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.
Ingredients
Scale
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
Instructions
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
