15 Min Baked Pesto Salmon

This 15-minute pesto salmon recipe is loaded with pesto, cheese and fresh lemon juice. It's the perfect meal for busy weeknights. My oven-baked salmon with a pesto crust is going to be your new quick and easy way to cook salmon fillets — a great midweek meal.

Why you'll love this pesto salmon

• Ready in 15 minutes from start to finish.
• Crispy cheesy breadcrumb crust over juicy salmon.
• Only 6 ingredients, including store-bought pesto.
• Healthy, high-protein dinner the whole family loves.

Ingredients (serves 2)

• 220g (8 oz) salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp pesto sauce (green or red)
• 30g (1/3 cup) grated cheese, such as Parmesan or Cheddar
• 3 tbsp breadcrumbs (panko works great)
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Salt and pepper

Directions

Step 1. Preheat the oven to 200°C/400°F. Place the salmon fillets onto a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Pat each fillet dry with a paper towel and season with salt, pepper and lemon juice.

Step 2. In a bowl, mix the pesto (green or red) with 1 tbsp of the breadcrumbs until smooth. In a different bowl, mix the grated cheese with the remaining breadcrumbs.

Step 3. Spread the pesto mixture evenly over the salmon, then top with the cheese-breadcrumb mixture. Bake for 10-15 min, until golden and the salmon flakes easily. Enjoy with salad, rice or potatoes.

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Alla's tips

• Pat the salmon dry so the pesto crust sticks.
• Use panko breadcrumbs for an extra crunchy crust.
• Grill for the last minute for a deep golden top.
• Don't overbake – salmon is done at 145°F (63°C).
• Make your own pesto with basil, garlic, pine nuts, Parmesan and olive oil.

Storage

Keep leftovers covered in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat in a low oven to keep the crust crisp.

Frequently asked questions

Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes – thaw it overnight in the fridge and pat it dry first.

Can I make it gluten-free?
Yes – use gluten-free breadcrumbs or crushed nuts.

Can I use red pesto?
Yes – sun-dried tomato pesto is delicious too.

What sides go with pesto salmon?
Roasted vegetables, rice, new potatoes or a simple green salad.

Can I use other fish?
Yes – cod or trout work well. Adjust the time to the thickness.

More quick salmon recipes

• Baked Salmon with Cheese
• 15 Min Creamy Lemon Salmon
• Layered Salmon & Rice Salad
• Salmon Poke Rice Bowl

Hugs, Alla xox

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