Pesto Salmon

Pesto salmon is a delicious four-ingredient, 20-minute recipe you can easily scale according to the number of diners you have. This recipe is perfect for busy weeknights and fancy enough for company. Make this baked salmon with pesto tonight.

Ingredients for the pesto salmon recipe.

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, plus its fast cooking time makes it a no-brainer.

Everyone needs a few quick and easy recipes for nights when you don’t have time to cook, and this pesto salmon recipe is my ace-in-the-hole.

It’s a simple sheet-pan-baked salmon crusted with basil pesto and parmesan breadcrumbs. It takes 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes in the oven; the results are fantastic.

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Why you’ll love this recipe:

You’ll love this salmon with pesto because it’s a no-brainer and makes you a dinner hero.

  • You only need four ingredients.
  • It’s a delicious main course that’s also healthy.
  • You can customize pesto salmon according to your diet/preferences.
  • Pesto crusted salmon is great for busy weeknights.
  • Kids can help prep the salmon with pesto from spreading on the basil sauce to sprinkling on the breadcrumbs.

Ingredients for pesto salmon:

  • Salmon Fillets – You can use fresh or frozen salmon fillets, preferably a fattier fish. If using frozen filets, thaw them first.
  • Fresh Breadcrumbs – Pulse a slice of bread or even a hot dog bun through a mini food processor to make fresh breadcrumbs. Avoid using dried breadcrumbs; they won’t give you the same light, crunchy crust as the fresh.
  • Grated Parmesan Cheese – best from a chunk of real Parmigiano Reggiano, but you can use pre-grated cheese.
  • Basil Pesto – store-bought is fine. Homemade is better.
Grating parmesan cheese.

How to make pesto crusted salmon:

  1. Mix fresh breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese together in a bowl.
  2. Slice the salmon into individual portions and transfer to a foil lined sheet pan.
  3. Spoon your favorite pesto sauce over the fillets.
  4. Top with the parmesan breadcrumb topping.
  5. Bake the pesto salmon for 12-15 minutes in a preheated 400° oven.
a jar of pine nut pesto

Pro-Tips:

  • Slice the salmon fillets into individual servings before assembling them for a more uniform appearance—Salmon flakes rather than slices after it’s baked. 
  • If using frozen fish filets, defrost them before assembling and baking. Pat them dry to remove excess moisture.

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 want to use it. Fresh, homemade pesto tastes brighter and has a vibrant green color.

Here are four of my favorite homemade basil pesto recipes. Any of them would be good on this herb and breadcrumb crusted baked salmon.

Each pesto recipe 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 ready for this simple seafood dish.

Variations:

  • Taste your pesto before using. If it’s got a milder flavor, season salmon fillets with salt and pepper before adding the fresh basil pesto.
  • Make it gluten-free by using gluten-free breadcrumbs in the parmesan crust. Other gluten-free toppings include crushed potato chips, crushed corn flakes or rice krispies.
  • Make it dairy-free using a vegan pesto and parmesan substitute or nutritional yeast.
  • Add ¼ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes to the breadcrumb mixture for a spicy kick.
  • Roast a cup or two of cherry tomatoes on the same tray as the baked pesto salmon recipe. The tomatoes will burst and the juices create a fresh tomatoey sauce that can be served over orzo or couscous.
  • Swap panko crumbs for fresh breadcrumbs for an ultra crunchy topping.
  • For smaller appetites, slice a salmon filet into 4-ounce servings.
  • Salmon and pesto sauce is a great combination, but you can also swap it for a sun-dried tomato pesto or black olive tapenade for a twist.
Adding the breadcrumb topping.

FAQs

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, with:
Omega-3 fatty acids for reducing blood pressure, lowering inflammation and 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.

What’s the healthiest preparation for salmon?

Simple baked salmon seasoned with herbs, olive oil and lemon is a healthy preparation. This pesto salmon recipe has about 400 calories, only nine carbohydrates and 38 grams of protein per serving, so it’s pretty healthy.

How do I make moist baked salmon?

The key is not to overcook the fish. A moderate temperature (375°-400°) and quick cooking time will ensure moist salmon.

How do I make pesto salmon for a larger or smaller group?

