Valentine's Day Recipes

Almond Crusted Salmon – Crispy, Flavorful & Ready in 20 Minutes

By Callie:

Everyday Culinary Delights👩‍🍳

Almond Crusted Salmon

If you’re looking for a simple yet impressive dinner that’s packed with flavor, this Almond Crusted Salmon is the perfect choice. With a crunchy roasted almond coating and a tangy Dijon glaze, this dish is both healthy and delicious. Best of all, it bakes up in just 20 minutes, making it an ideal weeknight meal. Plus, it’s low-carb, gluten-free, and can be easily adapted for a keto diet by omitting the honey.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Key Benefits

  • Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes with minimal prep
  • Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with omega-3s, protein, and healthy fats
  • Gluten-Free & Low-Carb – A great option for those avoiding grains
  • Restaurant-Worthy – The crispy almond crust adds a gourmet touch

Taste & Texture

This almond crusted salmon has the perfect balance of textures—a crispy, nutty crust paired with the tender, flaky salmon. The Dijon mustard brings a bold tanginess, while the roasted almonds add a deep, toasty crunch. A squeeze of fresh lemon brightens up the flavors for a dish that is rich yet refreshing.

Dietary Attributes

  • Low-carb and keto-friendly (omit honey)
  • Gluten-free
  • Protein-packed and nutrient-dense

Ingredients & Substitutions

Ingredient List

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup almonds, roasted
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (omit for keto version)
  • 1 lemon, for serving

Notes on Quality

  • Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture
  • Roasted almonds provide more depth of flavor, but raw almonds can work too
  • Dijon mustard gives the perfect tang—avoid yellow mustard as it won’t provide the same depth

Possible Substitutions

  • Swap almonds for pecans, walnuts, or pistachios for a different twist
  • Replace Dijon mustard with spicy brown mustard for extra kick
  • Use maple syrup instead of honey for a slightly different sweetness

Step-by-Step Instructions

  • Preheat the Oven – Set the oven to 450°F and line a baking dish with parchment paper or aluminum foil. Spray lightly with cooking spray.
  • Prepare the Salmon – Pat the salmon fillets dry and season them with salt and pepper. Place them in the prepared baking dish.
  • Make the Almond Coating – In a food processor, pulse the roasted almonds and parsley until they form a coarse meal. If you don’t have a food processor, chop them finely with a knife.
Almond Crusted Salmon
  • Prepare the Glaze – In a small bowl, whisk together the Dijon mustard and honey.
  • Coat the Salmon – Spoon the mustard mixture onto the tops of the salmon fillets. Press the almond mixture onto the mustard-coated side so that it adheres.
  • Bake – Place the salmon in the oven and bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it easily flakes with a fork.
  • Serve – Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top and enjoy.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Best Practices

  • Use fresh salmon for the best taste—frozen salmon works but should be fully thawed and patted dry before use
  • Roast the almonds yourself if possible for a fresher, more intense flavor
  • Let the salmon rest for a minute or two after baking to keep it juicy

Common Mistakes

  • Not patting the salmon dry – Excess moisture prevents the crust from sticking
  • Over-processing the almonds – You want a coarse meal, not a fine powder
  • Overcooking the salmon – It should be just opaque in the center and flake easily

Time-Saving Tips

  • Use pre-chopped almonds or almond meal if short on time
  • Make the almond crust ahead and store in the fridge for easy prep
  • Bake on parchment paper for easy cleanup

Serving Suggestions

Pairings

This salmon pairs beautifully with fresh, vibrant side dishes. Try it with:

  • Roasted asparagus or steamed broccoli for a healthy option
  • Garlic mashed cauliflower for a low-carb comfort food pairing
  • A fresh green salad with lemon vinaigrette for a light, refreshing contrast

For more delicious appetizer ideas, check out Valentine’s Day Stuffed Mushrooms and Heart-Shaped Caprese Skewers

