Keto Salmon with Pesto Crust and Macadamia
This recipe uses frozen salmon fillet that is thawed in the fridge before baking, but fresh salmon works just as well. The homemade basil-macadamia pesto crust comes together in 10 minutes and bakes into an aromatic, crunchy layer in the oven.
Key facts at a glance
- Total time: approx. 25 minutes, 10 minutes for the pesto and 15 minutes in the oven.
- Approx. 3 g net carbs and 52 g fat per serving.
- Ingredients: salmon, basil, macadamia, Parmesan, olive oil, garlic, lemon.
- Frozen salmon works straight away, fresh salmon works just as well.
- Homemade pesto without pine nuts, macadamia delivers more fat.
Ingredients
1 salmon fillet (200 g) with pesto crust
| Amount | Ingredient | Note | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Frozen salmon fillet (or fresh salmon) | thawed | |||
| thawed | ||||
| Macadamia nuts | - | |||
| Basil | fresh | |||
| fresh | ||||
| Parmesan | freshly grated | |||
| freshly grated | ||||
| Olive oil | approx. 2 tbsp | |||
| approx. 2 tbsp | ||||
| Garlic clove | - | |||
| Lemon juice | approx. 1 tsp | |||
| approx. 1 tsp | ||||
| Salt | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
| Pepper | to taste | |||
| to taste | ||||
Frozen or fresh salmon?
Thawed salmon is ideal for pesto crusts because the pesto sticks better. Place frozen salmon in a bowl in the fridge the night before, after 12 hours it will be perfectly thawed. Pat it thoroughly dry before topping, otherwise the pesto will slide off. Fresh salmon works just as well, with the same cooking time. If you want to use frozen salmon straight from the freezer, plan on 5 extra minutes in the oven and only add the pesto layer once the fillet has thawed slightly on the surface. When buying frozen salmon, look for the MSC or ASC label.
Preparation
Blend macadamia, basil, Parmesan, garlic and olive oil into a pesto. Place the salmon on a baking tray, spread with the pesto and bake at 200 °C for 15 minutes until the crust is golden brown.
Why salmon with macadamia pesto fits keto
With approx. 76 g fat and only 5 g net carbs per 100 g, macadamia nuts are the fattiest and most keto-friendly nut. 25 g of macadamia per serving deliver 19 g of fat at just 1 g of carbs. Homemade pesto contains no added sugars or starches, unlike jarred ready-made pesto (often with beet syrup or starch). With 200 g of salmon and 2 tbsp of olive oil, the result is a very high-fat meal under 3 g net carbs.
Macadamia instead of pine nuts
Classic pesto contains pine nuts (approx. 13 g carbs per 100 g). Macadamia delivers significantly more fat with fewer carbs, ideal for keto. Walnuts or almonds also work as alternatives, but they are slightly higher in carbs (4 to 7 g per 100 g).
How do I serve and vary salmon with pesto?
Serve the salmon straight from the oven with a green salad or grilled zucchini. From my own experience a caprese salad (mozzarella, cherry tomatoes, basil) pairs beautifully with it as well, it picks up the Italian flavours.
Pesto for later
The pesto keeps in a jar topped with a layer of olive oil in the fridge for up to 7 days. It also freezes well, portion it into ice cube trays and take out as needed.
Which tips help with salmon and pesto?
- Do not grind the macadamia too fine, coarse pieces add texture to the crust.
- Wash and pat the basil dry just before blending, otherwise the pesto turns bitter.
- Grate fresh Parmesan, do not use pre-grated powder, the flavour is much better.
- Pat the salmon thoroughly dry before topping so the pesto sticks.
- Bake at 200 °C with top and bottom heat, fan-forced dries out the crust.
Nutrition values
| Nutrient | Per 100 g | Per serving | Keto context |
|---|---|---|---|
| Calories | approx. 290 kcal | approx. 665 kcal | Very satisfying main meal with a high fat share. |
| Very satisfying main meal with a high fat share. | |||
| Fat | approx. 22 g | approx. 52 g | Approx. 72 % of calories from fat, macadamia plus olive oil plus salmon. |
| Approx. 72 % of calories from fat, macadamia plus olive oil plus salmon. | |||
| Net carbs | approx. 1.3 g | approx. 3 g | From macadamia, basil and garlic, within the keto limit. |
| From macadamia, basil and garlic, within the keto limit. | |||
| Sugar | approx. 0.4 g | approx. 1.0 g | Very little natural sugar. |
| Very little natural sugar. | |||
| Protein | approx. 18 g | approx. 43 g | Salmon plus Parmesan. |
| Salmon plus Parmesan. | |||
| Salt | approx. 0.5 g | approx. 1.2 g | From Parmesan and added salt. |
| From Parmesan and added salt. | |||
Note: Nutrition values are estimated averages per 100 g and per serving and may vary depending on ingredients, brands, portion size, and preparation. They do not replace individual nutrition or medical advice.
FAQ
Can I use fresh salmon as well?
Yes. Fresh salmon works just as well, with the same cooking time of 15 minutes at 200 °C.
Can I use ready-made pesto?
You can, but check the ingredient list: ready-made pesto often contains sugar, starch, glucose syrup or cheap oils. Homemade pesto is more keto-friendly and tastes fresher.
Which nut alternative works?
Macadamia is ideal. Alternatives: walnuts (slightly more carbs), pecans, almonds (ground) or sunflower seeds. Pine nuts are classic, but more expensive and higher in carbs than macadamia.
How do I get the crust really crunchy?
A thick pesto layer and the right oven temperature (200 °C top and bottom heat) are key. Switch to the grill setting for the last 2 minutes to brown the surface.