Description
This Pesto Salmon recipe delivers a quick and flavorful dinner option featuring tender salmon filets baked alongside juicy cherry tomatoes and shallots, all enhanced with aromatic pesto and parmesan cheese. Ready in just 20 minutes, it’s perfect for a healthy weeknight meal that pairs beautifully with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.
Ingredients
Salmon and Seasoning
- 1 lb salmon, cut into 4 (4 oz) filets
- ¾ teaspoon sea salt, divided
- Sprinkle of pepper
Vegetables and Flavorings
- 1 (16.5 oz) container cherry tomatoes (about 2 ½ cups)
- 1 shallot, chopped
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
Toppings
- 4 tablespoons store-bought pesto (or homemade)
- 1 ½ tablespoons shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano or Parmesan cheese (about 8 grams)
- Fresh basil, for topping
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) to prepare for baking the salmon and vegetables.
- Season Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture. Season each filet evenly with ¼ teaspoon sea salt and a sprinkle of pepper to enhance the natural flavors.
- Prepare Tomatoes and Shallot: In a small bowl, toss the cherry tomatoes and chopped shallot with ½ tablespoon olive oil, ½ teaspoon sea salt, and a sprinkle of pepper, ensuring everything is evenly coated. Transfer this mixture to a 9×13 inch baking dish, spreading it out evenly.
- Arrange Salmon: Nestle the seasoned salmon filets between the tomato and shallot mixture in the baking dish. This placement allows the fish to cook gently among the flavorful veggies.
- Add Pesto and Cheese: Dollop about 1 tablespoon of pesto onto each salmon filet and spread it to cover the top surface. Then, sprinkle shaved Parmigiano-Reggiano cheese over each piece to add a savory, cheesy finish.
- Bake Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The tomatoes will soften and release their juices, creating a delicious sauce.
- Serve: Remove from the oven and garnish with fresh basil leaves if desired. Serve the pesto salmon with the roasted cherry tomatoes alongside your choice of side such as pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Notes
- Patting the salmon dry before seasoning ensures better texture and flavor absorption.
- You can use homemade pesto or a high-quality store-bought pesto depending on your preference.
- Fresh basil adds a burst of aroma and color when served but can be omitted if unavailable.
- Cooking times may vary slightly depending on the thickness of the salmon filets; check for doneness by flaking the fish with a fork.
- Serving suggestions include pairing with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a balanced meal.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
