This post has been updated for photos and content. The recipe hasn’t changed.
Looking for a good baked salmon recipe? Baked Salmon Pesto is a four ingredient meal that’s ready in twenty minutes. If you’re looking for a healthy weeknight dinner that the whole family will LOVE, My pesto crusted salmon IS IT.
A recent survey of my readers confirmed that salmon is a staple protein in many people’s weekly dinner rotation. It’s easy to understand why.
Salmon is healthy, easy to make and widely available.
This easy Baked Salmon Pesto is a regular during the weeknights because it’s a four ingredient meal that takes less than 30 minutes. I got your attention, didn’t I?
Baked pesto salmon – A four ingredient meal
We love this simple pesto crusted salmon recipe because it’s so quick and easy and it tastes fabulous. And with only 4 ingredients, it’s a no-brainer for easy weeknight dinners.
Ingredients for pesto crusted salmon
- Salmon Fillets – I get mine at Costco.
- Fresh Breadcrumbs – I like using sturdy sourdough bread to make the crumbs.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – best from a chunk of real Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Pesto – store-bought is fine. Homemade is better.
I recommend slicing the salmon filets into individual portions before baking to give you nice even looking cuts for presentation.
(Ok, you don’t HAVE to do this, but slicing it BEFORE baking, gives you lovely even cuts. AFTER it bakes, the salmon will flake as you’re slicing it and it won’t look like it does in these pictures. It’s not the end of the world, but if you’re a food blogger appearance matters…)
This pesto salmon make couldn’t be simpler to make and it’s something the kids can help with from spreading on the pesto, to topping with the parmesan breadcrumb topping.
How to make pesto crusted salmon:
- Mix fresh breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
- Slice the salmon into individual portions.
- Spoon your favorite pesto sauce over the fillets.
- Top with the parmesan breadcrumb topping.
- Bake for 15 minutes.
To give the pesto crusted salmon a golden, crunchy topping, set the oven to broil and cook for 1-2 minutes until browned.
Don’t walk away while it’s browning — it goes pretty quickly.
The best pesto for baked salmon
You can use store-bought pesto for this recipe, but if you’ve got a homemade pesto in your fridge, you’ll definitely want to use it.
Here are four of my favorite homemade basil pesto recipes. Feel free to use any of them on this pesto crusted baked salmon.
- Spinach Basil Pesto with Almonds
- Homemade Basil Pistachio Pesto
- Pesto with Pine Nuts
- Basil Walnut Pesto
Each of these pesto recipes will last in the fridge for up to 10 days, but they can also be frozen, so you’ve always got a stash of fresh pesto at the ready for this simple seafood dinner anytime.
How healthy is salmon?
Salmon is prized for its health benefits and while farmed salmon is good, wild Coho, Sockeye or Atlantic salmon is even better. The highlight reel of salmon’s nutritional benefits include:
Omega-3 fatty acids (decreasing blood pressure, lowering inflammation, reducing cancer risk).
Selenium (good for your bone health and reducing thyroid disease).
Potassium (reduces blood pressure and your risk for stroke).
B Vitamins and folic acid (All B Vitamins work together providing optimal functioning of the brain and nervous system).
See this article for even more health benefits.
For gluten free fish:
I’ve had several people ask if they can skip the breadcrumb topping in this pesto crusted salmon (presumably they’re gluten-free or avoiding carbs).
My answer to that question is if you’re not going to use the cheese and breadcrumb topping, I’d recommend baking the salmon first and then spooning the fresh pesto sauce over the cooked fish.
I’ve found that without the breadcrumb coating, baking pesto “naked” creates a weird “skin” that turns an unsightly “pond-scum color” – which I like to avoid. Bake the fish and top it with pesto sauce, instead.
That said, you really want the crunchy topping... It’s golden, crunchy and flavorful, adding another dimension to this simple dish.
