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Pesto Salmon Recipe

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.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

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

Pesto Topping

  • 67 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