"Golden-brown walnut crusted salmon fillet garnished with fresh rosemary and lemon slices, served on a rustic plate with a side of roasted vegetables."

Crispy & Flavorful Walnut Crusted Salmon Recipe

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Salmon is a nutrient-dense fish known for its heart-healthy omega-3s and high-quality protein. When paired with a crunchy walnut crust, it becomes a dish that is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients.

This walnut crusted salmon recipe is:

  • Quick and easy to prepare (ready in under 30 minutes!)
  • Oven-baked or air-fried for a crispy texture
  • Perfect for weeknights yet elegant enough for dinner parties
  • Rich in protein, omega-3s, and healthy fats

Looking for more ways to make your meals nutritious and flavorful? Check out the health benefits of salmon and nutritional value of walnuts to see why this dish is a powerhouse of goodness!

🛒 Ingredients for the Best Walnut Crusted Salmon recipe

"Fresh ingredients for walnut crusted salmon, including raw salmon fillets, chopped walnuts, Dijon mustard, honey, garlic, lemon slices, and fresh herbs on a wooden cutting board."
“Everything you need to make the perfect walnut crusted salmon—fresh salmon, crunchy walnuts, zesty lemon, Dijon mustard, and fragrant herbs!”

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets (wild-caught preferred for better flavor & nutrition)
  • 1 cup walnuts, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsp Dijon mustard (adds a tangy depth of flavor)
  • 1 tbsp honey (balances the savory and nutty flavors)
  • 2 tsp fresh lemon zest
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • ½ tsp salt & black pepper

Optional Additions:

  • Rosemary or dill (for a fresh, herbaceous note)
  • Panko breadcrumbs (for extra crispiness)
  • Chili flakes (if you like a little heat!)

🔥 Step-by-Step: How to Make Walnut Crusted Salmon recipe

1️⃣ Prep the Salmon

  • Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C) or set your air fryer to 375°F.
  • Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure the coating sticks.
  • Lightly season with salt & pepper.

2️⃣ Make the Walnut Crust

  • In a food processor, pulse walnuts, garlic powder, lemon zest, and optional breadcrumbs until you achieve a coarse texture.
  • In a separate bowl, mix Dijon mustard and honey until smooth.

3️⃣ Coat & Bake

  • Spread the honey-mustard mixture evenly over the top of each fillet.
  • Press the walnut mixture on top, ensuring it sticks well.
  • Place salmon on a lined baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes (or 8-10 minutes in an air fryer) until the crust is golden and the salmon is flaky.

4️⃣ Serve & Enjoy!

  • Garnish with fresh herbs and a squeeze of lemon juice.
  • Pair it with Italian green salad for a light, refreshing contrast.

🍽️ Best Side Dishes for Walnut Crusted Salmon recipe

Pair your salmon with these delicious and complementary sides:

  • Hot spinach artichoke dip for a creamy, savory appetizer.
  • Roasted asparagus & Brussels sprouts – oven-roasted for extra crispiness.
  • Garlic mashed potatoes – rich and buttery for a satisfying meal.
  • Juicy lemon herb chicken if serving multiple proteins at a dinner party.

🥄 Recipe Variations & Customizations

Make this dish your own by experimenting with these variations:

  • 🌿 Herb Crusted Salmon – Swap walnuts for a mix of almonds, pecans, or pistachios.
  • 🌶️ Spicy Walnut Salmon – Add paprika or cayenne pepper for heat.
  • 🍯 Maple Walnut Salmon – Substitute honey with maple syrup for a sweeter touch.
  • 🧀 Parmesan Walnut Salmon – Mix grated Parmesan into the crust for a cheesy crunch.

🔍 Pro Tips for Perfectly Baked Walnut Crusted Salmon recipe

✅ How to Get the Perfect Crunch

  • Use fresh walnuts – Rancid nuts can ruin the flavor.
  • Don’t overprocess the nuts – You want a coarse texture for a crunchier bite.

🎯 Avoid Overcooking Salmon

  • Bake until internal temp reaches 125-130°F for moist, tender salmon.
  • Let it rest for 5 minutes before serving—it will finish cooking from residual heat.

🧑‍🍳 Make It Stick!

  • Pat salmon dry before adding toppings.
  • Press the walnut coating firmly onto the fillet.
"Crispy walnut crusted salmon fillet topped with fresh rosemary and lemon slices, served on a rustic plate with roasted vegetables."
“Golden-brown walnut crusted salmon with a crunchy topping, fresh herbs, and a zesty lemon garnish—perfect for a quick, healthy dinner!”

🙋 Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can I make this ahead of time?

Yes! You can coat the salmon and refrigerate it for up to 24 hours before baking.

Q2: What’s the best way to store leftovers?

  • Keep cooked salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
  • Reheat in the oven at 350°F for 5-7 minutes to maintain crispiness.

Q3: Can I use another type of fish?

Absolutely! This crust works well on cod, halibut, or tilapia.

Q4: Is this walnut crusted salmon recipe keto-friendly?

Yes! Just omit the honey or use a sugar-free alternative.

✨ Final Thoughts for the walnut crusted salmon recipe

This crispy, flavorful, and nutrient-packed walnut crusted salmon recipe is a must-try for seafood lovers! Whether you bake or air-fry it, the crunchy walnut crust combined with the tender, flaky salmon makes for a satisfying meal.

Looking for more delicious recipes? Try this juicy turkey breast recipe for another protein-packed meal option!

🔥 Ready to try it? Let us know your favorite variations in the comments! 🎉

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