Pesto Crusted Salmon

This baked, sheet pan, Pesto Crusted Salmon recipe is flaky, moist, and super flavorful! The best part? It is done in 45 minutes, has simple ingredients, and comes with a side of roasted tomatoes and onions! Serve it over a bed of rice for a mouthwatering dinner.

For more pesto, try my Italian Pasta Salad (it has a homemade lemon pesto dressing on it).

Why You Will Love This Baked Salmon Recipe:

• A HEALTHY AND NUTRITIOUS DINNER OPTION– Salmon is a great source of protein, vitamins, minerals, and it is rich in fatty acids.
• QUICK TO MAKE– 30 minutes from start to finish is all you will need. This makes it a great option for late night dinners or busy days where you need something quick.
• FLAVORFUL AND MOIST FISH EVERY SINGLE TIME– Thanks to the pesto crust, it acts as a moisture barrier to the fish.
• EVERYTHING IS BAKED ON ONE SHEET PAN which means less clean up and an even easier complete dinner. If you love sheet pan dinners like we do, try my Chili Cheese Nachos, or these Sheet Pan Steak Fajitas!

Make It With Me On YouTube

Pesto Crusted Salmon Ingredients

This recipe only requires 10 simple ingredients. Keep reading to find more information and potential substitutions on each ingredient.

• Salmon: 1 pound whole fillets or portioned salmon pieces (see notes in the recipe card below, baking time will differ).
• Bread crumbs: Plain crumbs or panko breadcrumbs are the best; they can be homemade, panko, etc.
• Pesto: Store-bought traditional basil pesto is what I use. Feel free to make your own homemade pesto or use other varieties of pesto.
• Garlic: Mince it up as fine as you can get it. 1 teaspoon of garlic powder can be substituted as well.
• Cherry tomatoes: The fresher the better! They will burst and create such a lovely flavor to go with the pesto.
• Onion: Cut the onion in large wedges. If they are cut too small they will become overcooked and lifeless pieces of onion.
• Oil: Use a high temperature oil like extra virgin olive oil. This is going to prevent the oil from getting too hot and smoking in your oven (it can leave an unpleasant taste to the salmon).
• Salt and pepper: Season this dish to your taste preferences.
• Lemon wedges: Serve as a garnish to squeeze over the top! This tastes delicious with a pop of fresh lemon.

You will also need a large baking sheet and parchment paper for easy cleanup (and so your dinner doesn’t burn to the baking sheet.

Wild Salmon Versus Farmed Salmon

There is large debate regarding salmon in the foodie community. Do you buy wild or farmed salmon? Some people recommend buying wild-caught salmon because it is a leaner and more flavorful fish.

That isn’t always a possibility for multiple reasons. If you are like me and live hundreds of miles away from the ocean or don’t have a ton of extra cash to spend on expensive salmon, you choose farmed salmon. Farmed salmon is easy to find at the grocery store and it won’t cost you an arm and a leg.

TIP: No matter if it is wild or farmed, bake your salmon with the skin on (you can choose to eat it or leave it, it’s up to you).

How To Make Pesto Crusted Salmon In The Oven

Here is a quick overview of how to make Pesto Crusted Salmon. The recipe card below will have all the information and details needed.

1. Place your salmon fillet skin side down on your prepared baking tray and season it with salt and pepper (to your taste preference).
2. In a small bowl, combine your bread crumbs, pesto, and minced garlic.
3. Sprinkle it evenly over your salmon fillet (use the backside of a spoon to lightly press the pesto crust into the salmon).
4. Place the cherry tomatoes and onion around your salmon.
5. Drizzle the cherry tomatoes and onion with olive oil, and season with salt and pepper (again, to your taste preference).
6. Bake at 400° F for 14-17 minutes.
7. Serve immediately with fresh lemon wedges.

TIP: Always watch your salmon carefully for the final few minutes, it can easily overcook! The topping will begin to brown and using a fork the salmon will easily flake away at it’s thickest part.

What To Serve With Pesto Crusted Salmon

You will love how many things this dinner goes well with. I recommend serving it with:

• brown or white rice, even cauliflower rice
• quinoa
• roasted mixed veggies
• potatoes- mashed, fries, roasted, or my Smashed Fingerling Potatoes
• a side garden salad or Caesar salad
• on top of angel hair pasta

If you have leftover salmon try it on my Spinach Lemon Pasta or in these Salmon Patties.

What Do I Do If My Salmon Is Frozen?

No problem! Follow these next steps and learn how to properly unthaw your frozen salmon. Doing this will promote an even bake and a crispier exterior.

1. Refrigerate the salmon until it has completely unthawed.
2. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes.
3. Pat dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture.
4. Follow recipe as written.

Recipe Variations

• ADD OTHER VEGETABLES- asparagus, brussels sprouts, zucchini, mini potatoes, etc.
• REPLACE THE BREADCRUMBS- use your favorite crackers, tortilla chips, extra parmesan cheese, nuts like pecans or walnuts.
• TRY THIS WITH OTHER TYPES OF FISH- cod, tilapia, sea bass, flounder, mahi-mahi, swordfish, the list goes on and on.
• USE DIFFERENT PESTO SAUCES- sun-dried tomato, kale, or red pepper chili pesto.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ’s)

Other Easy Dinner Recipes You Might Enjoy

• Baked Cod Fish Sliders
• Cheesy Greek Yogurt Chicken Bake
• Cajun Chicken and Cauliflower with Chimichurri
• 20 Minute Garlic Basil Chicken
• Low Carb Chicken and Broccoli Casserole
• Rosemary and Thyme Chicken Thighs
• Brie Stuffed Chicken Burgers
• Pumpkin Pasta Bake with Sage and Sausage

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