Pesto Salmon Recipe

Introduction

Pesto Salmon is a simple yet flavorful dish that pairs tender salmon fillets with vibrant basil pesto and a crispy parmesan breadcrumb topping. It’s perfect for a quick weeknight dinner that feels a bit special.

Ingredients

• 24 ounces salmon fillets (4 fillets, 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless
• 6-7 tablespoons basil pesto
• ⅓ cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil and lightly spray it with vegetable spray.
2. Step 2: Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, making sure they do not touch. Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto over each fillet, spreading it evenly with the back of a spoon or knife.
3. Step 3: In a small bowl, mix together the fresh breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. Sprinkle this mixture evenly over the pesto-coated salmon fillets.
4. Step 4: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12 minutes for medium doneness or up to 15 minutes if you prefer the fish cooked all the way through.

Tips & Variations

• Use homemade pesto or your favorite store-bought version for convenience and flavor.
• For extra crispiness, give the breadcrumb topping a quick broil for 1-2 minutes at the end, watching carefully to avoid burning.
• Try adding a squeeze of lemon over the finished salmon for a bright, fresh touch.

Storage

Store leftover pesto salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave until warmed through, taking care not to overcook the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to fully thaw and pat the fillets dry before cooking to ensure even baking and prevent excess moisture.

What can I serve with pesto salmon?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, a simple salad, or rice for a balanced meal.

Pesto Salmon Recipe

Print Recipe

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4.9 from 74 reviews

This Pesto Salmon recipe features tender, oven-baked salmon fillets coated with fresh basil pesto and topped with a crispy parmesan breadcrumb crust, making for a flavorful and elegant dish perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

• Author: Isla
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 to 15 minutes
• Total Time: 22 to 25 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon

• 24 ounces salmon fillets (4 fillets, 6 ounces each), skin-on or skinless

Pesto Topping

• 6–7 tablespoons basil pesto

Breadcrumb Topping

• ⅓ cup fresh breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (preferably grated with a microplane)

Instructions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil and lightly spray it with vegetable cooking spray to prevent sticking.
2. Prepare Salmon: Arrange the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are spaced apart so they do not touch each other for even cooking.
3. Apply Pesto: Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto onto each salmon fillet. Use the back of a spoon or a knife to spread the pesto evenly, lightly coating the top surface of the fish.
4. Mix Breadcrumb Topping: In a small bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese. This will create a savory, crunchy topping.
5. Add Topping: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture evenly over the pesto-coated salmon fillets, pressing gently to adhere it on top.
6. Bake: Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12 minutes for medium doneness or up to 15 minutes to cook thoroughly, depending on your preference and thickness of the fillets.
7. Serve: Carefully remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately, enjoying the crispy topping and tender, flavorful fish.

Notes

• You can use either skin-on or skinless salmon fillets depending on your preference.
• For the best flavor and texture, use fresh homemade or high-quality store-bought basil pesto.
• Cooking times may vary slightly based on the thickness of the salmon fillets, so adjust as needed.
• To ensure even cooking, allow the salmon to come to room temperature before placing it in the oven.
• Serve with a fresh side salad or roasted vegetables for a balanced meal.

Keywords: pesto salmon, baked salmon recipe, parmesan breadcrumb salmon, Italian salmon dish, easy salmon dinner