is the Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe suitable for a dairy-free diet?

Yes, this dish is naturally dairy-free thanks to the use of coconut milk in the sauce. If you prefer, oat or almond milk can also be used to keep it dairy-free and creamy.

Can I prepare the roasted red pepper sauce in advance?

Definitely! The sauce can be made a day or two ahead and stored in the fridge. Just reheat gently before combining with the salmon to save time on busy days.

How spicy is the dish? Can I adjust the heat?

The recipe is mild and family-friendly, with paprika adding warmth but no real heat. If you like a bit of spice, feel free to add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red chili flakes to the seasoning or sauce.

What wine pairs well with Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe?

A crisp, aromatic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a lightly oaked Chardonnay pairs beautifully, balancing the richness of the salmon and creaminess of the sauce without overpowering the flavors.

Final Thoughts

I can’t recommend enough that you give this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe a try—it’s one of those dishes that feels special yet comes together with surprisingly simple ingredients. The combination of tender salmon and that dreamy pepper sauce never fails to impress, whether you’re cooking for guests or just indulging yourself. Dive in and enjoy every bite of this colorful, flavorful delight!

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