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Easy Low-Carb Baked Salmon with Crispy Pesto

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A quick and easy keto-friendly baked salmon recipe topped with a crispy, flavorful pesto crust that seals in juiciness and adds herbal freshness.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz / 170 g each), fresh or thawed frozen
  • 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts (walnuts can be used as a substitute)
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, freshly shredded
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Salt to taste
  • Freshly ground black pepper to taste
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone mat.
  2. Prepare the pesto: In a food processor, combine basil leaves, toasted pine nuts, grated Parmesan, minced garlic, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes if using. Pulse a few times.
  3. Slowly drizzle in olive oil while pulsing until the mixture is chunky and spreadable but not too oily or smooth. Stop pulsing once the mixture holds together with texture.
  4. Season the pesto with salt and pepper to taste and stir with a spatula.
  5. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispier skin.
  6. Place the salmon skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet and season lightly with salt and pepper.
  7. Spoon about 2 tablespoons of pesto evenly over the top of each fillet, spreading gently to cover without overloading.
  8. Bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on thickness, until salmon flakes easily with a fork and pesto is golden and crispy.
  9. Optional: Broil for 1-2 minutes at the end for extra crunch, watching closely to prevent burning.
  10. Remove from oven and let rest for 3 minutes before serving to settle juices.

Notes

Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender. Pulse pesto ingredients to maintain a chunky texture for a crispy crust. Pesto can be prepared up to two days ahead and stored in the fridge. For nut-free pesto, substitute pine nuts with pumpkin seeds. For dairy-free pesto, omit Parmesan and add nutritional yeast.

Nutrition

Keywords: low-carb, keto, baked salmon, pesto, healthy dinner, quick recipe, easy salmon, keto dinner, crispy pesto

Find it online: https://tastypierecipes.com/easy-low-carb-baked-salmon-with-crispy-pesto-recipe-for-perfect-keto-dinner/