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Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon

This Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon is topped with a layer of Carandini Italian Cheese Dressing and a mixture of toasted walnuts & sage for a crunchy texture. Not only is it infused with seasonal flavors, it makes a beautiful presentation and requires minimal ingredients.

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Disclosure: This post is a sponsored post on behalf of Carandini. As always, all opinions are my own.

Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon

Ingredient Notes

  • Carandini Italian Cheese Dressing with Sweet White Vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano: Authentically Italian, the Carandini family carries a range of hand-crafted balsamic vinegar products created according to an age-old family tradition. The Carandini Italian Cheese Dressing, used to coat the salmon, has a bright, honey flavor and adds a tangy richness from the Parmigiano Reggiano. When most think of dressing, they think of dressing greens, but Carandini Italian Cheese Dressing is so much more. It’s a kitchen staple that can elevate any dish into something extraordinary. Use it to drizzle on top of finished dishes, to enhance the flavor of dips & spreads, or as a unique dipping sauce for a crudo spread. The options are endless!
  • Unsalted butter: Provides a rich base for the walnut-sage mixture that gets spooned over the salmon.
  • Chopped walnuts: These add a crunchy texture and nutty flavor. They are toasted in butter and tossed in fresh aromatic sage.
  • Fresh sage leaves: Fresh sage brings an aromatic and earthy note to the recipe. If fresh isn’t available, dried sage can work, but use less (about 1 teaspoon).
  • Salmon fillets (4-6 oz each): Look for fillets that are bright in color and smell fresh. Wild-caught salmon is often preferred for its flavor and sustainability. Sustainably-sourced farmed salmon is a second great option.
  • Salt and pepper: Essential for enhancing the overall flavor of the dish.
Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen salmon? Using frozen salmon for this recipe is just fine. Ensure it’s fully thawed before baking for even cooking.

2. What should I serve with this dish? Roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, a fresh salad, or quinoa are excellent pairings that complement the flavors of the salmon.

3. Can I store leftovers? Store any leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon

Tips for Success

  1. Choose Quality Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon will yield the best flavor. I’m using skin-on fillets but skin-less fillets will work too.
  2. Don’t Overcook: Salmon is best when it’s just cooked through. Using a meat thermometer can ensure perfectly cooked salmon every time. 145°F (63°C) is the ideal internal temperature.
  3. Customize the Topping: Experiment with different nuts (like pecans, almonds, or hazelnuts, which are some of my favorite) or herbs (like thyme/rosemary) for a twist.
  4. Make Ahead: You can prepare the walnut-sage mixture a few hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator. Just apply the dressing and walnut-sage mixture to the salmon right before baking.
Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon

If you make this recipe, be sure to leave a comment and/or give this recipe a rating! I’d love to hear what you think about it, or better yet, see what you’re cooking! Tag me on Instagram, @fettysfoodblog with your creation.

Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon

This Walnut-Sage Crusted Baked Salmon is topped with a layer of Carandini’s Italian Cheese Dressing and a mixture of toasted walnuts & sage for a crunchy texture. Not only is it infused with seasonal flavors, it makes a beautiful presentation and requires minimal ingredients.

Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings 4
Author Feta Topalu

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup Carandini Italian Cheese Dressing with Sweet White Vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano, plus more for drizzling (optional)
  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup chopped walnuts
  • 1 tablespoon minced fresh sage leaves
  • 4 salmon fillets, 4-6 oz each
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Melt butter in a pan over medium heat. Add the walnuts to the pan and toast for 1-2 minutes until slightly fragrant. Stir in minced sage and remove the pan from the heat source.
  2. Preheat oven to 375 F.
  3. Place the salmon fillets, skin-side down, on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Spoon Carandini Italian Cheese Dressing with Sweet White Vinegar and Parmigiano Reggiano evenly over each salmon fillet until evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  4. Evenly spread the toasted walnuts over each salmon fillet. Gently press down to allow walnuts to adhere to the fish.
  5. Place in the oven and bake for 8-12 minutes, until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Drizzle the top of the salmon with additional Carandini Italian Cheese Dressing, if desired. Serve immediately.

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