If you love quick, flavor-packed dinners that feel special but require almost no effort, you’ll adore this Pesto Salmon. This recipe transforms fresh salmon fillets into a colorful main dish with a blanket of herby, garlicky pesto and a golden, cheesy crust. It’s vibrant, aromatic, and ready in just 20 minutes—perfect for busy nights or an impressive weekend meal.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Dinner in 20 Minutes: Pesto Salmon goes from fridge to table in under half an hour—ideal for busy weeknights or last-minute dinner guests.
- Incredible Flavor, Zero Fuss: Store-bought or homemade pesto infuses the salmon with bold, Italian-inspired flavor, while a quick breadcrumb-Parmesan topping adds irresistible crunch.
- Minimal Ingredients, Big Result: With just five simple ingredients, you’ll get a meal that tastes gourmet with barely any prep—and you’ll only dirty one pan!
- Eye-Catching Presentation: The vibrant green pesto and golden Parmesan crust make this dish as beautiful as it is delicious—perfect for impressing family or friends.
Ingredients You’ll Need
One of my favorite things about this Pesto Salmon is the way just a handful of kitchen staples come together to deliver huge flavor and gorgeous color. Let’s break down what you’ll need and why each ingredient matters to the final dish.
- Salmon Fillets (24 ounces, 4 fillets): Choose fresh, center-cut fillets for the best texture; both skin-on and skinless work perfectly.
- Pesto (6-7 tablespoons): Vibrant basil pesto brings irresistible herby, garlicky, and nutty notes—use homemade or your favorite good-quality store-bought brand.
- Fresh Breadcrumbs (⅓ cup): Fresh (not dry) breadcrumbs create a light, delicate topping that crisps up beautifully in the oven.
- Parmesan Cheese (⅓ cup, freshly grated): Real Parmesan, grated with a microplane, melts and browns into a salty, savory crust.
- Vegetable Spray: A quick spritz on the foil ensures the fillets won’t stick and makes cleanup a breeze.
Variations
This Pesto Salmon recipe is as flexible as it is delicious, and you can easily swap ingredients or tailor it to your needs. Here are some fun ways to put your own spin on it and keep it fresh every time you make it!
- Try Different Pestos: Switch things up with sun-dried tomato pesto, arugula pesto, or even a dairy-free pesto if you prefer.
- Use Another Fish: Not a salmon fan? This recipe works beautifully with trout or cod—just adjust cooking time as needed for thickness.
- Gluten-Free Option: Use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed rice crackers for a celiac-friendly meal with all the crunch.
- Topping Boosters: Add chopped toasted nuts (like pine nuts or almonds) to the breadcrumb mixture for extra texture and flavor.
How to Make Pesto Salmon
Step 1: Prep the Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and give it a quick spray of vegetable oil so your salmon is easy to lift off later with zero sticking. This also keeps cleanup simple, letting you spend more time enjoying dinner and less time scrubbing pans.
Step 2: Arrange and Top the Salmon
Lay the salmon fillets evenly on the baking sheet with a little breathing room between each piece—this helps them bake uniformly and lets the topping crisp up. Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto onto each fillet and gently spread it across the surface with the back of a spoon or small spatula, making sure every bite gets a gorgeous coating of pesto.
Step 3: Mix and Apply the Crust
In a small bowl, stir together the fresh breadcrumbs and grated Parmesan. Sprinkle this mixture generously over your pesto-topped fillets, lightly pressing it so it adheres. This step is where your Pesto Salmon gets its signature golden, crispy finish—don’t skimp!
Step 4: Bake and Serve
Bake in the center of your preheated oven for 12 minutes for medium (the salmon stays moist and tender), or up to 15 minutes if you prefer it cooked through. The cheese will bubble, the breadcrumbs will brown, and your kitchen will smell absolutely heavenly! Serve immediately while the top is crisp and the salmon is flaky.
Pro Tips for Making Pesto Salmon
- Choose the Freshest Salmon: For the most tender and flavorful result, look for salmon fillets that are moist, brightly colored, and free of strong odors—wild or sustainably farmed both work well.
