Herb-Pesto Crusted Salmon Delight
Indulge in the exquisite flavors of our Herb-Pesto Crusted Salmon Delight, an impressive dish that's both simple and stunning. This recipe features a vibrant blend of fresh basil, crunchy pine nuts, and crispy bacon, all beautifully combined to create a magnificent herb crust. Once baked, the salmon fillets become tender and moist—perfect for a weeknight dinner or entertaining guests. This healthy and delicious dish serves eight and pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables, making it an ideal choice for those looking to enjoy gourmet flavors while keeping their meal low in carbs.
8
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
Basil leaves
1 1/2-2 cups (stemmed and chopped)
White breadcrumbs
1 cup (plain or seasoned)
Pine nuts
1/2 cup (lightly toasted)
Freshly grated parmesan cheese
1/2 cup (none)
Garlic
2 cloves (chopped)
Crisp bacon bits
1/2 cup (cooked and crumbled)
Extra virgin olive oil
1/4 cup (for crust mixture)
Salt
to taste (optional)
Freshly ground black pepper
to taste (optional)
Salmon fillets
8 (7 ounce each) (skin-side down)
Olive oil
2 tablespoons (for searing)
Instructions
1
Begin by preparing the herb crust: In a food processor, combine the fresh basil leaves, white breadcrumbs, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, and crispy bacon bits.
2
While the food processor runs, gradually pour in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture is well blended and resembles a thick paste.
3
Season the crust mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, if desired, and set aside.
4
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
5
Prepare the salmon fillets by placing them skin-side down on a baking tray lined with parchment paper. Spread an even layer of the prepared herb-pesto crust on top of each fillet, approximately 1/8-inch thick.
6
In a dry, nonstick ovenproof sauté pan or skillet, heat the 2 tablespoons of olive oil over high heat until shimmering.
7
Carefully place the salmon fillets crust-side down in the hot pan and sear for 2-3 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
8
Gently turn the fillets over and transfer the pan directly to the preheated oven. Bake for an additional 5 to 6 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
9
Once done, remove from the oven and let rest for a minute before serving. Enjoy your flavorful, herb-pesto crusted salmon!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Herb-Pesto Crusted Salmon Delight?
Herb-Pesto Crusted Salmon Delight is a gourmet dish featuring salmon fillets topped with a vibrant crust of basil, pine nuts, parmesan, and bacon, then seared and baked.
How many servings does this recipe make?
This recipe is designed to serve eight people.
What ingredients are used to make the herb crust?
The crust consists of fresh basil leaves, white breadcrumbs, pine nuts, parmesan cheese, chopped garlic, crisp bacon bits, and extra virgin olive oil.
Is this salmon recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Yes, the recipe is described as an ideal choice for those looking to keep their meal low in carbohydrates.
At what temperature should the oven be set?
You should preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
Do I need any special equipment for the crust?
A food processor is needed to blend the basil, breadcrumbs, nuts, cheese, garlic, and bacon into a thick paste.
How thick should I spread the herb-pesto crust on the salmon?
The crust should be spread in an even layer approximately 1/8-inch thick on top of each fillet.
Which side of the salmon is seared first?
The salmon fillets should be placed crust-side down in the hot pan first.
How long should I sear the salmon in the pan?
The crust-side should be seared for 2-3 minutes until it turns golden brown.
How long does the salmon need to bake in the oven?
After searing and turning the fillets over, bake them for an additional 5 to 6 minutes.
How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it is cooked through and flakes easily when tested with a fork.
What type of breadcrumbs should I use?
You can use either plain or seasoned white breadcrumbs for this recipe.
Should the pine nuts be raw or toasted?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of lightly toasted pine nuts.
What type of pan is recommended for cooking?
A dry, nonstick ovenproof sauté pan or skillet is recommended so it can go directly from the stove to the oven.
What is the best way to serve this dish?
It pairs wonderfully with a light salad or roasted vegetables.
How much salmon is needed for this recipe?
The recipe requires eight salmon fillets, each weighing approximately 7 ounces.
Does the salmon need to be skinless?
No, the instructions mention placing the fillets skin-side down, indicating the skin can be left on.
What oil is best for the crust mixture?
Extra virgin olive oil is used to help the crust mixture reach a thick paste consistency.
How much garlic should be added?
The recipe calls for 2 chopped cloves of garlic.
Is salt and pepper included in the recipe?
Yes, salt and freshly ground black pepper can be added to the crust mixture to taste.
Can I use regular olive oil for searing?
Yes, the recipe specifies using 2 tablespoons of olive oil for the searing process.
What is the texture of the salmon after baking?
When prepared correctly, the salmon fillets become tender and moist with a crunchy crust.
Is the bacon cooked before adding it to the crust?
Yes, the bacon should be cooked and crumbled into crisp bits before being added to the food processor.
How much basil is required?
You will need between 1 1/2 to 2 cups of stemmed and chopped fresh basil leaves.
What kind of cheese is used in the pesto crust?
Freshly grated parmesan cheese is used to provide flavor and help bind the crust.
Should the salmon rest after cooking?
Yes, the instructions recommend letting the salmon rest for one minute before serving.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, with a total cooking time of under 10 minutes (sear and bake), it is tagged as a quick dinner.
Can I use this recipe for entertaining guests?
Absolutely, it is described as an impressive and stunning dish that is perfect for entertaining.
What is the total number of ingredients in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients total, including seasonings and oils.
Does the recipe include nutritional information?
The provided data notes the dish is low-carb and healthy, though specific calorie and fat counts are not listed.