Elevate your dinner table with this vibrant and flavorful Salmon with Pesto Crust, where tender, flaky salmon fillets meet a golden, crunchy topping infused with fresh basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, and zesty lemon. This quick and easy recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for weeknights or an elegant dinner party centerpiece. The panko breadcrumb crust adds a delightful texture, while the combination of pesto and lemon zest offers a bright, herby richness. Serve with a squeeze of fresh lemon and pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a well-rounded, gourmet meal. This baked salmon recipe is not only delicious but also a healthy option for seafood lovers, packed with Omega-3s and bursting with Mediterranean-inspired flavors!
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Pat them dry with a paper towel and season each fillet with salt and black pepper.
In a small bowl, combine the panko breadcrumbs, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt. Mix until the breadcrumbs are evenly coated with the oil and zest.
Spread a thin, even layer of basil pesto over the top of each salmon fillet, ensuring the surface is fully covered.
Sprinkle the breadcrumb mixture over the pesto layer on each fillet, pressing gently with your fingers to make sure it adheres.
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and the crust is golden brown. Cooking time may vary slightly based on the thickness of the fillets.
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Serve the salmon with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. Pair with a crisp salad or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Calories |
2254 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 163.4 g | 209% | |
| Saturated Fat | 28.9 g | 144% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 321 mg | 107% | |
| Sodium | 3009 mg | 131% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 32.3 g | 12% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 7.5 g | 27% | |
| Total Sugars | 8.3 g | ||
| Protein | 166.8 g | 334% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 679 mg | 52% | |
| Iron | 7.2 mg | 40% | |
| Potassium | 620 mg | 13% | |
*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.