I always love being invited over for dinner – someone else to do the cooking. I love looking forward to the unknown as to what is going to be served. Isn’t it like, the best ever? Definitely.
A few weeks back my Fireman and I spent the evening with some friends and were spoiled with a delicious heart healthy meal. After just one bite I was pulling out a note pad and pen from my bag to take down the recipe.
Two words: quick & simple. Literally a 5-ingredient meal. A super simple combo of prepared basil pesto and reduced fat EVOO mayo thats paired with a mixture of Italian-style bread crumbs and sharp Parmesan cheese. Broil for 12 minutes, and done! Seriously- You’re done. How quick and simple was that? I added a slightly nutty flavor with some toasted sesame seeds mixed in with my parma-bread crumbs. Just an extra step – not desperately needed. 
Repeat meals are few and far in between. Unless my Fireman requests it we typically will have something different on most nights.
Since having it at our friend’s house for dinner that night we’ve had it at home.. let’s see.. 3 times now.
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Pesto-Crusted Salmon
- Total Time: 22 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
This Pesto-Crusted Salmon combines the rich flavors of basil pesto and Parmesan with a crispy breadcrumb topping for a quick and delicious meal.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp reduced fat mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp prepared basil pesto
- 3 tbsp Italian-style bread crumbs
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 (6-oz) (170 g) salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler to HIGH.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tbsp of reduced fat mayonnaise and 2 tbsp of prepared basil pesto until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 tbsp of Italian-style bread crumbs and 2 tbsp of grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, add 2 tsp of toasted sesame seeds for a nutty flavor.
- Place the salmon fillets in a shallow baking dish and coat them lightly with cooking spray.
- Spread the mayonnaise and pesto mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
- Sprinkle the bread crumb and Parmesan mixture over the pesto-coated salmon, pressing lightly to adhere.
- Broil the salmon for about 12 minutes, or until the crust is golden brown and the salmon is cooked through. The fish should flake easily with a fork.
Notes
- For an extra nutty flavor, add toasted sesame seeds to the breadcrumb mixture.
- This dish is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner.
- Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Cuisine: Italian-American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 1 gram
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 18 grams
- Carbohydrates: 4 grams
- Fiber: 1 gram
- Protein: 34 grams
- Cholesterol: 80 mg
If You Liked This Recipe, You’ll Love These
- Salmon and Pesto Breakfast Sandwich
- Spiced Salmon Tacos with Cilantro and Jalapeño Slaw
- Sheet Pan Honey Mustard Salmon
- Crispy Salmon Cakes with Homemade Remoulade Sauce
Frequently Asked Questions
Why does this recipe mix mayonnaise into the pesto layer?
The topping is a blend of 2 tbsp reduced-fat mayonnaise and 2 tbsp prepared basil pesto, which creates a creamy binder that helps the breadcrumb crust adhere to the salmon and stay moist under the broiler.
Why does the recipe use the broiler instead of baking?
The instructions call for preheating the broiler to HIGH and cooking for about 12 minutes, which is fast enough to set the crust golden without overcooking the thick, 1-inch fillets—the technique the author credits for the quick, 5-ingredient appeal of the dish.
Are the toasted sesame seeds necessary?
No. The article describes adding 2 tsp of toasted sesame seeds to the breadcrumb and Parmesan mixture for a slightly nutty flavor, then notes it’s “just an extra step – not desperately needed”—skip it if you want to keep the recipe at five ingredients.
