How long does it take to make Grilled Salmon with Shiso Microgreen Pesto?
This recipe takes approximately 30 min total.
30 min
· Serves 2
· Updated February 28, 2026
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Shiso microgreens are best added fresh as a finishing ingredient. This dish elevates grilled salmon with a vibrant shiso microgreen pesto, delivering a burst of flavor and nutrition.
This recipe takes approximately 30 min total.
Shiso microgreens work best as a fresh finishing ingredient, adding color, texture, and a just-cut flavor that stands out right before serving.
2 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 cup shiso microgreens
1/4 cup pine nuts, toasted
1/4 cup Parmesan cheese, grated
1 garlic clove
Juice of 1 lemon
Preheat grill to medium-high heat and brush salmon fillets with olive oil, seasoning with salt and pepper.
Grill the salmon, skin-side down, for about 6-8 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
In a food processor, combine shiso microgreens, pine nuts, Parmesan, garlic, and lemon juice, pulsing until smooth.
Drizzle in olive oil while blending to achieve desired consistency and season with salt to taste.
Serve the grilled salmon topped with shiso pesto and a side of your choice.
Shiso microgreens carry the same complex aromatic profile as mature shiso — anise, umami, and mild bitterness — and are used in Japanese and East Asian culinary traditions as a direct garnish substitute. Evidence on shiso specifically is limited; claims below reflect general microgreen research.
• Shiso and perilla microgreens contain volatile aromatic compounds responsible for their distinctive anise-like flavor.
moderate evidence• Nutrient and phytochemical content in shiso microgreens varies by variety and growing conditions.
strong evidence1. Assessment of Vitamin and Carotenoid Concentrations of Emerging Food Products: Edible Microgreens — Journal of Agricultural and Food Chemistry, 2012
2. Microgreens: Production, Shelf Life, and Bioactive Components — Critical Reviews in Food Science and Nutrition, 2017