Looking for a quick and delicious weeknight dinner that’s sure to impress? This Pesto Salmon recipe ticks all the boxes—flavorful, nutritious, and ready in just 20 minutes. Perfect for busy evenings, this dish combines the rich taste of salmon with the vibrant flavors of pesto, all topped with a crispy parmesan breadcrumb crust.
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: 24 ounces (4 6-ounce fillets), skin-on or skinless
- Pesto: 6-7 tablespoons
- Fresh Breadcrumbs: ⅓ cup
- Parmesan Cheese: ⅓ cup, freshly grated
Nutritional Information
- Calories: 399.25 kcal per serving
- Servings: 4
Directions
- Preheat Your Oven: Start by heating your oven to 400°F. This high temperature is ideal for cooking the salmon quickly while ensuring a deliciously crispy topping.
- Prepare the Baking Sheet: Line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil for easy clean-up, and spray it with vegetable spray to prevent sticking.
- Arrange the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Ensure they are spaced well apart to allow for even cooking.
- Add Pesto: Spoon about 1½ tablespoons of pesto onto each salmon fillet. Spread it evenly over the top to cover the surface of the salmon, which allows every bite to be infused with its herbaceous flavor.
- Mix Breadcrumbs and Cheese: In a small bowl, combine the fresh breadcrumbs and freshly grated parmesan cheese. This mixture will add a delightful crunch and a nutty, cheesy flavor that pairs perfectly with the salmon and pesto.
- Bake the Salmon: Sprinkle the breadcrumb and cheese mixture over the pesto-coated salmon fillets. Place in the oven and bake for about 12 minutes if you prefer your salmon medium, or extend to 15 minutes for well-done fillets.
- Serve and Enjoy: Once cooked, the salmon should be flaky and the topping golden and crispy. Serve immediately for the best experience.
This Pesto Salmon recipe is not only simple and quick to prepare but also versatile. It pairs wonderfully with a side of steamed vegetables, a light salad, or even over a bed of freshly cooked pasta to soak up all the flavors. Give it a try tonight and enjoy a restaurant-quality meal right at your own dining table!
Pesto Salmon
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 1x
Description
This Pesto Salmon brings a slice of gourmet to your dining table with minimal effort. Featuring a crisp, golden crust and a fresh basil aroma, this dish transforms simple ingredients into a delightful meal that is both satisfying for a weeknight and impressive enough for guests.
What makes this recipe stand out is its versatility and ease of preparation, making it an ideal choice for those busy evenings when time is of the essence but quality cannot be compromised. With a preparation time of just 5 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, you can have a delicious and nutritious meal ready in no time.
Ingredients
24 ounces salmon fillets (4 6-ounce fillets), skin-on or skinless
6–7 tablespoons pesto
⅓ cup fresh breadcrumbs
⅓ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
Instructions
Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with tin foil and spray with vegetable spray.
Arrange the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, ensuring they do not touch. Spoon 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto over each fillet and spread evenly.
In a small bowl, mix breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese, then sprinkle over the pesto-coated salmon.
Bake for 12 minutes for medium doneness or up to 15 minutes for well done.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
Nutrition
- Calories: 399.25