Parmesan Caesar Salmon is the ultimate dinner upgrade for salmon lovers who crave bold, irresistible flavor. This recipe takes the classic Caesar salad concept and transforms it into a crispy, golden topping that perfectly complements tender, flaky salmon. With a luscious blend of creamy Caesar dressing, nutty Parmesan cheese, and crunchy panko breadcrumbs, each bite delivers a balance of richness, freshness, and savory satisfaction.
The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity—it’s elegant enough for a dinner party, yet quick enough for a busy weeknight. In under 20 minutes, you can have a restaurant-quality meal right from your oven. The Parmesan Caesar crust not only locks in the salmon’s natural juices but also adds a beautiful texture that pairs perfectly with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
Fun fact: Caesar dressing, though often associated with Italian cuisine, was actually created in Tijuana, Mexico, in the 1920s by chef Caesar Cardini. Now, this timeless flavor meets seafood for a modern, mouthwatering twist you’ll want to make again and again.
Recipe Yield: 4 servings
INGREDIENTS
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp sea salt
½ tsp black pepper
½ tsp garlic powder
½ tsp paprika
½ cup Caesar dressing (plus extra for serving)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 cup panko breadcrumbs
2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
1 lemon, cut into wedges
INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat and prepare:
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
2. Season the salmon:
Rub each fillet with olive oil. Sprinkle with salt, pepper, garlic powder, and paprika, ensuring even coverage.
3. Coat with Caesar blend:
In a small bowl, mix Caesar dressing, Parmesan cheese, and panko breadcrumbs until well combined. Spread mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet, pressing lightly to adhere.
4. Bake to perfection:
Place salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until salmon is opaque, flakes easily with a fork, the topping is golden brown, and the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Garnish and serve:
Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges and extra Caesar dressing on the side.
Helpful Tips to Perfect This Recipe
- Choose Fresh Salmon: Fresh, high-quality salmon will yield the best flavor and texture. Wild-caught options are ideal.
- Crisp the Topping: For an extra-crispy Caesar crust, broil the salmon for the last 1–2 minutes of cooking, keeping a close eye to avoid burning.
- Pair with Greens: Serve alongside a light Caesar salad or roasted asparagus to balance flavors and textures.
Also Popular
Oven Perfect Bacon
If you’ve ever wondered how to make bacon that’s perfectly crispy every time, look no further. Our Oven Perfect Bacon...
Country Fried Squash
If you’re craving a crispy, savory side dish that’s easy to make and loaded with flavor, look no further than...
Best 3-Ingredient Avocado Toast
Avocado toast has taken over breakfast menus everywhere, but why spend extra when you can make the Best 3-Ingredient Avocado...
Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna
Lasagna lovers, get ready for a creamy, cheesy twist on a classic favorite! This Creamy Cottage Cheese Lasagna is packed...
Boston Cream Pie
Boston Cream Pie is the kind of dessert that never goes out of style. With its soft, buttery sponge cake,...
Crispy Roasted Potatoes & Onions
There’s nothing quite like the perfectly crispy, golden-brown potatoes fresh from the oven. And when you add sweet, caramelized red...
Be the first to comment
Cooked it? 🍳 Loved it? ❤️ Changed it up? 🔄 Your opinion matters! Log in with Google or Facebook using the button below, share your foodie adventure, and let’s make cooking even more fun together! 🎉