Also try these gluten free options:
- Gluten-Free Breadcrumbs
- Crushed Potato Chips
- Crushed Corn Flakes or Rice Krispies
- Almond Meal
Lower temperature – moister fish
I bake the salmon at a lower temperature than you might expect — only 325°– to assure that the salmon stays moist and flaky.
The lower temperature also helps to minimize the gooey white stuff that invariably oozes from the fish when it’s baked.
The white stuff is called albumin and it’s harmless, but unsightly. Cooking at a lower temperature reduces the amount of albumin leaked.
This salmon pesto recipe can easily be doubled or tripled depending on the size of your crowded it would be great for company or even a festive Easter dinner, thanks to it’s scaleability.
What to serve with Pesto Crusted Salmon:
- Summer Squash and Courgette Salad with Pesto
- Ultimate Mac and Cheese
- Tomatoes Provencal
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Creamy Dijon Asparagus
More Salmon Recipes:
- Spiced Pan Seared Salmon
- Crunchy Salmon Cakes
- Hoisin Maple Asian Glazed Salmon
- Plank Grilled Salmon with Tomato Fennel Ragout
Parmesan Pesto Baked Salmon – Only 4 Ingredients
Ingredients
- 4 6-ounce salmon fillets pin bones removed
- 6 tablespoons pesto
- 1/3 cup fresh breadcrumbs
- 1/3 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese grate with a microplane grater if possible.
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 325°. Place a piece of tin foil on a rimmed baking sheet. Lay the salmon fillets on the baking sheet, not touching. Spoon 1 1/2 tablespoons of pesto over each fillet and spread it with the back of a spoon or knife so that it's lightly coated with pesto.
- In a small bowl, combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese until evenly distributed. Top each of the salmon fillets with a coating of the breadcrumb mixture.
- Cook the salmon for 12-15 minutes for medium. To get the crust a golden brown, turn the oven to broil and heat for 45 seconds to 1 1/2 minutes with the salmon about 5 inches away from the heating element. Keep an eye on it so it doesn’t burn.
- Serve immediately.
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Lisa, I have made your recipe several times for both guests and simply for my hubby and me. It’s super easy and super tasty and it makes a pretty presentation on the plate. I keep this recipe in rotation because it’s a keeper
Wow, Lisa thank you for this delicious recipe, I made it for my husband and I, it was amazing and very tasty, yummy.
Hi, I’m making this recipe for dinner tonight, so excited because I have Atlantic salmon, delicious, I will let you know how it goes, thanks.
Hello,
I plan on making this tonight. My husband will eat salmon EVERY day of the week! And I do run out of ideas, so thanks for this recipe.
I would like a side dish recommendation please, just slice tomato’s won’t satisfy.
Thanks and Stay Safe!
Check the Recipe category tab at the top of the page and click on “Sides” or “Salads” for lots of options.
I only comment on my absolute favorite recipes. This one has joined the ranks. Omg!! Soo amazing. I paired this with roasted potatoes and served the salmon over fresh spinach dressed with lemon juice, avocado oil and salt/pepper. Thank you for sharing, it’s absolutely delicious!
OH MY WORD THIS WAS AMAZING!!!!!!!!! I made it for the first time last night and will absolutely be adding this to the “regular rotation” in my house. My husband is a huge salmon fan and I usually think it’s “ok” … but after trying this recipe – I could eat it at least once a week!
So glad you enjoyed it!
Super delicious! I used nonstick aluminum foil.
Could I use grouper in this recipe?
Absolutely!
This was so easy, so delicious! My family loved it! Definitely do the last broil.
I cooked the fish halfway before I put the pesto/cheese mixture on the fish. It worked out really well. Great recipe! The kids were digging it. i especially appreciate the tip on pre-cutting the fish. Thanks!!
Loved this recipe not only for the taste but for its simplicity. For those people looking for another layer of flavor and color, I drizzled some balsamic reduction (I had some on hand which I put on a lot dishes for added flavor and/or color),
Would Italian bread crumbs be ok or just plain breadcrumbs?
