Costco’s Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter is a delicious, convenient, and restaurant-quality meal that’s absolutely worth buying for a quick and impressive weeknight dinner. It takes all the guesswork out of preparing a flavorful fish dish, delivering a moist, flaky salmon with a rich, savory sauce straight from your oven.
This ready-to-cook meal has become a staple in the Costco prepared foods section for a reason. But is it the right choice for you? We bought one to test everything from price and cooking instructions to the all-important taste and nutrition so you can decide for yourself.
What’s in the Box? A First Look
You can find the Salmon Milano in the refrigerated prepared meals aisle at Costco, usually alongside other ready-to-cook items like the stuffed peppers or meatloaf.
Inside the clear plastic-wrapped package, you get a few simple components:
- A large, fresh Atlantic salmon fillet (ours was just over 2 lbs).
- Two generous pats of basil pesto butter placed on top of the fillet.
- A ready-to-use aluminum foil tray that the salmon is already in, meaning you have zero-mess cooking.
How Much Does the Salmon Milano Cost?
The Costco Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter costs $11.99 per pound. Our package was 2.01 pounds, bringing the total price to $24.10. The Costco item number is 40254.
Considering the high quality of the salmon and the convenience of the ready-to-cook format, this price represents excellent value, especially when compared to what a similar dish would cost at a restaurant.
How to Cook Costco Salmon Milano (Official & Pro-Tips)
One of the most common questions is about the best way to cook this dish. The package instructions are simple and effective, but we have a pro-tip to make it even better.
Official Oven Instructions
The best way to cook the Costco Salmon Milano is by following the official instructions on the package.
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C).
- Remove the outer plastic lid but leave the salmon in its foil tray.
- Place the tray directly on the middle rack of your oven.
- Bake for 25-30 minutes.
- The salmon is done when it’s cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, or reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
Our Recommended Method (For Best Results)
While the oven method is great, we found using an air fryer gives the top of the salmon a slightly crispier texture that is fantastic. If your air fryer is large enough, you can place the entire foil tray inside and cook at 380°F (193°C) for 15-20 minutes, checking for doneness.
The Big Question: How Does It Actually Taste?
Overall, the Kirkland Salmon Milano has a fantastic savory flavor with an incredibly moist and flaky texture. The quality is on par with what you’d expect from a good restaurant, which is impressive for a grocery store meal.
The Salmon Fillet
The star of the show is the Atlantic salmon fillet. It’s thick, rich, and doesn’t have an overly “fishy” taste. When cooked, it becomes wonderfully tender and flakes apart beautifully. The quality of the fish itself is excellent.
The Basil Pesto Butter
As the salmon bakes, the two pats of basil pesto butter melt down and create a delicious, savory sauce that coats the entire fillet. You can taste the classic pesto flavors—bright basil, rich parmesan, and a hint of garlic—which perfectly complement the fatty salmon. It ensures the fish stays moist and adds a huge punch of flavor.
Costco Salmon Milano Nutrition, Calories, and Ingredients
This section breaks down the health-related questions about this popular Costco meal with the most accurate data available.
Nutrition Facts
A 198g serving of Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter contains 370 calories. Here is a more detailed nutritional breakdown per serving:
- Calories: 370 kcal
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 25g (with 32% of this from saturated fat)
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Potassium: 1400mg
Full Ingredients List
Ingredients are: Fresh farm-raised Atlantic salmon (with color added through feed, astaxanthin), Butter (cream and/or milk, salt), and 2% or less of the following: Basil, Pesto (Genoese basil, sunflower oil, parmesan cheese, pine nuts, extra virgin olive oil, pecorino romano cheese, garlic, sea salt, enzymes), Ascorbic acid, Citric acid, Dill, Salt, Black pepper, Parsley.
Allergens: CONTAINS FISH (SALMON), MILK, TREE NUTS (PINE NUTS).
Is it a Healthy Choice?
It’s complicated. On one hand, salmon is a fantastic source of lean protein (34g per serving) and heart-healthy Omega-3 fatty acids. On the other hand, the pesto butter contributes a significant amount of fat (25g per serving) and sodium (370mg).
Overall, it can be part of a healthy diet, especially given its high potassium content. However, it’s best viewed as a rich, indulgent meal rather than a low-fat health food, so be mindful of the portion size if you are on a strict low-fat or low-sodium diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Can you freeze the Costco Salmon Milano?
Yes, you can freeze this salmon. Although the package is sold fresh, the ingredients are suitable for freezing. For best results, freeze it directly in its original aluminum tray. Wrap the entire container tightly with an extra layer of plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent freezer burn. You can store it in the freezer for up to two months. Thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before cooking.
What are the best side dishes to serve with it?
Because the salmon is so rich and flavorful, it pairs best with simple side dishes. We recommend:
- Roasted Asparagus or Broccoli
- Rice Pilaf or Quinoa
- A simple green salad with a light vinaigrette
The Final Verdict: Is The Kirkland Salmon Milano Worth It?
After a thorough review, the Costco Kirkland Signature Salmon Milano with Basil Pesto Butter gets a strong recommendation from us. It’s a high-quality, delicious, and incredibly easy meal to prepare that consistently delivers great results.
| Category | Rating | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Taste | 9.5/10 | Delicious, flaky salmon with a rich, savory pesto butter sauce. |
| Price | 8.5/10 | Excellent value for the quality and quantity of salmon you receive. |
| Convenience | 10/10 | Zero-prep, ready-to-cook meal in its own tray. Perfect for busy nights. |
| Overall | 9.3/10 | A fantastic product that we will definitely be buying again. |
Buy this if you:
- Want a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the effort.
- Are looking for an easy and impressive dinner for guests.
- Love salmon and pesto.
Pass on this if you:
- Are on a strict low-sodium or low-fat diet.
- Do not like the flavor of basil or pesto.