Baked pesto crusted salmon is a simple dinner recipe that is light and refreshing! Simple salmon crusted with fresh homemade pesto, crunchy cracker breadcrumbs and olive oil. Easy and healthy salmon recipe on the table in under 30 minutes!

Would you like to save this?
This post may contain paid links. If you click on a link and make a purchase, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. For more information, please read my disclaimer.
Jump to:
Pesto Crusted Salmon
Salmon is one of those easy weeknight dinners you can feel good about. Healthy Omega-3s, lots of good protein and delicious flavor.
This recipe takes it up a notch and adds incredible homemade basil pesto and crunchy cracker crumbs to create an irresistible crust on top.
This easy salmon recipe is simple enough for busy weeknights and elegant enough to make for a seafood meal for a holiday or date night at home!
You can use store-bought basil pesto or give my easy pesto without pine nuts recipe a try! It's super simple and incredibly delicious!
Ingredients You Need to Make Pesto Salmon
Here are the ingredients you need to make this recipe:
- Salmon: For this recipe I used Pride of Bristol Bay Salmon - use code MOMMAFIT10 for a 10% discount.
- Pesto: Store bought or my easy Pesto recipe!
- Crackers or Panko Bread Crumbs: I used Simple Mills crackers for this recipe.
- Salt + Pepper
- Olive oil spray (not pictured)
How to Make Salmon with Crunchy Pesto Crust
Here is how you make this recipe:
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grind the crackers in a food processor.
- Mix together crackers and pesto until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Place salmon filet onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
- Gently press pesto mixture onto salmon. Spray salmon with olive oil spray and bake salmon at 350F for 25-30 minutes.
Helpful Tips for Making Pesto Panko Crusted Salmon
Do I need to make my own pesto or can I use store bought?
Store bought pesto is great for this recipe. However, I highly recommend giving my easy pesto recipe a try, it's absolutely delicious and so easy to make!
What can I use instead of cracker crumbs for the crust?
You can use panko breadcrumbs or even bread pieces processed in a food processor and toasted lightly.
How long should I cook salmon for?
My salmon was cooked perfectly at 25 minutes. Total cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon filet as well as your preferred doneness.
More Delicious Salmon Recipes from Momma Fit Lyndsey
Want more simple + delicious eats? Subscribe to my newsletter and follow along on Facebook, Pinterest and Instagram for all of the latest updates.
Pesto Crusted Salmon Recipe
Pesto Crusted Salmon
Ingredients
- 4, 4- ounce salmon filets
- ½ cup pesto
- 1 cup crushed crackers or Panko bread crumbs
- salt and pepper to taste
- olive oil spray
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350F. Grind the crackers in a food processor.
- Mix together crackers and pesto until the mixture resembles wet sand.
- Place salmon filet onto a sheet pan lined with parchment paper. Season the salmon with salt and pepper.
- Gently press pesto mixture onto salmon. Spray salmon with olive oil spray and bake salmon at 350F for 25-30 minutes.
Leave a Reply