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.
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Recipe Information
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
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, skin side down. Season each fillet with salt and black pepper.
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.
Spread about 2 tablespoons of basil pesto on top of each salmon fillet, covering the surface evenly.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture evenly over the pesto layer on each fillet, gently pressing it down so it adheres.
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).
For an extra golden crust, switch the oven to broil mode for the last 1–2 minutes, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
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
Calories |
597 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 40.8 g | 52% | |
| Saturated Fat | 7.2 g | 36% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 80 mg | 27% | |
| Sodium | 768 mg | 33% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 16.4 g | 6% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 3.1 g | 11% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.6 g | ||
| Protein | 42.6 g | 85% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 181 mg | 14% | |
| Iron | 2.3 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 247 mg | 5% | |
*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.
