Pesto Crusted Salmon

Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Pesto Crusted Salmon recipe, a dish that’s as impressive as it is simple to make. Juicy salmon fillets are transformed with a vibrant layer of basil pesto, a savory breadcrumb topping infused with Parmesan cheese, and a drizzle of olive oil for added richness. With only 15 minutes of prep time, this quick yet elegant meal bakes to perfection in the oven, emerging with a golden, crispy crust and tender, flaky fish inside. Served with a squeeze of fresh lemon to brighten the flavors, this recipe is a delightful fusion of texture and taste. Perfect for a healthy dinner option or an easy entertaining dish, this salmon recipe is sure to impress with its gourmet appeal and Mediterranean-inspired flavors.

Nutriscore Rating: 66/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:15 mins

Total Time:30 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
• 0.5 cups basil pesto
• 0.5 cups panko breadcrumbs
• 0.25 cups Parmesan cheese, grated
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 0.5 teaspoons salt
• 0.25 teaspoons black pepper
• 4 pieces lemon wedges

Directions

Step 1

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Step 2

Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Season each fillet with salt and black pepper.

Step 3

In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated and slightly clumped together.

Step 4

Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto on top of each salmon fillet, covering the surface evenly.

Step 5

Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pesto layer on each fillet, gently pressing it down so it adheres.

Step 6

Bake in the preheated oven for approximately 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Step 7

For an extra golden crust, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.

Step 8

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2 minutes. Serve warm with a lemon wedge on the side for a bright, citrusy finish.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(909.0g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2251.3

Total Fat 163.4g	0%
Saturated Fat 28.9g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 2.7g
Cholesterol 321.0mg	0%
Sodium 3009.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 31.6g	0%
Dietary Fiber 7.1g	0%
Total Sugars 8.2g
Protein 166.7g	0%

Vitamin D 0IU	0%
Calcium 673.6mg	0%
Iron 7.3mg	0%
Potassium 613.8mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 65.0%

Protein: 29.5%

Carbs: 5.6%