This pecan crusted salmon recipe is one of those meals that feels like it came from a fancy restaurant but is secretly so easy to make at home!!! With buttery pecans, tangy Dijon mustard, and tender, flaky salmon, this dish is packed with savory flavors and a crunchy topping the whole family will love.
It's perfect for a weeknight dinner, but impressive enough for a dinner party too. Add roasted green beans on the side and you've got a complete, nourishing meal made with simple ingredients and minimal effort!
If you love this recipe, you will love my other salmon recipes- my air fryer salmon bites bowl, air fryer salmon with strawberry salsa bowl, sheet pan garlic and herb salmon, trader joe's salmon bites bowl, and my one pan lemon herb salmon.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- A delicious baked salmon recipe that looks fancy but is super approachable
- Ready in under 30 minutes
- Packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids and a great source of protein
- Naturally gluten-free and easy to customize
- A great option for both busy weeknights and entertaining
- The pecan crust adds the best crunchy topping without bread crumbs
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Ingredients
- Fresh salmon fillets - About 1-1½ inches of thickness works best for even cooking
- Pecans - Crushed into a fine pecan mixture for a buttery, nutty crust
- Brown sugar - Adds subtle sweetness that balances the tangy Dijon
- Green beans - A simple green vegetable that roasts beautifully alongside salmon
- Avocado oil - Helps the veggies roast evenly at high heat
- Salt & black pepper - Essential for seasoning both the salmon and veggies
- Garlic powder & onion powder - Adds savory depth without overpowering
- Dijon mustard - The tangy Dijon layer helps the pecan crust stick perfectly
See recipe card for quantities.
Instructions
- Step 1: Prep Veggies. Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a prepared baking sheet. Toss green beans with avocado oil, salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder.
- Step 2: Prep the Salmon. Pat the salmon filets dry and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Season the sides of the salmon with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and onion powder. Using a basting brush, spread Dijon mustard evenly over the top of each salmon filet
- Step 3: Create the Pecan Crust. In a small bowl or plate, mix crushed pecans with brown sugar. Gently press the Dijon-coated side of the salmon into the pecan mixture so it adheres well, creating that irresistible pecan crust.
- Step 4: Bake to Perfection. Place salmon and green beans on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on cooking times and thickness. The salmon should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 145°F.
Hint: depending on how you like your green beans cooked, you may need to remove the salmon and allow the green beans to cook for an additional 5 minutes
Substitutions
- Gluten-Free: Naturally gluten-free as written
- Dairy-Free: No dairy needed! This recipe is naturally dairy-free as written
- Vegetarian: Use the pecan mixture on roasted cauliflower steaks or sweet potatoes
- Nut-Free: Swap pecans for panko breadcrumbs or bread crumbs
- Lower Sugar: Reduce brown sugar or swap for maple syrup brushed lightly over the mustard
- Frozen Filets: Thaw completely and pat dry before using
Variations
- Easy Maple Dijon Salmon with Roasted Veggies - Replace brown sugar with maple syrup for a slightly sweeter finish
- Extra Crunch: Toast the pecans first or use a food processor for an even finer texture
- For some spice try this Spicy Honey Glazed Salmon Recipe
- Different Fish: This works well with other types of fish like cod or halibut
Equipment
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small bowl or plate
- Basting brush
- Paper towels
Storage
- Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days
- Reheat gently in the oven or a skillet over medium heat
- Leftover salmon is great flaked into salads, grain bowls, or wraps the next day
Christina's Dietitian Tip
Salmon is loaded with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. Pairing it with pecans adds healthy fats and makes this a satisfying, balanced meal with lasting energy!
FAQ
Yes! Just make sure the salmon filets are fully thawed and patted very dry before seasoning so the pecan crust sticks well.
The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Cooking times vary depending on the inch of thickness.
You can prep the pecan mixture and trim the green beans ahead of time. For best texture, bake the salmon fresh.
Dinner
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Sheet Pan
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Jump to: Recipe
Pecan Crusted Salmon Recipe
Equipment
- Baking Sheet
- Parchment paper or foil
- Small bowl or plate
- Basting Brush
- Paper towels
Ingredients
- 1 pound green beans destemmed
- 1 tbs avocado oil
- 1 teaspoon salt divided
- 1 teaspoon pepper divided
- 2 teaspoon garlic powder divided
- 2 teaspoon onion powder divided
- 1.5 pounds salmon 4 filet
- 3-4 tablespoons dijon mustard (1 tbs per salmon filet)
- 1 cup pecans crushed
- 3 tbs brown sugar
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a prepared baking sheet. Pat the salmon filets dry and let them sit at room temperature for a few minutes. Toss green beans with avocado oil, ½ teaspoon salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder.
- Season the sides of the salmon with ½ salt, ½ teaspoon pepper, 1 teaspoon garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon onion powder. Using a basting brush, spread Dijon mustard evenly over the top of each salmon filet.
- In a small bowl or plate, mix crushed pecans with brown sugar. Gently press the Dijon-coated side of the salmon into the pecan mixture so it adheres well, creating that irresistible pecan crust.
- Place salmon and green beans on the baking sheet and bake for 12-15 minutes, depending on cooking times and thickness. The salmon should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. When finished serve and enjoy! Hint: depending on how you like your green beans cooked, you may need to remove the salmon and allow the green beans to cook for an additional 5 minutes
Notes
Nutrition
Food Safety
- Cook to a minimum temperature of 140 °F (74 °C)
- Do not use the same utensils on cooked food, that previously touched raw fish
- Wash hands after touching raw fish
- Don't leave food sitting out at room temperature for extended periods
- Never leave cooking food unattended
- Use oils with high smoking point to avoid harmful compounds
- Always have good ventilation when using a gas stove
Canady75 says
Loved the pecan crusted salmon. It was an easy recipe and the salmon had a wonderful flavor. Will definitely make this again. My husband loved it!
Jen K says
Made this recipe at the last minute and was so happy with the results. It was super easy, the salmon was perfect, and the flavor was incredible. This will go on heavy rotation in our weekly meal planning!