Pesto Crusted Salmon

A 5-ingredient meal, this Pesto Crusted Salmon is both healthy and full of flavor! On the table in under 30 minutes, it’s a great option for busy weeknights but is elegant enough for date night in. overhead view of pesto crusted salmon in a white bowl with couscous and zucchini

Whether you’ll be celebrating Valentine’s Day at home due to COVID, family life, or personal preference, I’ve got you covered. This Pesto Crusted Salmon is a light, flavorful meal that comes together quite quickly. It is elegant enough for date night (you’re welcome), but quick and easy enough for a week night dinner. I like to serve it with couscous and a roasted veggie but you can also jazz it up with popovers or Yorkshire Pudding (a cross between a popover and a souffle). 

side view of pesto crusted salmon on a foil lined baking sheet

More Dinner for Two Recipes for Date Night

From Books n’ Cooks

From my blogging friends at From Our Dinner Table:

We share Recipes From Our Dinner Table! Join our group and share your recipes, too! While you’re at it, join our Pinterest board, too!

overhead view of pesto crusted salmon in a white bowl with couscous and zucchini

Recipe Notes for Pesto Crusted Salmon:

uncut pesto crusted salmon on a foil lined baking sheet

Print
overhead view of pesto crusted salmon in a white bowl with couscous and zucchini

Pesto Crusted Salmon

A 5-ingredient meal, this Pesto Crusted Salmon is both healthy and full of flavor! On the table in under 30 minutes, it's a great option for busy weeknights but is elegant enough for date night in. 

Course Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine American
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 2
Calories 400 kcal
Author Liz

Ingredients

  • cooking spray
  • 2 skin-on salmon fillets about 6 oz. each
  • kosher salt
  • freshly ground pepper
  • 1 Tbs. mayonnaise
  • 1/4 c. basil pesto (homemade or store-bought)
  • 2-4 Tbs. panko breadcrumbs

Instructions

  1. Preheat oven to 450F.

  2. Line a baking sheet with foil and spray with cooking spray.

  3. Remove salmon filets from packaging and with a clean paper towel, pat dry. Set skin-side down on prepared baking sheet. Sprinkle with salt and pepper.

  4. In a small bowl, combine mayonnaise and pesto. Spread over salmon. Sprinkle evenly with breadcrumbs, pushing down just slightly to make sure they adhere.

  5. Bake in preheated oven for 10-15 minutes, until salmon is cooked throughout and top beginning to brown.

  6. Serve hot.

A 5-ingredient meal, this Pesto Crusted Salmon is both healthy and full of flavor! On the table in under 30 minutes, it's a great option for busy weeknights but is elegant enough for date night in. 

5 thoughts on “Pesto Crusted Salmon”

  1. What a great use for pesto! I try to keep some in the freezer, having packed it in ice cube trays from what I make at the end of basil season in autumn. I am always looking for ways to use it up and this is perfect.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe Rating