Presentation Ideas

  • Serve on a white plate to make the golden crust stand out
  • Garnish with extra parsley and lemon slices for color and freshness
  • Serve with a drizzle of extra Dijon mustard sauce for added flavor

Beverage Pairings

  • White wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Chardonnay complements the salmon’s richness
  • A crisp rosé for a light, refreshing contrast
  • Sparkling water with lemon for a non-alcoholic option

Storage & Reheating

Leftover Storage

  • Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days
  • Freeze up to 1 month in a freezer-safe container

Reheating Methods

  • Oven (best method) – Reheat at 350°F for 5-7 minutes
  • Air fryer – Heat at 350°F for 3-4 minutes
  • Microwave (last resort) – Use short intervals to avoid drying out

Frequently Asked Questions

Substitutions & Adjustments

Can I use another type of fish?
Yes! This method works great with cod, halibut, or tilapia, though cooking times may vary.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes, simply omit the honey to keep it keto-approved.

Troubleshooting

My crust didn’t stick—what went wrong?
Make sure the salmon is completely dry before adding the mustard mixture, and press the almonds on firmly.

Why is my salmon dry?
Overcooking is the most common issue. Aim for an internal temperature of 125-130°F and let it rest for a couple of minutes.

Variations & Customizations

Dietary Adaptations

  • Make it dairy-free by ensuring your Dijon mustard is dairy-free
  • Add a spicy kick by mixing a bit of sriracha into the Dijon mustard

Flavor Twists

  • Add crushed garlic to the mustard glaze for extra depth
  • Swap parsley for basil or cilantro for a different herb flavor

Seasonal/Holiday Versions

  • For a festive twist, add a touch of orange zest to the almond crust during the holidays
  • Serve it alongside Mini Spinach and Feta Puffs for an elegant dinner party

Conclusion

This Almond Crusted Salmon is crispy, flavorful, and incredibly easy to make. It’s a healthy, protein-packed meal that comes together in just 20 minutes, perfect for busy nights. Try it with a side of roasted vegetables and a crisp glass of white wine for an elegant yet effortless dinner.

If you make this recipe, share your thoughts in the comments and tag us on Pinterest at Cooking with Callie

Crunchy Almond Crusted Salmon
Crunchy Almond Crusted Salmon
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Almond Crusted Salmon

Almond Crusted Salmon – Crispy, Flavorful & Ready in 20 Minutes


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  • Author: Callie
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

This Almond Crusted Salmon is a quick, flavorful dinner with a crispy roasted almond and parsley crust. The tangy Dijon glaze enhances the rich, flaky salmon for a gourmet meal that’s ready in just 20 minutes. It’s gluten-free, low-carb, and can be made keto-friendly by skipping the honey. Perfect for busy weeknights or an elegant dinner, this healthy recipe is sure to impress.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup roasted almonds
  • 2 teaspoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon honey (omit for keto version)
  • 1 lemon, for serving

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 450°F. Line a baking dish with parchment paper and lightly spray with cooking spray.
  • Prepare the salmon by patting it dry, seasoning with salt and pepper, and placing it on the baking dish.
  • Make the almond coating by pulsing roasted almonds and parsley in a food processor until a coarse meal forms. If using a knife, chop finely.
  • Mix the glaze by whisking together Dijon mustard and honey in a small bowl.
  • Coat the salmon by spooning the mustard glaze onto each fillet, then pressing the almond mixture firmly onto the top so it adheres.
  • Bake for 10-15 minutes, depending on fillet thickness, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  • Serve immediately, garnished with fresh lemon wedges.

Equipment

Notes

  • For extra crunch, toast the almonds before processing.
  • Use wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture.
  • Keto-friendly? Skip the honey, and you’re good to go!
  • Air fryer method: Cook at 375°F for 8-10 minutes for a crispier crust.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 fillet
  • Calories: 417 kcal
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 290mg
  • Fat: 26g
  • Saturated Fat: 3g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 21g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 41g
  • Cholesterol: 73mg

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