Prep your salmon by cutting into individual portions (about 3-5 ounces each) if necessary and patting dry with paper towels (try these bamboo paper towels for a more sustainable option!).
2 portions salmon
To a small mixing bowl, add your softened butter and pesto and use a hand mixer or whisk to combine until smooth.
4 tablespoons unsalted butter, 1 tablespoon pesto
Use a spatula to spread a generous amount of pesto butter on each salmon filet.
To a small 7 x 11-inch baking dish, add the pesto butter salmon skin side up, leaving a little bit of space between each salmon filet.
Bake salmon skin side up for 5 minutes.
Then, remove the salmon from the oven and use kitchen tongs or a fork to peel off the salmon skin. If the skin doesn't easily peel away, stick it back in the oven at 475°F for 2 more minutes and then try again.
Once you have removed the salmon skin, flip your salmon and bake again for an additional 3-5 minutes, until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
This recipe is designed for cooking individual portions of salmon, which usually come in 3–5-ounce portions. If you are cooking a larger cut, baking time will vary.