Baked Salmon with Pesto and Tomatoes (Printable Version)
Flaky salmon with basil pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes. Fresh Mediterranean flavors ready in under 30 minutes.
# What You Need:
→ Fish
01 - 4 skinless salmon fillets, 6 oz each
→ Vegetables
02 - 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
→ Pesto
04 - 1/3 cup basil pesto
→ Pantry
05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - 1/2 teaspoon salt
07 - 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
→ Garnish
08 - Fresh basil leaves for serving
09 - Lemon wedges for serving
# How-To Steps:
01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease a baking dish.
02 - Arrange salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Season each fillet with salt and pepper.
03 - Spread approximately 1 tablespoon of pesto over the top of each salmon fillet.
04 - In a mixing bowl, toss cherry tomatoes and red onion with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
05 - Scatter the seasoned tomatoes and onion around the salmon fillets on the baking sheet.
06 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork and tomatoes are roasted and juicy.
07 - Transfer to serving plates and garnish with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges.
# Helpful Tips:
01 -
- The pesto melts into the salmon as it bakes, infusing every bite with herby goodness without any fussy techniques.
- Those bursting cherry tomatoes create little pockets of sweet acidity that cut through the richness of the fish perfectly.
02 -
- Overcooking salmon is the most common mistake, so start checking for doneness at the 15-minute mark, the center should still be slightly translucent for the juiciest result.
- Allowing the salmon to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking ensures more even baking and prevents the cold fish from seizing up in the hot oven.
03 -
- If youre using skin-on salmon, place it skin-side down and the skin will peel away effortlessly after baking, leaving the flavorful flesh intact.
- For a stunning presentation, reserve a teaspoon of pesto to dollop on top of each salmon fillet just before serving, creating a fresh pop of color and flavor.