Nut Crusted Salmon

by | Mar 31, 2023

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.

Nut crusted salmon on plate with salad and lemon slice

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.

Nut crusted salmon filets on baking sheet with different nut crusts

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.

Honey dijon glaze mixed together in small bowl

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.

Honey dijon glaze over salmon filet

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.

Nut crusted salmon filets on baking sheet with nut crust

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.
Grilled nut crusted salmon

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!
Chopped walnuts, pistachios, and almonds in separate bowls

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.

Nut crusted salmon on plate with salad and lemon slice

Want to watch this recipe in action?

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

Nut Crusted Salmon 10

Nut Crusted Salmon

Mackenzie Burgess, RDN
This simple nut crusted salmon takes just 5 minutes to whip up and is on the table in under 30 minutes! The honey mustard glaze topped with nuts is the perfect combination of sweet and savory.
4.81 from 21 votes
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 20 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings 4 servings
Calories 390 kcal

Ingredients
  

Instructions
 

  • Preheat oven to 425 degrees and line a sheet pan with foil or parchment paper. Place salmon on prepared sheet pan.
  • In a small bowl mix together honey, dijon mustard, thyme, rosemary, salt, and pepper.
  • Spoon the honey glaze evenly over the salmon until completely coated but not running off of the salmon. (You may end up with some extra glaze. You can save this for drizzling over the salmon at the end or toss with vegetables and olive oil for roasting – see note below.)
  • Press chopped nuts on top of the glazed salmon.
  • Bake salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until fish flakes easily with a fork. Serve with lemon wedges on the side, if desired.
  • Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days.

Video

Notes

Salmon Note: You can use a whole salmon filet or individual portions—both work great! If you’re using smaller fillets, just keep an eye on the cook time. They may need a couple minutes less to prevent overcooking.
Roasting Vegetables: I often like to add vegetables on the same sheet pan to roast with the salmon. Toss any veggies you have on hand with a little bit of olive oil, salt, pepper, and any of the leftover honey glaze to roast. Try any quick-cooking vegetables like small florets of broccoli, cauliflower, asparagus, zucchini, yellow squash, cherry tomatoes, sweet peppers, or a combination.
Nutrition Note: This is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. Nutrition may vary depending on ingredients used. This calculation is for almond nuts. This calculation does not include any side dishes. For more nutrition information, seek a professional registered dietitian’s advice.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 18gProtein: 29gFat: 23gSaturated Fat: 3gPolyunsaturated Fat: 20gCholesterol: 70mgSodium: 490mgFiber: 3gSugar: 14g
Tried this recipe?Tag us @cheerfulchoices and let us know how it was!

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8 Comments

  1. Michelle Johnson

    Mackenzie, I made this tonight for me and Steve. It’s the first time I’ve ever made salmon. We have never had any we liked, so we never chose to make it. I picked up a nice piece of Salmon at Sprouts and we ate it tonight. Super easy and so good!! Steve says “you can make that again”. That is always a sign he liked it 🙂

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Hi Michelle,

      Thanks for the kind words! I’m so glad to hear that! It’s definitely one of my favorites too and makes for easy clean up. 🙂 Hope you can make it again soon!

      ~Mackenzie

      Reply
  2. Julie

    5 stars
    This was so quick and easy! My whole family loved the flavor. I’ve always been intimidated by “crusted” fish recipes, but this one made it easy. Thanks!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      I’m so glad to hear! I think the nuts add a really nice crunch here and extra protein. Enjoy! ~Mackenzie

      Reply
  3. Chelsea

    5 stars
    OOh, this was so good! I love how easy it was to make. I followed your tip for roasted the veggies on a sheet pan along side the salmon — such an easy and delicious meal! We just bought a bunch of salmon at Costco so I’m going to come back later to try pecans or pistachios! Also, do you think i could use maple syrup instead of honey? Thank you!

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Hi Chelsea! Awesome – this is one I make a lot too with Costco veggies! 🙂 You can use any nuts of your choice so both pecans and pistachios work great. I would recommend using honey if possible just because it has a thicker consistency than maple syrup and creates more of a thicker “glaze” rather than a maple syrup which might make it overly runny. Hope that helps! ~Mackenzie

      Reply
  4. Lyn

    5 stars
    I made this crusted salmon for dinner last night but tried it in the air fryer rather the oven. It worked perfectly and I’m so glad you added that tip into the recipe! I can’t wait to try it again with a different nut! So good. Do you think it would work with other types of fish? Maybe a white fish. Just looking for some different options.

    Reply
    • Mackenzie Burgess

      Yay! Air frying is always a great way to mix things up and save time! I have also tried this as a nut crusted white fish and it’s super yummy too! ~Mackenzie

      Reply
4.81 from 21 votes (18 ratings without comment)

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