Pesto Crusted Salmon

Looking for a fast, flavorful dinner that’s healthy and elegant? This Pesto Crusted Salmon delivers big flavor with minimal effort. Juicy, tender salmon fillets are topped with a zesty, herby pesto crust that bakes up golden and crisp in the oven. It’s the perfect weeknight meal or impressive dinner party entrée—ready in under 30 minutes.

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Quick & Simple – Just 10 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking.
Packed with Flavor – Fresh pesto, lemon zest, and parmesan make every bite vibrant.
Healthy & Nourishing – High in protein and omega-3s, low in carbs.
Restaurant-Worthy – Looks and tastes gourmet, but it’s so easy to make.
Versatile – Perfect with rice, potatoes, salad, or roasted veggies.

Ingredients You’ll Need

For the Salmon:

4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)

Salt and pepper, to taste

1 tbsp olive oil (for greasing the pan or brushing the fillets)

For the Pesto Crust:

⅓ cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

¼ cup breadcrumbs (panko or regular)

2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese

1 tbsp lemon juice

1 tsp lemon zest

1 tbsp olive oil

1 garlic clove, minced (optional)

Optional Garnish & Serving:

Chopped fresh parsley or basil

Lemon wedges

Steamed rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables

Tools You’ll Need

Baking sheet

Parchment paper or foil

Small mixing bowl

Spoon or silicone spatula

Zester or fine grater

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prep the Oven and Salmon

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil for easy cleanup.

Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel and place them skin-side down on the baking sheet.

Season lightly with salt and black pepper.

Step 2: Make the Pesto Crust Mixture

In a small bowl, combine pesto, breadcrumbs, parmesan, lemon juice, lemon zest, olive oil, and minced garlic.

Mix well until it forms a thick, spoonable mixture.

Step 3: Top the Salmon

Spoon the pesto crust mixture evenly over each salmon fillet.

Use the back of a spoon or a spatula to gently press and spread the mixture over the top surface of each fillet.

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12–15 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon.

The topping should be golden and the salmon should flake easily with a fork.

Step 5: Serve & Garnish

Remove from the oven and let rest for 2–3 minutes.

Garnish with fresh herbs and serve with lemon wedges on the side.

Pair with your favorite side dish and enjoy immediately.

Tips for Perfect Pesto Crusted Salmon
Use Fresh Salmon – It should smell clean and look bright and firm.
Watch the Bake Time – Overcooked salmon becomes dry, so check for doneness at 12 minutes.
Use Panko for Extra Crunch – If you like texture, panko breadcrumbs are a great choice.
Don’t Skip the Lemon – It adds brightness and enhances the pesto flavor.
Customize Your Pesto – Try arugula, kale, or sun-dried tomato pesto for a fun twist.

Serving Suggestions
Garlic Herb Rice – A light, flavorful base to soak up the juices.
Roasted Asparagus – Crisp-tender and naturally complements the salmon.
Quinoa Salad – Add cucumbers, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette.
Mashed Cauliflower – A creamy, low-carb pairing.
Crusty Bread – Mop up every last bit of pesto goodness.

How to Store & Reheat

Storing:
Refrigerate: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.
Freeze: Wrap cooled salmon in foil and store in a freezer bag for up to 2 months.

Reheating:
Oven: Warm at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes until heated through.
Air Fryer: Reheat at 320°F (160°C) for 4–5 minutes.
Avoid the microwave to preserve the texture of the crust and salmon.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I use frozen salmon?
   Yes. Just thaw completely and pat dry before baking.
2. Can I use different types of pesto?
   Absolutely. Any pesto you like—spinach, arugula, or even sun-dried tomato—will work.
3. Is this recipe gluten-free?
   Yes, just use gluten-free breadcrumbs and ensure your pesto is GF.
4. Can I use a whole side of salmon?
   Yes! Just increase the pesto crust amounts and bake for 18–20 minutes or until done.
5. What if I don’t have parmesan?
   You can skip it or substitute with pecorino, mozzarella, or nutritional yeast for a dairy-free version.

Final Thoughts
Pesto Crusted Salmon is the perfect way to elevate your dinner game with minimal effort. It’s fresh, flavorful, and incredibly easy to pull off—even on a weeknight. The combination of flaky salmon and herbaceous pesto crust creates a mouthwatering experience that everyone at the table will love.

Try it once, and it might just become your new go-to salmon recipe. Share it with friends, and don’t forget to leave a review to let others know how it turned out!

Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Cuisine: Italian-American

Nutritional Information (Per Serving):
Calories: 375 | Protein: 32g | Carbohydrates: 5g | Fat: 25g | Fiber: 1g | Sodium: 420mg

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