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Nettle Pesto Salmon

Wild, Green & Full of Woodland Wholesomeness
 

There’s something rather special about gathering your own nettles—gloved hands, a forager’s basket, and the soft hush of hedgerows. This recipe captures that feeling in a simple, nourishing way. The salmon is gently baked under a blanket of vibrant nettle pesto, bringing together the wild and the familiar with each flaky, herb-flecked bite.

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It’s the sort of dish you’d make on a slow spring evening after a walk through the woods—served with steamed a floral side salad and glass of something light.

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INGREDIENTS - serves 4

For the nettle pesto:

  • 50g young nettle leaves (gloves on for prep!)

  • 30g toasted sunflower seeds (or pine nuts)

  • 1 garlic clove

  • 25g grated Parmesan or vegetarian hard cheese

  • Juice of ½ lemon

  • 3–4 tbsp olive oil

  • Salt & pepper to taste

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If you don't want to use nettles, you can make this using your fresh basil. 

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For the salmon:

  • 4 salmon fillets (about 150g each)

  • 1 tbsp olive oil or butter

  • Lemon wedges, to serve

  • Optional: extra toasted seeds or chopped parsley for garnish

HOW TO 

  • Prepare the nettles – Wearing gloves, wash nettle leaves thoroughly. Blanch in boiling water for 1–2 minutes, then plunge into cold water. Drain well and squeeze out excess moisture.

  • Make the pesto – In a food processor or mortar and pestle, blend the blanched nettles, seeds, garlic, cheese, lemon juice, and olive oil into a thick paste. Season to taste.

  • Preheat and prep – Heat oven to 200°C (180°C fan) or Gas Mark 6. Place salmon fillets, skin-side down, on a lightly oiled baking tray.

  • Top and bake – Spread each fillet with 1–2 tbsp of nettle pesto. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.

  • Serve with care – Plate with lemon wedges and a spoon of remaining pesto. Lovely with new potatoes, green beans, or a warm grain salad.​

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Nutritional Advice (per serving, approx.):

  • Calories: ~390 kcal

  • Protein: 32g

  • Fat: 26g (mostly healthy fats)

  • Carbohydrates: 3g

  • Rich in: Omega-3s, calcium, iron, and vitamin A from the nettles

  • Low in carbs, high in nourishment—and completely gluten-free

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Nettle pesto is a beautiful way to use a wild, often forgotten green. And when it tops something as simple as salmon, it turns the meal into something memorable—quiet, comforting, and full of nature’s goodness.

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