This easy nut crusted salmon takes just 5 minutes to whip together and is on the table in under 30 minutes! The honey mustard glaze topped with nuts of your choice makes for the perfect combination of sweet and savory. Customize with walnuts, pecans, almonds, pistachios, or your favorite type of nut.

This post was first published on January 31, 2020. It was updated on May 23, 2025.

Why you’ll love it

• Quick and easy: This recipe comes together in just 5 minutes of prep and 12–15 minutes of baking. Perfect for weeknights or a last-minute dinner idea!
• Totally customizable: You get to pick your favorite mix of nuts—almonds, pistachios, walnuts, or even a blend. You can also use individual filets or a whole salmon piece.

Flavor-packed: The honey dijon glaze plus the crunchy nuts make a sweet-savory combo that’s totally irresistible.

Is nut crusted salmon healthy?

Yes, this dish is full of good-for-you nutrients! Salmon is considered a heart-healthy fish because it contains omega-3 fatty acids, which have been proven to be beneficial for us. Fish overall is an incredible source of healthy fats, protein, and vitamin D–which can be hard to find in other food sources.

Eating fish twice a week is the magic number. It may seem like a daunting task to prepare a nice seafood meal. Luckily, this nut crusted salmon is so easy to make.

Nuts also provide healthy fats, plant-based protein, and fiber. Whatever type of nut you choose you can’t go wrong as they each have unique benefits!

What ingredients do you need?

Here’s what makes this dish shine:

• Salmon filets: You can either use one whole filet or individual portions.
• Honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the nuts stick.
• Dijon mustard: For tang and depth of flavor.
• Fresh thyme and rosemary: Gives it herby freshness.
• Nuts of your choice: You can use almonds, pistachios, pecans, walnuts, or a blend—whatever you have on hand.
• Lemon wedges: Optional, but they add a bright, zesty finish.

How do you make nut crusted salmon?

1. Make the honey glaze

In a small bowl, stir together honey, dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper. This glaze is sweet, tangy, and aromatic. If you don’t have fresh herbs, go ahead and use dried.

2. Pour the glaze over the salmon

Place your salmon on a rimmed baking sheet. Spoon the glaze evenly over the top—coated but not dripping. Extra glaze can be saved for drizzling at the end or tossed with veggies for roasting.

3. Press chopped nuts onto the glaze

Roughly chop your favorite nuts and press them into the glaze on top of the salmon.

4. Bake the salmon

Pop the pan in the oven at 425°F and bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temp of 145°F.

Can you use individual salmon filets?

Yes! You’ll follow the same instructions is using individual filets. This is perfect is making 1 to 2 smaller servings for a sheet pan dinner. Keep in mind, since these are smaller pieces, you may need to cook the salmon a couple minutes shorter to avoid overcooking.

Can you air fry this salmon?

I have tested this once and it worked pretty well! You can air fry at 400ºF for ~8 to 10 minutes.

Can you grill this salmon?

Yes! I’ve tested this salmon on the grill and it turns out great too! Here’s how to grill this nut-crusted salmon:

1. Preheat the grill to medium heat (about 400 degrees).
2. Brush a good amount of oil on the skin side of the salmon before placing on piece of foil. Make sure the foil is large enough to cover the salmon when wrapped.
3. Next, spoon over the glaze and press nuts on top of the skinless side of the salmon.
4. Then, wrap the salmon in the foil and place on the grill, skin side down.
5. Cook for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish flakes easily with a fork.

Recipe tips and tricks

• Serving suggestions: This salmon pairs beautifully with roasted vegetables (tossed in any extra glaze!), a side of brown rice, or a fresh green salad. I also love finishing it off with a squeeze of lemon for a bright pop of flavor.
• Troubleshooting: If your nuts start browning too quickly in the oven, loosely tent the salmon with foil for the last few minutes to prevent burning. If your salmon looks underdone, add 1–2 more minutes and check again—it should flake easily with a fork.
• Scaling: Cooking for a crowd? Double the glaze and bake two salmon fillets side by side on the same sheet pan. You can also scale down by using just 1 or 2 small salmon portions and halving the glaze ingredients.

Customize it your way

• Nuts of your choice: Go all almond, blend a few kinds, or even try something unique like hazelnuts.
• No dijon? Sub in whole grain mustard or spicy brown.
• Make it gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free—just double-check your mustard!

What to serve with it

Pair your nut crusted salmon with roasted veggies (like asparagus, zucchini, or sweet peppers), brown rice, or a simple side salad. A squeeze of lemon over the top really brings it to life.

Can you make it ahead?

Totally. Whip up the honey glaze and store it in a mason jar in the freezer. When ready to use, thaw, glaze your salmon, top with nuts, and bake. The glaze keeps for up to 4 months frozen.

Meal prep and storage

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently or flake over salad greens for a delicious lunch the next day.

Want to watch this recipe in action?

Watch how to make this nut-crusted salmon on my featured virtual news segment for FOX31 Denver!

Need more help with recipes for your busy schedule?

In my coaching + cooking program, I help busy people with beginner cooking knowledge become confident in the kitchen so that they can enjoy nourishing foods they love and stress less about mealtime. Click here to learn more about this virtual program led by a dietitian.

Try these other healthy salmon recipes:

• Honey Soy Glazed Salmon
• Berry BBQ Salmon
• Salmon with Kale and Golden Beets
• Air Fryer Salmon Bites with Bang Bang Sauce

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