For my Walnut Crusted Pesto Salmon I pressed fresh, chopped California Walnuts on all sides and topped the baked salmon with a homemade walnut pesto instead of the traditional pine nuts. Tender and flakey, this salmon is baked, quick and on the table in under 30 minutes.
Allow salmon to come to room temperature before cooking and preheat oven to 425°F.
Sprinkle both sides of the salmon filets with salt and pepper.
Chop walnuts or pulse in food processor until fine crumb. Place in a shallow, rimmed dish. Press salmon into walnuts to coat on all sides. Place in oven proof baking dish or foil lined baking sheet. Drizzle tops with oil.
Bake for 10 minutes. Turn broiler on high and broil for 3 minutes until the top is golden brown.
Remove from oven, top with pesto and allow to rest 3 minutes. Serve over lightly dressed spinach greens and tomatoes (optional), or your favorite sides.