Easy Homemade Pesto Salmon Recipe: Zesty Dinner in Minutes

Green, vibrant pesto upgrades ordinary salmon into a culinary masterpiece that dances with herbal intensity and rich, silky textures.

Mediterranean flavors weave through this elegant seafood dish, creating a harmonious blend of fresh ingredients and sophisticated taste profiles.

salmon delicate flesh becomes a perfect canvas for the bold, aromatic herb sauce that elevates every single bite.

Bold and bright green pesto introduces a zesty punch to the succulent fish, turning a simple protein into an extraordinary meal.

Home cooks can easily master this restaurant-quality preparation that requires minimal technique but delivers maximum flavor impact.

Nutritious and quick to prepare, this recipe promises a delightful dining experience that will impress even the most discerning palates.

The combination of omega-rich salmon and herbaceous pesto guarantees a meal that feels both indulgent and wholesome.

What Makes Pesto Salmon Shine Bright

• Elevate Seafood Simplicity: This recipe transforms ordinary salmon into a gourmet dish with minimal effort, using just a few ingredients that pack maximum flavor.
• Quick Weeknight Culinary Magic: Prepare a restaurant-worthy meal in under 20 minutes, perfect for busy professionals or families craving delicious, nutritious dinner without complex cooking techniques.
• Texture Explosion: Crispy parmesan-breadcrumb topping creates a delightful contrast against the tender, flaky salmon, while bright basil pesto adds a zesty, herbal punch that elevates the entire dish's sensory experience.

Key Ingredients in Flavorful Pesto Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, wild-caught salmon provides a rich, buttery base for the dish with a flaky texture and high omega-3 content.

• Basil Pesto: Classic Italian sauce with bright herbaceous flavor that adds moisture and complexity to the salmon.
• Parmesan Cheese: Aged, hard cheese that brings a salty, nutty crunch to the dish's topping.
• Breadcrumbs: Light, crispy coating that creates a golden, textured crust over the salmon.

• Vegetable Spray: Non-stick cooking spray that helps prevent salmon from sticking to the baking sheet.
• Tin Foil: Protective lining that ensures easy cleanup and helps distribute heat evenly during baking.

How to Cook Pesto Salmon Without Fuss

Step 1: Prepare the Oven

Crank up your oven to 400°F. Grab a rimmed baking sheet and line it with tin foil. Give the foil a quick spritz of vegetable spray to prevent sticking.

Step 2: Position the Salmon

Carefully place salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they’re not touching each other. This gives each piece room to cook perfectly.

Step 3: Add Pesto Topping

Generously spread 1½ tablespoons of fresh basil pesto over each salmon fillet, creating an even layer of herby goodness.

Step 4: Create Crispy Coating

• Breadcrumbs
• Parmesan cheese

Sprinkle this flavorful mixture evenly over the pesto-covered salmon, adding a delightful crunch.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven. Bake for 12 minutes for a medium doneness, or extend to 15 minutes if you prefer your salmon more well done. Keep an eye on it to ensure it doesn’t overcook.

Pro Tip: The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and has a beautiful golden-brown topping.

Pro Tips for Juicy and Flaky Pesto Salmon

• Select Fresh Salmon: Choose high-quality, wild-caught salmon with firm, vibrant flesh for the best flavor and texture.
• Spread Pesto Evenly: Use the back of a spoon to distribute pesto smoothly across the entire salmon surface, creating a consistent coating.
• Check Breadcrumb Mixture: Combine parmesan and breadcrumbs thoroughly to ensure a crispy, well-seasoned topping that adheres perfectly.
• Monitor Cooking Time: Watch salmon closely after 10 minutes to prevent overcooking, using the 12-15 minute window for ideal doneness.
• Rest Before Serving: Allow salmon to rest for 2-3 minutes after baking, letting juices redistribute for a more tender and flavorful result.

