Baked Pesto Salmon Recipe

Introduction

This baked pesto salmon recipe is a quick and flavorful way to enjoy fresh seafood with vibrant cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil pesto. It’s perfect for a healthy weeknight dinner that feels special yet requires minimal effort.

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (skin on)
• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
• ½ cup homemade basil pesto (or store-bought)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Preheat the oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper and set aside.
2. Step 2: Toss the cherry tomatoes with olive oil, Kosher salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Spread them evenly on the prepared sheet pan and bake for 10 minutes until blistered, then remove from the oven.
3. Step 3: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and place them on the sheet pan next to the blistered tomatoes.
4. Step 4: Brush the salmon fillets generously with the basil pesto.
5. Step 5: Return the pan to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part.
6. Step 6: Garnish with fresh basil if desired, and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• Use skin-on salmon to help keep the fillets moist and flavorful during baking.
• For a dairy twist, dollop a spoonful of ricotta or goat cheese over the salmon before serving.
• Try adding halved olives or capers to the tomatoes for extra savory notes.
• If you prefer a stronger pesto flavor, add an additional tablespoon on top before baking.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and tomatoes in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets, but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before baking to ensure even cooking and good texture.

What can I substitute for basil pesto?

If you don’t have basil pesto, you can use other herb sauces such as cilantro pesto, chimichurri, or even a garlic and herb butter for a different but delicious flavor.

Baked Pesto Salmon Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 100 reviews

• Author: Aiden
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Baked Pesto Salmon recipe features tender, juicy salmon fillets topped with vibrant homemade basil pesto and roasted cherry tomatoes. It’s a flavorful and healthy dinner option that’s easy to prepare in a single sheet pan, making cleanup a breeze. The combination of fresh herbs, olive oil, and perfectly cooked salmon creates an elegant yet simple meal perfect for busy weeknights or special occasions.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Pesto

• 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (skin on)
• ½ cup Homemade Basil Pesto (or store-bought)

Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

• 2 cups cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and to make cleanup easier.
2. Roast the Tomatoes: Toss the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons of olive oil, seasoning them with 1 teaspoon of Kosher salt and ½ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper. Spread them evenly on the prepared sheet pan. Bake for 10 minutes until the tomatoes become blistered and tender, then remove the pan from the oven.
3. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to ensure crispy skin and better texture. Place the salmon fillets on the same sheet pan next to the roasted tomatoes.
4. Apply Pesto: Brush the salmon fillets generously with the homemade or store-bought basil pesto, covering the top surface evenly to infuse the fish with herby flavors.
5. Bake the Salmon: Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for approximately 15 minutes. The salmon is done when it reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit at the thickest part, ensuring it is perfectly cooked but still moist.
6. Serve: Garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired, and serve immediately, enjoying the flavorful combination of pesto-infused salmon with roasted blistered cherry tomatoes.

Notes

• You can use store-bought basil pesto for convenience or homemade for a fresher taste.
• Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets; use a meat thermometer for the best results.
• Leftover baked salmon can be refrigerated for up to two days and is great for salads or sandwiches.
• For an extra crispy skin, broil for an additional 1-2 minutes at the end of cooking, watching carefully to avoid burning.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 25 minutes
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Italian

Keywords: baked salmon, pesto salmon, roasted cherry tomatoes, healthy salmon recipe, Italian salmon, easy baked salmon