Pesto Crusted Salmon

Introduction

Pesto Crusted Salmon is a vibrant, flavorful, and elegant dish that elevates simple salmon fillets with the aromatic, herbaceous goodness of pesto. The combination of tender, juicy salmon and a crisp, garlicky, nutty pesto crust creates a perfect balance of flavors and textures.

This dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or a sophisticated dinner party. With its bright green pesto topping, it’s as visually stunning as it is delicious. You get the richness of salmon paired with fresh basil, Parmesan, garlic, and pine nuts, creating a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Why I Love This Recipe

• Bursting with flavor: The pesto adds a fresh, garlicky, nutty flavor that pairs beautifully with the richness of salmon.
• Quick and easy: Minimal prep and 15–20 minutes of cooking makes it perfect for busy evenings.
• Healthy yet indulgent: Salmon provides omega-3s while the pesto adds flavor without heavy sauces.
• Elegant presentation: The green crust makes it look gourmet with very little effort.
• Versatile sides: Pairs well with roasted vegetables, rice, or pasta.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

Pesto Crusted Salmon is a must-try because it takes a simple, nutritious protein and transforms it into a flavorful, impressive dish that tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. The crispy, herbaceous crust perfectly complements the tender, flaky salmon inside, creating a balance of textures and flavors that will wow your taste buds. It’s ideal for those who love healthy, bold, and fresh dishes without spending hours in the kitchen.

Time, Servings & Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Calories (approx): 400 kcal per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian / Seafood

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
• Salt and black pepper, to taste
• 1 tbsp olive oil

For the Pesto Crust:

• ¼ cup fresh basil leaves
• 2 tbsp pine nuts or walnuts
• 2 cloves garlic
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 3 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp lemon juice
• Salt and black pepper, to taste

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat Oven: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil.
2. Prepare Pesto: In a food processor, combine basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth but still slightly textured.
3. Season Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry, brush with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
4. Apply Pesto: Spread a generous layer of pesto on top of each salmon fillet.
5. Bake Salmon: Place salmon on prepared baking sheet and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
6. Serve: Remove from oven, drizzle with extra olive oil or lemon juice if desired, and serve immediately.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the pesto using basil, pine nuts, garlic, Parmesan, olive oil, and lemon juice.
3. Pat salmon dry, brush with olive oil, and season.
4. Spread pesto evenly on top of salmon fillets.
5. Bake salmon 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
6. Plate and serve with optional lemon wedges.

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🍴 How to Serve

• Serve over steamed asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a fresh salad.
• Pair with couscous, quinoa, or garlic mashed potatoes.
• Garnish with fresh basil, lemon wedges, or extra Parmesan for a beautiful presentation.

Recipe Tips

• Pat salmon dry to help the pesto stick better.
• Use fresh basil for the best flavor.
• Pine nuts can be lightly toasted for added depth.
• Don’t overbake; salmon should remain moist and flaky.
• Leftover pesto can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days.

Variations

• Spicy Pesto: Add ¼ tsp red pepper flakes to the pesto.
• Herb Pesto: Mix in parsley, cilantro, or arugula with basil.
• Nut-Free: Omit pine nuts or replace with sunflower seeds.
• Cheesy Crust: Add extra Parmesan or Pecorino on top before baking.
• Grilled Version: Grill salmon with pesto on medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Freezing cooked pesto-crusted salmon is not recommended; the pesto may lose its bright flavor and texture.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in oven at 300°F (150°C) for 5–10 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Food processor or blender (for pesto)
• Baking sheet with parchment or foil
• Spatula or tongs
• Knife and cutting board

FAQ

Q1: Can I use store-bought pesto?
Yes, but homemade pesto gives the brightest and freshest flavor.

Q2: Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, the skin can help keep the fillets together and crisp slightly if desired.

Q3: Can I grill this instead of baking?
Yes, cook over medium heat for 6–8 minutes per side, adding pesto after flipping.

Q4: Can I prepare pesto ahead of time?
Yes, pesto can be made up to 2 days in advance and stored in an airtight container in the fridge.

Q5: Can I freeze the raw salmon with pesto?
Yes, place fillets on a baking sheet to freeze individually, then wrap tightly. Use within 1 month.

Conclusion

Pesto Crusted Salmon is a quick, healthy, and elegant dish that combines tender salmon with a flavorful, herbaceous crust. Perfect for weeknight dinners or impressing guests, it’s nutritious, visually stunning, and packed with bold, fresh flavors. With its minimal prep and gourmet taste, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your seafood repertoire.