Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

Zesty Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe to Impress

When hunger strikes, this creamy roasted red pepper salmon promises a culinary adventure that’ll make your taste buds dance.

Salmon paired with vibrant peppers creates a symphony of flavors that feels both luxurious and comforting.

Mediterranean techniques infuse each bite with rich, velvety goodness.

Smooth sauce coats tender fish, bringing depth and excitement to your plate.

Unexpected spices add a subtle kick that keeps you intrigued.

Fresh ingredients blend seamlessly, turning an ordinary meal into something extraordinary.

Jump in and savor every delectable moment of this sensational dish.

Roasted Red Pepper Salmon That’s Creamy and Vibrant

Savor Quick Gourmet Cooking: Elevate Home Dining

  • Whip Up Restaurant-Quality Meal: Impress family and guests with professional-looking salmon dish that tastes like a high-end restaurant preparation, requiring minimal culinary skills.
  • Streamline Weeknight Dinner Solution: Prepare delicious, nutritious meal in under 30 minutes, perfect for busy professionals wanting satisfying dinner without complicated techniques or lengthy cooking processes.
  • Customize Flavor Adventure: Easily adapt recipe by switching proteins, adding vegetables, or adjusting spice levels to match personal preferences and dietary needs, making it incredibly versatile for different taste profiles.
  • Nutrition-Packed Powerhouse: Combine omega-3 rich salmon with antioxidant-loaded roasted red peppers and nutrient-dense spinach, creating a balanced meal that supports heart health and provides essential vitamins in one delectable dish.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Ingredient Overview

Main Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Rich, tender fish that serves as the star of the dish, wild-caught or farm-raised options work well, fresh fish ensures best flavor and texture.
Sauce Base Ingredients:
  • Roasted Red Peppers, Coconut Milk: Creamy sauce with sweet and tangy profile, jarred roasted peppers provide convenience, full-fat coconut milk ensures richness.
Aromatic Ingredients:
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundation of flavor that adds depth and complexity, fresh ingredients recommended for best taste, organic varieties preferred.
Seasoning Ingredients:
  • Sea Salt, Garlic Powder, Paprika: Enhances overall taste profile, adds warmth and subtle spice, high-quality spices make significant difference.
Cooking Oils:
  • Avocado Oil: High-heat cooking oil with neutral flavor, provides smooth cooking surface and prevents sticking.
Optional Finishing Ingredients:
  • Cherry Tomatoes, Spinach: Adds color, nutrition, and freshness to the final sauce, seasonal and local produce recommended.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Cooking Steps

Step 1: Craft Silky Sauce Base

Grab a large skillet and drizzle avocado oil.

Toss in chopped onions and dance them around until they soften and turn translucent.

Sprinkle minced garlic and let the aromatics mingle for a few minutes.

Transfer this golden mixture to a blender or food processor.

Add:
  • Roasted red peppers
  • Coconut milk
  • Sea salt

Blitz everything until you achieve a velvety smooth sauce.

Set aside for later magic.

Step 2: Sear Stunning Salmon

Heat the same skillet with avocado oil until it shimmers with intensity.

Season salmon fillets with:
  • Garlic powder
  • Paprika
  • Sea salt

Gently place fillets flesh side down, letting them sizzle and develop a gorgeous golden crust.

Cook for 6 minutes, then gracefully flip and cook another 4 minutes.

Aim for an internal temperature between 125-145°F depending on your preference.

Step 3: Build Vibrant Sauce

Return the blended sauce to the skillet.

Warm it gently, coaxing it to bubble softly.

Fold in:
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Spinach (optional)

Let ingredients dance together for 2-3 minutes until spinach wilts beautifully.

Step 4: Create Delectable Plate

Nestle salmon on serving plates.

Cascade the roasted red pepper sauce generously over each fillet.

Accompany with steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, pasta, or roasted vegetables to capture every drop of the luxurious sauce.

Tips to Balance Creaminess in Roasted Pepper Salmon

  • Pat salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning to ensure a crispy, golden-brown exterior that locks in moisture and flavor.
  • Warm the roasted red pepper sauce gently to maintain its smooth, creamy consistency without breaking or becoming grainy.
  • Adjust the paprika and garlic powder to match your personal heat preference, using smoked paprika for deeper flavor or cayenne for extra kick.
  • Use a meat thermometer to achieve your ideal salmon texture, remembering that it continues cooking slightly after removing from heat.
  • Add extra spinach or swap for kale to increase the dish's nutritional value and create a more substantial one-pan meal.

Chill Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon

  • Store leftover salmon and sauce separately in airtight containers within 2 hours of cooking. Keep refrigerated for up to 3 days.
  • Let salmon and sauce cool to room temperature before sealing containers to prevent bacterial growth and maintain optimal texture.
  • Warm salmon in a preheated 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes, covered with foil to prevent drying. Warm sauce separately in a saucepan over low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Microwaving can make salmon tough and rubbery, so oven reheating preserves moisture and flavor best.

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Pairings

  • Wine Wonderland: Select crisp, unoaked Chardonnay or Pinot Grigio to complement the creamy red pepper sauce, cutting through its richness while enhancing the salmon's delicate texture.
  • Herbal Harmony: Sprinkle fresh chopped parsley, dill, or basil over the dish to add bright, zesty notes that elevate the roasted pepper's smoky undertones and salmon's natural flavors.
  • Side Kick Selection: Serve with quinoa pilaf or roasted asparagus, which provide nutty and earthy counterpoints that beautifully balance the sauce's creamy, slightly sweet profile.
  • Bright Acidic Boost: Add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving to introduce a tangy brightness that cuts through the sauce's richness and awakens the salmon's delicate taste.