Reheating and Saving Pesto Salmon the Right Way

• Refrigeration: Store leftover salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Properly sealed, the fish will stay fresh for 3-4 days in the refrigerator.
• Reheating: Gently warm the salmon in the oven at 275°F to prevent drying out. Wrap the fish in aluminum foil and heat for 10-15 minutes until the internal temperature reaches 145°F.
• Freezing: Wrap individual portions tightly in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Frozen pesto salmon can be stored for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.

Great Sides to Match Pesto Salmon

• Crisp White Wine Companion: Pair this pesto salmon with a chilled sauvignon blanc or pinot grigio. These light, zesty wines complement the herbal pesto and cut through the rich salmon perfectly.
• Fresh Salad Sidekick: Serve with a lemony arugula salad dressed in light vinaigrette. The peppery greens and bright citrus notes will enhance the pesto's basil flavors and balance the salmon's richness.
• Creamy Potato Harmony: Create a side of roasted garlic mashed potatoes or herbed new potatoes. Their smooth, buttery texture provides a delightful contrast to the crispy pesto-crusted salmon and adds a comforting element to the meal.
• Bright Citrus Finish: Add a quick squeeze of fresh lemon over the baked salmon just before serving. This simple touch will lift the dish's flavors, brighten the pesto, and add a tangy freshness that makes every bite sing.

Ways to Change Up Your Pesto Salmon Dish

• Mediterranean Herb Salmon: Replace basil pesto with a blend of sun-dried tomato pesto, fresh oregano, and crumbled feta cheese for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Cajun Salmon: Swap basil pesto with a zesty Cajun-style sauce, using cayenne pepper, paprika, and a touch of hot sauce, then top with blackened breadcrumbs and pepper jack cheese.
• Asian Fusion Salmon: Use miso-ginger pesto, sprinkle with panko breadcrumbs, and add a drizzle of sesame oil and chopped green onions for an East Asian-inspired seafood experience.
• Lemon Herb Salmon: Create a light lemon-herb pesto with fresh dill, parsley, and lemon zest, then top with herb-infused breadcrumbs and a sprinkle of lemon-infused sea salt.

Pesto Salmon Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 32 reviews

• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Mediterranean flavors dance in this succulent pesto salmon dish, promising a quick and elegant seafood experience. Herbal basil pesto and tender salmon fillets create a delightful meal you’ll crave again and again.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 24 ounces (680 grams) salmon fillets (4 6-ounce fillets), skin-on or skinless

Topping:

• 6–7 tablespoons pesto
• ⅓ cup (40 grams) fresh breadcrumbs
• ⅓ cup (35 grams) freshly grated parmesan cheese

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C) and prepare a rimmed baking sheet by lining it with aluminum foil and lightly coating with non-stick cooking spray.
2. Carefully position the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet, making sure they are not overlapping or touching each other.
3. Using a spoon, generously distribute 1½ tablespoons (22.5 milliliters) of fresh basil pesto onto each salmon fillet, spreading it evenly to create a uniform coating.
4. In a separate small mixing bowl, combine breadcrumbs and grated parmesan cheese, creating a crisp and flavorful topping mixture.
5. Gently sprinkle the breadcrumb and parmesan mixture over the pesto-covered salmon fillets, ensuring an even distribution for maximum texture and flavor.
6. Transfer the baking sheet to the preheated oven and cook for 12 minutes for a medium doneness, or extend cooking time up to 15 minutes for a more well-done preparation.
7. Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for 2-3 minutes before serving to help retain its moisture and enhance the overall flavor profile.

Notes

• Choose a fresh, high-quality salmon fillet for the best flavor and texture.
• Pat the salmon dry with paper towels before adding pesto to help the coating adhere better.
• Use store-bought or homemade basil pesto for a rich, herbal topping that complements the fish.
• Adjust baking time based on the thickness of your salmon and desired level of doneness.
• Sprinkle extra parmesan cheese on top after baking for an additional burst of flavor.
• Serve immediately with a side of roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 430 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 380 mg
• Fat: 28 g
• Saturated Fat: 7 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 38 g
• Cholesterol: 110 mg