What goes well with pesto salmon?

Pesto salmon pairs well with a variety of side dishes. Consider roasted vegetables like asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts. Quinoa, couscous, or a simple salad also complement the dish nicely. Lemon wedges enhance the flavor.

How long does salmon need to be cooked?

Salmon is typically cooked until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the fillet. Generally, allow about 4-6 minutes per half-inch of thickness when baking, pan-frying, or grilling.

What is pesto made of?

Traditional pesto is made from fresh basil leaves, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil. These ingredients are blended together to create a vibrant green sauce.

Can I use store-bought pesto for pesto crusted salmon?

Yes, store-bought pesto is a convenient option for pesto crusted salmon. Choose a high-quality brand for the best flavor. Freshly made pesto will always offer a superior taste, but store-bought is perfectly acceptable for a quick and easy meal.

How do you keep pesto from drying out when baking?

To prevent pesto from drying out during baking, ensure the salmon is coated evenly and generously. Baking at a slightly lower temperature (around 375°F or 190°C) can also help. You can also drizzle a little extra olive oil over the pesto before baking.

Can you freeze pesto crusted salmon?

It's best to freeze the pesto and salmon separately. Cooked salmon can become dry after freezing and thawing. Therefore, if you must freeze leftover pesto crusted salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil to minimize freezer burn, and consume it within 1-2 months. However, the texture may be compromised.

Pesto Crusted Salmon with a Crispy, Herby Crunch 2026

Pesto Crusted Salmon

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A vibrant, healthy salmon dish featuring a crispy, herby pesto and panko crust. It’s a simple, one-pan meal that delivers restaurant-quality flavor in under 30 minutes. Perfect for a satisfying weeknight dinner that feels special.

Author: Harmony
Prep Time: 10min
Cook Time: 15min
Total Time: 25min
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Italian-Inspired

Ingredients

Scale

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin-on or skinless, patted dry
1/2 cup basil pesto, homemade or store-bought
1/2 cup panko breadcrumbs
1/4 cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
1 lemon, for zest and juice
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon olive oil, plus more for drizzling
Kosher salt, to taste
Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper.
Pat salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels. Season both sides lightly with salt and pepper.
In a medium bowl, combine panko, Parmesan, minced garlic, and zest from half the lemon. Drizzle in 1 tablespoon olive oil and mix with a fork until crumbs are moistened.
Fold the pesto into the panko mixture until a cohesive, crumbly paste forms.
Divide the pesto mixture evenly among the salmon fillets, pressing it firmly into an even layer on top.
Bake for 12-15 minutes, until the crust is golden brown and salmon flakes easily at the thickest part.
Remove from oven and let rest for 2-3 minutes. Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top before serving.

Notes

For a crispy crust, ensure salmon is very dry before adding topping. Use gluten-free panko for a gluten-free version. Salmon is done at 125-130°F for medium-rare to medium. Reheat leftovers in an oven to preserve crust texture.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 4
Calories: 420
Sugar: 1
Sodium: 350
Fat: 26
Saturated Fat: 5
Unsaturated Fat: 18
Trans Fat: 0
Carbohydrates: 8
Fiber: 1
Protein: 38
Cholesterol: 90

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/pesto-crusted-salmon/