You can use either one — or panko (Japanese breadcrumbs).
Any attempts of this being cooked on the grill? If so, how did it turn out?
I’ve never tried it on the grill, but there’s really no reason you couldn’t. My tip would be to grill the fish on one side for a few minutes, flip it and then top with pesto and bread crumbs. The only thing I’d be uncertain about is getting a golden crust on the crumbs. Let me know if you do it!
OMG This was outrageous..I made my ow Pesto w/ basil from the garden..Simply put the most delicious Salmon ever!! Thanks for sharing such an easy, delicious recipe.
Kathy Arena
So glad you enjoyed it, Kathy!
This was delicious!
Can I use cheddar cheese instead?
I wouldn’t recommend cheddar for this recipe.
Can I try something else but cheese. Just to decrease the Fat portion?
You can eliminate the cheese — perhaps some more breadcrumbs or nutritional yeast for flavor.
A meal the whole family loves! This is a rare occurrence so thanks for the recipe.
I’m so glad that you and your family enjoyed it, Caroline!
I made this tonight with a few minor tweaks. I mixed my pesto with mayonnaise and basil oil to make a pesto aioli. I smeared the aioli on the salmon and then topped it with the breadcrumb/parm mixture. I had to cook it 16 minutes for medium, and then I broiled it for 1 minute to crisp up the bread crumbs.
It came out excellent.
Thanks for the recipe.
My salmon had the skin on, and after I ate the salmon, the skin was left laying on my plate, looking pretty unappetizing, all limp and fatty. So, I threw the skin in a pan on high heat and crisped it, sprinkled on a little salt and dang that was good too.
Wow! I love your waste-not want not attitude with the skin!
I made this by the recipe and it was delicious. But I really don’t recommend using parchment paper under a broiler. The paper didn’t catch fire but it was pretty well burned.
Mine gets a bit dark as well, but if you’d prefer to use aluminum foil — or just spray a baking sheet with vegetable spray — that works too! (You just have more to clean at the end.)
This is Amazing!! It tastes like restaurant quality. Thanks for sharing
Do you bake the salmon with the skin on or off?
You could actually do either. I usually use a skin off fillet. If you use skin on, place the salmon, skin side down on the baking sheet to cook.
Yummo! So so good. Will definitely put this on regular rotation!
Could anyone recommend a sauce to go with it?
If you wanted to serve a bit more pesto on the side that would work, but I think another sauce might interfere with the flavor profile… If you’re serving with a vegetable, like green beans or spinach — dress them with a pat of butter, a little garlic, lemon juice, salt and pepper — it would go perfectly with the salmon.
I made salmon pesto, but thought to add a little breadcrumbs and Parmesan.
I tried this tonight and it was a hit with my family! I added some sun-dried tomatoes which gave it a little sweetness! I will definitely be making this easy recipe again! LOVED IT! Thanks for sharing!
Glad you and your family enjoyed it, Melissa — the sun-drieds sound great!
Salmon Parmesan? I’m in! I love that pile of cheese on top!
This is my kind of dish right here, I absolutely love salmon, then you top it off with pesto, breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese? this is pure genius! Thank you for this recipe 🙂
So simple, yet so decadent!!! I will have to find a way to try these flavors on something plant-based! Yumm!
I have a nice Spring Pesto Roasted Tomato — you should try that one, Tina!
The colours in this dish are just beautiful! That coral salmon and the bright green pesto. So vibrant and bright, you just know they are going to taste fantastic!
I’m always looking for new ways to cook salmon. Thanks for this flavorful recipe!
I love pesto salmon and make it often. But that Parm on the top is a great addition! Yum!
Why did it never occur to me to put pesto on salmon? That’s genius, and I love that crunchy cheesy topping. Salmon definitely is a staple in our house, and I happen to have some extra basil I’m not sure what to do with. I think I have my answer 🙂
Hope you enjoy it, Ann!