Red Pepper Salmon with Creamy Enhancements

  • Low-Carb Cauliflower Base: Replace traditional rice or pasta with roasted cauliflower rice for a lighter, keto-friendly option that complements the creamy salmon sauce perfectly.
  • Dairy-Free Coconut Cream Adaptation: Swap coconut milk for almond milk or cashew cream to maintain the sauce's richness while accommodating dairy sensitivities.
  • Mediterranean-Inspired Version: Add kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and fresh dill to the roasted red pepper sauce for a Greek-inspired flavor profile that enhances the salmon's natural taste.
  • Spicy Chipotle Transformation: Incorporate chipotle peppers in adobo sauce instead of roasted red peppers to create a smoky, spicy version that adds a bold kick to the original recipe.

FAQs

  • What type of peppers work best for this sauce?

Roasted red peppers from a jar are perfect. You can also use freshly roasted red bell peppers for an even more intense flavor. Jarred peppers save time and provide consistent taste.

  • Can I use a different type of fish?

Yes, this creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with other fish like cod, halibut, or sea bass. The sauce’s rich flavor complements most white fish and mild seafood varieties.

  • Is this recipe gluten-free?

Absolutely! The recipe uses no wheat-based ingredients. With salmon, roasted red peppers, coconut milk, and simple seasonings, it’s naturally gluten-free and safe for those with gluten sensitivities.

  • How spicy is the sauce?

The sauce is mild and creamy with no significant heat. If you want a kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of cayenne when blending the sauce.

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Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe

Creamy Roasted Red Pepper Salmon Recipe


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4.8 from 22 reviews

  • Total Time: 40 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Creamy roasted red pepper salmon delivers Mediterranean coastal magic on dinner plates with silky sauce and succulent seafood. Coastal herbs and rich flavors create an elegant meal perfect for relaxing weekend dining.


Ingredients

Scale

Protein:

  • 2 lbs (0.9 kg) salmon, cut into individual portions

Spices and Seasonings:

  • 1/2 teaspoons sea salt, to taste
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika

Sauce and Vegetable Ingredients:

  • 3 tablespoons avocado oil (or high-temperature cooking oil)
  • 1 cup yellow onion, chopped
  • 5 large cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 (16-ounce) (454 grams) jar roasted red peppers, drained
  • 1 (15-ounce) (425 grams) can full-fat coconut milk
  • 1 cup cherry tomatoes (optional)
  • 5 ounces (142 grams) baby spinach (optional)

Instructions

  1. Craft the vibrant roasted red pepper sauce by sautéing finely chopped onions in avocado oil until they become translucent and soft, releasing their natural sweetness.
  2. Introduce minced garlic to the skillet, allowing the aromatic notes to bloom and infuse the base with intense flavor.
  3. Transfer the fragrant onion-garlic mixture to a high-powered blender, creating a foundation for the sauce.
  4. Incorporate drained roasted red peppers, creamy coconut milk, and a pinch of sea salt into the blender, pureeing until the mixture transforms into a silky, smooth sauce.
  5. Season salmon fillets with a harmonious blend of garlic powder, paprika, and sea salt, ensuring each piece is evenly coated with the spice mixture.
  6. Heat avocado oil in a skillet until it reaches a searing temperature, creating the perfect environment for achieving a golden, crispy exterior on the salmon.
  7. Carefully place salmon fillets flesh side down, allowing them to develop a beautiful caramelized crust for approximately 6 minutes.
  8. Gently flip the fillets and continue cooking on the skin side for an additional 4 minutes, monitoring the internal temperature for desired doneness.
  9. Remove salmon from the heat and let it rest, allowing the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
  10. Revive the roasted red pepper sauce in a skillet, bringing it to a gentle simmer and introducing cherry tomatoes and wilted spinach for added depth and nutrition.
  11. Plate the salmon and generously ladle the vibrant, creamy sauce over each fillet, creating a visually stunning and flavor-packed dish.
  12. Accompany the salmon with complementary sides like steamed rice, creamy mashed potatoes, al dente pasta, or roasted seasonal vegetables to complete the culinary experience.

Notes

  • Customize spice levels by adjusting paprika and adding red pepper flakes for extra heat.
  • Swap salmon with other fish like cod or halibut for variety while maintaining similar cooking technique.
  • Ensure roasted red peppers are patted dry before blending to prevent watery sauce consistency.
  • Use dairy-free coconut milk for a creamy, allergen-friendly sauce that doesn’t compromise rich flavor.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 575
  • Sugar: 3 g
  • Sodium: 600 mg
  • Fat: 38 g
  • Saturated Fat: 16 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 14 g
  • Fiber: 2 g
  • Protein: 46 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Angelina Wiles

Angelina Wiles

Content Editor & Culinary Enthusiast

Expertise

Food Writing and Editing, Vegetarian and Vegan Cuisine, Baking and Pastry Arts, Sustainable Cooking Practices​

Education

Portland Community College
Certificate in Culinary Arts
Focus: Emphasis on sustainable cooking practices, vegetarian cuisine, and food writing.​

​Oregon Culinary Institute
Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts
Focus: Specialized training in artisanal baking, pastry techniques, and dessert presentation.


Angelina’s love for cooking started with handwritten family recipes and weekend trips to farmers’ markets around Portland. She followed her passion with a Certificate in Culinary Arts from Portland Community College, then perfected her sweet side with a Diploma in Baking and Pastry Arts at Oregon Culinary Institute.
Angelina believes recipes should feel like a conversation, not a science project. She’s all about helping readers trust themselves in the kitchen with simple steps, fresh ideas, and easy twists on classic meals.
When she’s not editing recipes, she’s baking bread, sipping coffee, or getting inspired by the changing seasons.

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