This recipe can easily be halved, doubled or tripled, depending on the size of your crowd. For each salmon fillet, you need about 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto and 1½ tablespoons of breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese.

 

Baked salmon pesto on a sheet pan.

Storage Tips:

We like the salmon pesto recipe when it’s freshly made because the parmesan crumb crust is crunchy, and the fish is moist and tender.

If you have leftovers of the basil pesto salmon, they can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat in a 350° oven for 8-10 minutes or microwave in 30-second bursts until hot.

Serving the baked salmon with pesto sauce on a plate with spinach and roasted potatoes.
An overhead shot of the pesto crusted salmon dinner.

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A serving of pesto salmon on a plate with spinach and potatoes.
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3.98 from 291 votes

Pesto Salmon

This easy Pesto Salmon recipe has a bright basil flavor with a crispy, golden crust.  It’s a quick and easy dinner recipe ideal for weeknights and special enough for company.
Author: Lisa Lotts
Course Main Course
Cuisine American, Italian
Keyword pesto, quick meals, salmon, seafood
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 4

SPECIAL EQUIPMENT:

  • mini food processor
  • ¼ sheet pan

INGREDIENTS:

  • 24 ounces salmon fillets (4 6-ounce fillets) you can use skin-on or skinless
  • 6-7 tablespoons pesto
  • cup fresh breadcrumbs
  • cup freshly grated parmesan cheese grate with a microplane grater if possible.

DIRECTIONS:

  • Preheat the oven to 400°. Place a piece of tin foil on a rimmed baking sheet and spray with vegetable spray.
  • Lay the salmon fillets on the baking sheet so they don’t touch. Spoon 1½ tablespoons of basil pesto over each fillet and spread it with the back of a spoon or knife so it’s lightly coated with the herb sauce.
  • Combine the breadcrumbs and parmesan cheese in a small bowl. Top the salmon fillets with the breadcrumb mixture.
  • Cook the salmon for 12 minutes for medium and up to 15 minutes to cook through.

RECIPE VIDEO:

YouTube video

NOTES:

Note: The fish will continue to cook even after it comes out of the oven, so I go with 12 or 13 minutes for moister salmon.

NUTRITION:

Calories: 399.25kcal | Carbohydrates: 9.31g | Protein: 38.5g | Fat: 21.92g | Saturated Fat: 4.51g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 4.6g | Monounsaturated Fat: 4.2g | Cholesterol: 102.6mg | Sodium: 496.93mg | Potassium: 866.45mg | Fiber: 0.77g | Sugar: 1.28g | Vitamin A: 593.72IU | Calcium: 146.78mg | Iron: 1.96mg

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63 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Any attempts of this being cooked on the grill? If so, how did it turn out?

    1. 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!

  2. Kathy Arena says:

    5 stars
    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

  3. Patty Butler says:

    5 stars
    Love this with the parmesan and breadcrumbs. Wondering if I can use cheddar cheese for a change.

    1. I wouldn’t recommend cheddar for this recipe.

  4. 5 stars
    Such an easy recipe and it comes out perfect every time. I’ve even made it without cheese to cut down on the fat.

  5. 5 stars
    A meal the whole family loves! This is a rare occurrence so thanks for the recipe.

  6. George V. says:

    5 stars
    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.

  7. 5 stars
    I made this by the recipe and it was delicious.

  8. 5 stars
    This is Amazing!! It tastes like restaurant quality. Thanks for sharing

  9. 5 stars
    Yummo! So so good. Will definitely put this on regular rotation!

  10. Sean Barker says:

    5 stars
    Could anyone recommend a sauce to go with it?

  11. Linda Maryanov says:

    5 stars
    I made salmon pesto, but never thought to add a little breadcrumbs and Parmesan. Delicious!

  12. Melissa Doney says:

    5 stars
    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!

  13. 5 stars
    Salmon Parmesan? I’m in! I love that pile of cheese on top!

  14. 5 stars
    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 🙂

  15. 5 stars
    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!

  16. debi at Life Currents says:

    5 stars
    I’m always looking for new ways to cook salmon. Thanks for this flavorful recipe!

  17. 5 stars
    I love pesto salmon and make it often. But that Parm on the top is a great addition! Yum!

  18. 5 stars
    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 🙂