Baked Pesto Salmon Recipe
This Baked Pesto Salmon recipe features tender, juicy salmon fillets coated with flavorful homemade basil pesto and accompanied by blistered cherry tomatoes. It’s a simple, healthy, and delicious dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes, perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or elegant meal.
- Author: Zane
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
- Diet: Low Salt
Salmon and Pesto
- 4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets, skin on
- ½ cup Homemade Basil Pesto (or store-bought)
Vegetables & Seasoning
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon Kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Line a sheet pan with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Toss and roast tomatoes: In a bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes with 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1 teaspoon Kosher salt, and ½ teaspoon black pepper until evenly coated. Spread the tomatoes on the prepared sheet pan in a single layer and bake for 10 minutes until they become blistered and tender. Remove the pan from the oven.
- Prepare the salmon: Pat dry the salmon fillets using paper towels to remove any excess moisture, ensuring a better texture and even cooking. Place the fillets on the same sheet pan next to the roasted tomatoes.
- Brush with pesto: Generously brush each salmon fillet with the homemade basil pesto, covering the top and sides to infuse flavor.
- Bake salmon and tomatoes: Return the sheet pan to the oven and bake for about 15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees Fahrenheit at its thickest part, indicating perfectly cooked, moist fish.
- Serve: Garnish the baked salmon and tomatoes with fresh basil leaves and enjoy immediately for a vibrant and tasty meal.
Notes
- You can substitute store-bought basil pesto to save time.
- Check the salmon early after 12 minutes to avoid overcooking as oven temperatures may vary.
- Use a thermometer to ensure perfectly cooked salmon at 135°F for tender results.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad for a balanced meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Keywords: Baked Pesto Salmon, salmon recipe, basil pesto, roasted cherry tomatoes, healthy salmon recipe, easy baked salmon, Italian salmon dish