- Don’t Skip the Fresh Breadcrumbs: Using fresh (not dried) breadcrumbs makes the crust extra crisp and prevents it from drying out—simply blitz day-old bread in a food processor in seconds.
- Even Topping Equals Even Baking: Make sure the pesto and breadcrumb-Parmesan topping are spread in a thin, even layer to guarantee every fillet bakes at the same rate and gets perfectly golden.
- Watch for Doneness: Salmon is best when it flakes easily but still looks moist—start checking at 12 minutes and don’t overbake for juiciest results.
How to Serve Pesto Salmon
Garnishes
A simple shower of extra grated Parmesan, a fresh squeeze of lemon, or some finely chopped basil sprinkled on top will make your Pesto Salmon pop with color and freshness. Even a crack of black pepper or a light drizzle of good olive oil can elevate the dish just before serving.
Side Dishes
This salmon pairs beautifully with so many sides! Try a crisp green salad, simple roasted vegetables, lemon herbed rice, or buttery new potatoes. It’s equally at home next to a bowl of pasta tossed with more pesto if you want to double down on that Italian vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For an impressive touch, serve your Pesto Salmon fillets atop a swirl of creamy polenta or nestle them over a pile of garlicky sautéed greens. For a dinner party, slice fillets into smaller portions and arrange on a large platter, scattered with lemon wedges and fresh herbs—stunning and effortlessly elegant!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Cool leftover Pesto Salmon to room temperature, then transfer to an airtight container. It will keep fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The topping will soften as it sits, but the flavors meld even more and make a great cold salmon lunch!
Freezing
If you’d like to freeze this dish, cool the salmon completely and wrap each piece tightly in plastic wrap followed by foil. Freeze for up to 2 months. Be aware that while the salmon itself holds up well, the topping will lose some of its crunch after thawing, but it’s still delicious!
Reheating
To reheat Pesto Salmon, place it on a foil-lined baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for 8-10 minutes, just until heated through. This gentle heat helps the topping re-crisp a bit without drying out the fish. Avoid the microwave if possible, as it can make salmon rubbery.
FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! For best results, thaw your salmon fillets overnight in the refrigerator and pat them dry before proceeding. This ensures the pesto and breadcrumb topping stick well and bake up crisp.
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What type of pesto works best for Pesto Salmon?
Classic basil pesto is the go-to, but feel free to experiment with other types like arugula pesto, spinach pesto, or even sun-dried tomato pesto. Just make sure your pesto has good flavor and a thick, spoonable consistency.
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Can I make Pesto Salmon ahead of time?
You can prep the salmon with its pesto and topping up to a few hours ahead—just cover and refrigerate until ready to bake. For best texture, bake fresh before serving so the crust stays crisp.
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Is this recipe suitable for kids or picky eaters?
Definitely! Many kids love the mild, buttery flavor of salmon, and the herby pesto and crunchy topping are crowd-pleasers. If you’re concerned about strong pesto flavors, use a lighter hand or choose a milder pesto variety.
Final Thoughts
I hope you give this Pesto Salmon a try the next time you need a dinner that feels both effortless and special. There’s something magical about the way the fragrant green pesto, crispy cheese crust, and tender salmon come together. Dive in, make it your own, and enjoy every flavorful bite with someone you love!
Print
Pesto Salmon Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
This Pesto Salmon recipe combines the richness of salmon with the vibrant flavors of basil pesto, creating a delicious and easy-to-make dish that is perfect for any day of the week.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 24 ounces salmon fillets (4 6-ounce fillets)
Pesto:
- 6–7 tablespoons pesto
Breadcrumb Topping:
- 1/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (grated with a microplane grater if possible)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil and spray with vegetable spray.
- Prepare the salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the baking sheet. Spread 1½ tablespoons of pesto on each fillet.
- Make the breadcrumb topping: Combine breadcrumbs and parmesan in a bowl. Sprinkle the mixture over the salmon fillets.
- Cook the salmon: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is cooked to your desired doneness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 390
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 460mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 14g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 37g
- Cholesterol: 95mg
