Easy Pesto Crusted Salmon

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This Easy Pesto Crusted Salmon is the crunchiest salmon recipe that comes together incredibly easily with just 4 ingredients! You'll be sure to perfect this dish for your guests or family on your first try!

pesto crusted salmon on plate with spinach

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Easy, yet sophisticated

These type of meals are my thing! And it goes to show, because my family has absolutely loved this dish! The combination of the tender salmon and the crispy, herb-infused crust keeps them wanting more. It pairs beautifully with this salmon crudo as an appetizer!

I work with salmon on a regular basis, creating a variety of every day salmon recipes for my family, and this one has been a popular one in my home, since everyone is obsessed with the crunchy crust! So, I'm sharing it with with you to impress your family and friends with a salmon pesto crust like they've never seen before!

If you're like most people and you have more frozen salmon that you don't know what to do with, I've got you covered. Try my creamy pasta al salmone, or it's lighter version, this salmon pasta with no cream in sight, boasts with fresh herbs. For another great crust, but this time, it's using one of my favorite Asian toppings, it's this Furikake salmon. For more, scroll to the bottom or look through more of my go-to salmon recipes.

WHY YOU WILL LOVE THIS RECIPE

This recipe is the best combination of flavors that will impress your family, friends, or to treat yourself with! The vibrant pesto adds a burst of freshness and color to the juicy salmon fillets. The crust comes out perfectly crispy and golden crust, and the salmon, you ask? It’s juicy, tender, and flaky!

It’s the perfect choice for a special occasion or a weeknight dinner, if you’re anything like me and want a fast and easy meal to make that's also elegant. Plus, it's incredibly easy to make so to just a few easy to find ingredients! Plus I provide a list of variations and substitutions in case you can't have one of the ingredients.

HOW TO MAKE PESTO CRUSTED SALMON

To make this recipe, you'll first want to make the pesto crust mixture. Then, spread a generous layer of it over the salmon fillets. Bake in the oven until the crust turns golden and crispy, and voila! You've got a quick and delicious meal ready to impress.

ingredients to make pesto crusted salmon

INGREDIENT NOTES

The Salmon

In the last several years working with fish daily, I've noticed that while fresh is always best, freshly thawed salmon is just as good for this type of recipe when it's purchased from a high-quality company. Use your go-to salmon, or try a king salmon (my favorite!). It's fattier and therefore ends up juicier and works perfectly with the crunchy crust topping!

The Pesto Crust

Since the crust is a big part of the spotlight, you'll want to grab your trusted brand to start. The panko elevates the pesto to give it an irresistible crunch that will have you craving this recipe regularly. Rightfully so, and best of all it's easy to whip together.

Here's what you'll need for it:

Pesto
Panko
Feta
Olive oil

pesto crust on salmon on a parchment paper | how to make pesto crusted salmon

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
Pat the salmon fillets dry using a paper towel, then place them on the prepared baking sheet. Coat the fillets with half of the olive oil, and sprinkle salt and pepper to taste.
In a small bowl, combine the pesto, olive oil, panko breadcrumbs and feta cheese. Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the salmon fillets, pressing it gently to adhere.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 8-10 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and crispy, and the salmon is cooked through. The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets, so keep an eye on them to avoid overcooking. The fillets need to register 140-145F.
Once done, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a moist and tender result. Enjoy!

EXPERT TIPS

If you prefer a more intense pesto flavor, you can brush a thin layer of pesto on the salmon fillets before spreading the thicker layer.
For an extra crunch of protein, mix in some finely chopped toasted nuts, such as pine nuts or almonds.
If you want to reduce the calorie content, you can use a lighter version of the pesto or replace some of the breadcrumbs with crushed nuts or seeds.

SERVING TIPS

Serve this easy weeknight dish alongside a side of roasted vegetables, such as asparagus or zucchini, or a fresh green salad for a well-balanced meal.
Drizzle some extra pesto sauce over the salmon fillets before serving for an added burst of flavor.
Garnish with fresh basil leaves or chopped parsley for a vibrant and appealing presentation.

STORAGE TIPS

The best way to store leftover salmon is in an airtight container or ziploc bag. They can hold in the fridge for up to 2 days. I love flaking them over pasta the next day, or using them over this healthy salmon pasta recipe or alongside this pickled beet salad.

HOW TO PREP AHEAD

While it's best to enjoy the pesto-crusted salmon fresh out of the oven, you can prepare the salmon fillets with the pesto and breadcrumb coating a few hours ahead of time and refrigerate them.

Just make sure to bring them to room temperature before baking to make sure everything cooks evenly. I like to set them on the counter at least 15 minutes before I’m ready to cook them.

VARIATIONS AND SUBSTITUTIONS

Lemon-Pesto Crusted Salmon: Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the salmon fillets before spreading the pesto to add a tangy twist to the dish.
Walnut Crusted Salmon: Substitute the traditional basil pesto with homemade walnut pesto for a richer and nuttier flavor profile.
Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed gluten-free crackers instead of panko breadcrumbs to make this recipe suitable for a gluten-free diet.
Try a different type of pesto: Make another type using sun-dried tomatos, spinach (if that’s your thing), or even arugula for a peppery kick.

FAQ

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe. Make sure to thaw them thoroughly before cooking and pat them dry with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Can I make the pesto from scratch?

Absolutely! Homemade pesto can elevate the flavors of this dish even further. You can find numerous easy-to-follow recipes online or make it according to your preference using fresh basil leaves, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan cheese, olive oil, and salt.

How to freeze leftovers

While it's generally not recommended to freeze cooked salmon with the crust, you can freeze the uncooked salmon fillets with the pesto and breadcrumb coating. Place them in an airtight container or wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil. Thaw them completely before baking according to the recipe instructions.

Can I grill the pesto-crusted salmon instead of baking it?

Absolutely! Grilling it adds a smoky flavor and a lovely char. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat and cook the salmon fillets on a well-oiled grill grate for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the salmon is cooked through and the crust is golden brown.

WHAT TO SERVE WITH THIS SALMON PESTO CRUST RECIPE

Top the salmon to a bed of this creamy beet pasta!

Pair with these delicious sides and appetizers:

I LOVE HEARING FROM YOU! When you make this salmon pesto crust dish, please RATE using the ⭐️stars, and COMMENT at the end of the page. I love connecting with you in the comments section.

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