This post has been updated for photos and content. The recipe hasn’t changed.
Looking for a good baked salmon recipe? This one has been my most popular salmon recipe for years. I think its because this 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 the best. Perfect for beginner cooks.
Everyone needs a quick and easy recipe for nights when you just don’t have time to cook. This simple sheet pan baked salmon with bright, herbal pesto and crunchy breadcrumb and parmesan topping is my ace-in-the-hole. It takes about 5 minutes of total prep time and it’s just as easy to make for one serving as it is for ten.
Why you’ll love this pesto salmon recipe
You’ll love pesto crusted salmon recipe because it’s a no-brainer and makes you look like a dinner-hero.
- Salmon pesto only takes 4 ingredients.
- It’s a light, healthy dinner idea.
- You can customize it according to your diet/preferences.
- Pesto crusted salmon is great for busy weeknights.
- Even kids like this baked salmon recipe.
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.
Ingredients for pesto crusted salmon
- Salmon Fillets – I get mine at Costco.
- Fresh Breadcrumbs – I like using sturdy sourdough bread to make the crumbs, but you can use plain white or whole wheat bread as well. Avoid using dry breadcrumbs from the store, they won’t give you the same light, crunchy crust as crumbs made fresh.
- Grated Parmesan Cheese – best from a chunk of real Parmigiano Reggiano.
- Pesto – store-bought is fine. Homemade is better.
How to make pesto crusted salmon:
- Preheat the oven to 325°F.
- Mix fresh breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
- Slice the salmon into individual portions and transfer to a foil lined sheet pan.
- Spoon your favorite pesto sauce over the fillets.
- Top with the parmesan breadcrumb topping.
- Bake the pesto salmon for 15 minutes.
PRO-TIP: 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 the fresh salmon into individual servings BEFORE baking, gives you lovely even cuts and a uniform appearance.
If you cut the pesto salmon AFTER it bakes, the fish 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…)
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?
Not to mention that this baked salmon is layered with pesto sauce (homemade or store-bought and a blend of fresh breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese to make a crunchy golden crust for the fish.
How to brown the parmesan breadcrumb topping on the baked salmon pesto
To give the pesto crusted salmon a golden, crunchy topping, set the oven to “broil” and brown the breadcrumbs for 1-2 minutes until golden and crunchy.
Don’t walk away while the parmesan breadcrumbs are under the broiler — they will brown pretty quickly.
What type of pesto should I use 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. Fresh, homemade pesto will taste brighter, have a vibrant green color and really makes a difference.
Here are four of my favorite homemade basil pesto recipes. Any of them would be good on this herb and breadcrumb 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. Instead, bake the salmon first, then top it with pesto sauce.
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
How do I make moist baked salmon?
Bake the fish fillets at a lower temperature, 325° F at the most, to assure that the baked 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.
How do I make pesto salmon for a larger or smaller group?
This baked salmon pesto recipe can easily be halved, doubled or tripled depending on the size of your crowd. It would be great for company or even a festive holiday dinner, thanks to it’s scaleability.
What to serve with Pesto Crusted Salmon:
- Summer Squash and Courgette Salad with Pesto
- Garlic Lemon Green Beans
- Ultimate Mac and Cheese
- Steamed couscous
- Tomatoes Provencal
- Brown Butter Mashed Potatoes
- Buttered Egg Noodles or Orzo Pasta
- Roasted Garlic Mashed Cauliflower
- Steamed white or brown rice
- Creamy Dijon Asparagus
- Duck Fat Roasted Potatoes
More salmon recipes you’ll love:
- Spiced Pan Seared Salmon
- Crunchy Salmon Cakes
- Hoisin Maple Asian Glazed Salmon
- Smoked Salmon Chevre Pizza
- Plank Grilled Salmon with Tomato Fennel Ragout
- Cedar Planked Salmon Sliders
- Smoked Salmon with Cognac Cream Pasta
- Bourbon Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon
- Salmon and Caramelized Onion Frittata
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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Made this and it was absolutely outstanding! I baked at 300 degrees and it was so good, and great as leftovers flaked into a salad the next day. Going into regular rotation!
I used my homemade pesto on the salmon. After removing from the oven, I drizzled Balsamic glaze over it. Just added that little extra pizzaz. Delicious.
I had homemade pesto and tried it the recipe. Added salt n garlic powder n it turned out great! The fish is moist and juicy. Very little cleaning involved too. Love it!
Absolutely delicious. Easy to put together and perfect for a week night meal. It would be great as a company meal as well.
2nd time to make this recipe and it’s oh so DELICIOUS!!! My boys absolutely loved it the first time and requested it again 🙂
Since I was too lazy to make fresh bread crumbs, I used plain panko crumbs/parmesan (freshly grated) instead. Also, 2nd time I used small amount of salt and some garlic powder to the salmon before the pesto. A definite keeper! Thanks so much for sharing this recipe, LIsa!
served this with asparagus spears( sprinkled with parmesan) and rice pilaf, this was a restaurant quality meal for a fraction of the cost. delicious
WOW. Made with panko breadcrumbs and to use up some pesto. Served with potatoes, broccoli and carrots. So good! And so easy. Will definitely make again.
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!
Super delicious! I used nonstick aluminum foil.
Could I use grouper in this recipe?
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
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 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.
I made this by the recipe and it was delicious.
This is Amazing!! It tastes like restaurant quality. Thanks for sharing
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 never thought to add a little breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Delicious!
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!
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 🙂