Pecan Coconut Crusted Salmon (Keto, Low Carb)

Pecan coconut-crusted salmon is an indulgent take on baked salmon that's a breeze to pull together. Coconut flakes, pecans, and butter are the main ingredients make up this delicious, keto-friendly topping.

Not only does it add great flavor, but it also creates a delightful crunchy texture that contrasts with the buttery, tender salmon. It's sweet, nutty, and savory all at the same time!

If you've never had a coconut salmon dish, this is your chance to try it! The flavor combo may be unconventional, but it's a match made in heaven.

This dish is super simple to make and it's a surefire way to impress your friends and family at your next dinner party. 

By the way, if you love salmon recipes, I have a few others you'll enjoy! 

Traeger Grilled Salmon Recipe (a reader favorite), Citrus Salmon with Crème Fraîche, air fryer salmon (with coffee rub), and ginger soy salmon + sauteed spinach with fennel. I love a salmon dinner and each one of these is SO good.

delicious pecan coconut salmon

We're all familiar with coconut shrimp but what about coconut salmon!? 

This dish is one of those healthy recipes that will be your saving grace when you are feeling lazy but want something quick and darn delicious.

It doesn't require any fancy ingredients or a lot of prep work — just a few simple steps, and you'll have dinner on the table in no time.

There are so many layers of flavor on this salmon, starting with a smear of creamy-rich Dijon mustard, followed by a sprinkling of flavorful spices and the slightly sweetened crust. The combination elevates this fish from a simple meal to something extraordinary. 

Whether it's a weeknight dinner with the family or a special occasion, the  flavor and nutty crunch of this salmon dish will be a hit with everyone at the table.

The salmon comes out beautifully golden brown and fork tender, with a perfectly crispy coating that's hard to resist!

why this recipe works

Keto-friendly recipes can be restrictive, but they present an opportunity to be creative and make unique dishes that would otherwise go undiscovered. This dish is a prime example of that. 

Because we can't combine panko with flour to get that classic crunch, we've had to think outside the box, which is where true cooking magic happens! 

The blend of pecans, coconut flakes, and butter provides a flavorful and satisfying crunch without the need for any breadcrumbs. Plus, it's gluten-free, grain-free, and keto-friendly, so you can serve it to your family or guests with dietary restrictions, worry-free. 

It is:

• A healthy meal option that is low in carbs and high in protein.
• Packed with flavor from the combination of mustard, spices, coconut, and pecans.
• Easy to make with minimal ingredients and prep work required.
• Perfect for both weeknight dinners and special occasions.

ingredients needed

Here's a look at the simple ingredients you'll need to make this dish.

• Golden monk fruit sweetener. This is a sugar substitute that adds a touch of sweetness to the crust without any added carbs.
• Spice blend. To flavor the salmon, I used smoked paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, sea salt, and pepper.
• Whole pecans. You'll need raw pecans for this recipe.
• Coconut flakes. Unsweetened coconut flakes add a nutty flavor and a bit of crunch! 
• Fresh chives. This is optional. You can also use fresh parsley if you prefer.
• Unsalted butter. This helps bind the crust mixture together and adds a rich, buttery taste.
• Dijon mustard. I love using Dijon mustard as a base for the crust because it adds a tangy, creamy flavor. It also helps the crust mixture adhere to the salmon.
• Wild salmon. You'll need a side of salmon, preferably wild-caught for the best flavor and nutritional profile. If using smaller portions of salmon fillets, you may need to adjust the bake time a tad.
• Fresh lemon juice. Garnish with fresh lemon juice for a citrusy finishing touch!

the recipe

There are so many ways to make salmon, but this version is a new favorite! It's nourishing, flavorful, and easy to make, making it the ultimate show-stopper meal for any occasion.

Here's a look at the process but be sure to check out the printable recipe card at the bottom of the page.

Before you begin: First, preheat oven to 425°F. Then line a baking pan with either aluminum foil or parchment paper. Keep another sheet handy for later.

Check the salmon after about 10-12 minutes of baking. I usually cover it with a sheet of tented aluminum foil or parchment paper and let bake another 5-8 minutes. This step prevents the topping from burning.

Remove and squeeze fresh lemon juice on top. Serve and enjoy!

tips for the best results

• If using parchment paper, be careful it does not touch anything else in the oven, as it can burn, and you’re baking at a higher temperature.  
• I don't use a non-stick spray on the foil because I prefer that the salmon skin stick to the foil when baking. That way, it's easy to serve up portions and gently lift the salmon away from the skin. If you want to keep the skin on, I recommend spraying the foil with an avocado oil spray.

coconut crust ingredient swaps

• If you don't have pecans, you can also use chopped, raw macadamia nuts.
• For a dairy-free dish, substitute the butter with melted coconut oil.   
• You can add fresh parsley or chives to the topping. For a little more extra heat, double the amount of cayenne pepper.

how to store

Let your salmon cool to room temperature, then store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven or air fryer to maintain the crust's crispness.

serving suggestions

There are so many ways to enjoy it, but I recommend serving this salmon with my Pomegranate Feta Salad with Roasted Broccolini,  Coconut Cauliflower Rice, and Traeger Smoked Asparagus for a satisfying keto-friendly meal. 

you might also love...

• Love tropical flavors with fish? Try my Poached Cod in Coconut Milk next! Creamy, tangy, and packed with healthy fats, this flaky fish dinner is a great way to indulge and mix up your usual fish dinner.

• These Keto Turkey Meatballs are an easy comfort food that'll leave you feeling nourished and satisfied. The meatballs simmer in a spicy, creamy curry sauce, and are full of flavor and perfect for a cozy night in.

• Halibut Cheeks with Pomegranate Salsa are a must-try for seafood lovers. The pomegranate salsa is out of this world, and the creamy yogurt cilantro sauce is the perfect accompaniment to this tender and delicate fish.

• Enjoy crab cakes without the carbs with these Keto Crab Cakes with Lemon Aioli. They're so crispy and full of flavor that you won't even miss the breadcrumbs! Savory chunks of wild-caught crab mingle with flavorful spices and tart lemon aioli for absolute seafood perfection.