Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

Picture this: You walk into the kitchen, and the warm, rich aroma of roasted red peppers and savory salmon fills the air. It’s cozy, comforting, and oh-so-delicious. That’s exactly what you’ll get with this Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon. Trust me, this recipe will have you coming back for seconds (maybe even thirds). It’s simple yet decadent, and every bite feels like a little moment of indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for yourself or impressing guests, this one is a winner all around!

Why You’ll Love Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

This dish isn’t just about the ingredients—it’s about creating a flavorful moment. Here’s why it’s going to be your new favorite:

Versatile: This salmon can easily be the star of a weeknight dinner or shine at your next gathering. It’s quick enough for busy nights but elegant enough to serve to guests!

Budget-Friendly: You’ll be amazed at how simple pantry staples—like red peppers and salmon—come together to create something truly special. No need to splurge, this recipe proves that good food doesn’t have to be expensive.

Quick and Easy: This dish is a breeze to make! The steps are super straightforward, and even if you’re not an experienced cook, you’ll feel like a pro. Get ready to impress with minimal effort!

Customizable: Want more spice? Toss in some red pepper flakes. Need to make it dairy-free? No problem—swap the cream for coconut milk. It’s easy to tailor the flavors to your preference!

Crowd-Pleasing: Whether it’s for kids or adults, this dish hits the spot. It’s creamy, flavorful, and beautifully balanced, making it a dish everyone will love.

Ingredients

Here’s the magic behind this creamy, roasted red pepper salmon—it’s made with just a few ingredients, but the flavor is next level. Let’s break it down:

Salmon Fillets: The rich, buttery flavor of salmon is the base of this dish. The fish becomes tender and flaky when roasted, making every bite melt in your mouth.

Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky, these roasted red peppers create the creamy, flavorful sauce that makes this dish so irresistible. They add depth and color, transforming the salmon into something extraordinary.

Heavy Cream: This gives the dish a silky smooth texture. The cream helps bring everything together, creating that perfect, luscious sauce that coats the salmon.

Garlic: Aromatic and savory, garlic adds that comforting punch of flavor that makes everything taste better. It’s a must in this dish.

Olive Oil: A good drizzle of olive oil helps the salmon roast perfectly, keeping it moist while adding a touch of richness to the flavor.

Salt & Pepper: These simple seasonings bring out the natural flavors of the salmon and the roasted red peppers. A little goes a long way!

(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

Ready to dive in? Let’s make this creamy roasted red pepper salmon:

Preheat Your Oven: Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This helps the salmon cook evenly and get that nice, crispy finish.

Prepare the Salmon: Place your salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Make sure to coat each piece evenly for maximum flavor.

Roast the Salmon: Pop the salmon into the oven and roast for about 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork. You’ll want that perfect balance between crispy edges and tender, juicy meat in the middle.

Make the Creamy Red Pepper Sauce: While the salmon is roasting, prepare the sauce. In a blender, combine roasted red peppers, garlic, and heavy cream. Blend until smooth. If you like your sauce a bit thicker, you can add more cream or even a little cheese to give it a creamy, cheesy twist.

Heat the Sauce: Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and heat it on low to warm through. This will make the sauce rich and aromatic, with the garlic and roasted peppers blending perfectly together.

Serve and Enjoy: Once the salmon is done, plate it up and drizzle the creamy roasted red pepper sauce over the top. You can garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for an extra pop of color and freshness.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 380

Preparation Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

How to Serve Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

This dish pairs beautifully with a variety of sides to complete the meal. Here are a few ideas:

Roasted Vegetables: Try roasted asparagus, carrots, or zucchini. Their natural sweetness complements the richness of the salmon and sauce.

Rice or Quinoa: A side of rice or quinoa is perfect for soaking up the creamy sauce. Add a squeeze of lemon to brighten up the grains and keep it fresh.

Simple Salad: A light salad with greens like arugula or spinach, tossed with a lemon vinaigrette, balances the richness of the salmon.

Crusty Bread: Don’t forget a slice of crusty bread to dip in the sauce—there’s nothing better than savoring every drop!

Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes are a classic side that pairs wonderfully with the salmon and creamy red pepper sauce.

Presentation is key! Serve the salmon with the sauce drizzled over the top, and garnish with a sprinkle of fresh herbs or a wedge of lemon for a stunning, restaurant-worthy look.

Additional Tips

Here are a few extra tips to take your creamy roasted red pepper salmon to the next level:

Prep Ahead: You can roast the red peppers ahead of time (or even use jarred roasted red peppers) to save some time during dinner prep.

Spice It Up: If you like a bit of heat, add some chili flakes or a dash of smoked paprika to the sauce for a spicy twist.

Dietary Adjustments: For a dairy-free version, swap the heavy cream with coconut milk. You can also use almond cream for a lighter option.

Storage Tips: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. The flavors will meld even more, making it great for lunch the next day!

Double the Recipe: This dish freezes well! Make a double batch and store the salmon and sauce separately in freezer-safe containers for up to 1 month.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I substitute the salmon with another type of fish?
A1: Yes! You can use any firm fish like trout, cod, or even tilapia. Just adjust the cooking time based on the thickness of the fish.

Q2: Can I make the sauce ahead of time?
A2: Absolutely! You can prepare the creamy roasted red pepper sauce ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat before serving.

Q3: How do I store leftovers?
A3: Store leftover salmon and sauce in separate airtight containers in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave.

Q4: Can I freeze this dish?
A4: Yes, you can freeze the cooked salmon and sauce separately for up to 1 month. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.

Q5: What’s the best way to reheat this dish?
A5: The best way to reheat the salmon is in the oven at 275°F (135°C) for about 10-15 minutes. Warm the sauce in a saucepan over low heat.

Q6: Can I use light cream instead of heavy cream?
A6: Yes, you can use light cream or even milk, but the sauce won’t be as rich and creamy. For the best results, stick with heavy cream.

Q7: Can I add cheese to the sauce?
A7: Yes! A bit of Parmesan or cream cheese can make the sauce even richer and creamier. Add it in after blending the red peppers.

Q8: Can I use fresh peppers instead of roasted ones?
A8: Absolutely! You can roast fresh red peppers yourself or use jarred roasted red peppers to save time.

Q9: Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
A9: Yes, this recipe is great for meal prep! Just store the salmon and sauce separately and reheat when you’re ready to eat.

Q10: Can I double the recipe?
A10: Yes! If you’re feeding a crowd, double the salmon and sauce and bake in batches or use a larger baking sheet.

Conclusion

If you’re looking for a meal that’s both comforting and sophisticated, Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon is the way to go. The silky, rich sauce paired with the tender salmon is a combination that never fails to impress. Plus, it’s quick, easy, and made with simple ingredients that you probably already have in your kitchen. Give it a try, and I promise you’ll be coming back to this one time and time again!

Print