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.
PrintPesto-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 tablespoons reduced fat mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons prepared basil pesto
- 3 tablespoons Italian-style bread crumbs
- 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, about 1-inch thick
- 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your broiler to HIGH.
- In a small bowl, mix together 2 tablespoons of reduced fat mayonnaise and 2 tablespoons of prepared basil pesto until well combined.
- In a separate bowl, combine 3 tablespoons of Italian-style bread crumbs and 2 tablespoons of grated Parmesan cheese. If desired, add 2 teaspoons 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
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
