Oh my goodness, let me tell you about my absolute favorite weeknight dinner: Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes! It’s like a burst of flavor and freshness all in one dish. I stumbled upon this recipe during a busy week when I needed something quick, healthy, and delicious. The aroma of the basil pesto mingling with the juicy cherry tomatoes as it bakes is simply divine. Trust me, the moment I take it out of the oven, I can hardly wait to dig in! It’s packed with protein, and the vibrant colors make it look as good as it tastes. Seriously, this dish has become my go-to for impressing friends or just treating myself to something special without spending hours in the kitchen!
Ingredients List
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Prepare Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes
Alright, let’s get cooking! First things first, preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This is super important because you want that salmon to cook evenly and come out perfectly flaky. While that’s warming up, grab a baking sheet and line it with parchment paper—this makes for easy cleanup!
Now, place those lovely salmon fillets right on the sheet. Spread about 1/2 cup of basil pesto generously over each fillet. I like to make sure every inch is covered so the flavor really pops! Next, take your halved cherry tomatoes and scatter them around the salmon. Those little gems will roast beautifully alongside the fish.
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of olive oil over everything, and then season with salt and pepper to your taste. Pop that baking sheet into your preheated oven and let it bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s done when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Serve it up right away, and enjoy the vibrant flavors!
Nutritional Information
When it comes to eating healthy, this Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes hits the sweet spot! Here’s a rough breakdown of the nutritional values per serving, which is one salmon fillet with those delightful roasted tomatoes. Keep in mind, these are estimates, but they give you a good idea of what you’re enjoying:
- Calories: 350
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
- Sodium: 450mg
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sugar: 3g
- Protein: 35g
This dish is not only packed with flavor, but also a fantastic source of protein and healthy fats, making it a great choice for a satisfying meal!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick preparation: You can whip this up in just 10 minutes of prep time—perfect for busy nights!
- Healthy ingredients: Packed with protein from the salmon and bursting with vitamins from the cherry tomatoes, it’s a nutritious choice.
- Flavorful combination: The rich basil pesto complements the salmon beautifully, while the roasted cherry tomatoes add a delightful sweetness.
- One-pan wonder: With everything cooked on a single baking sheet, cleanup is a breeze!
- Versatile: This dish pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides, making it easy to customize for any meal.
- Impressive presentation: The vibrant colors make it a stunning centerpiece for any dinner table.
Tips for Success
To make sure your Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes turns out perfectly every time, here are some of my favorite tips! First off, the thickness of your salmon fillets will greatly influence the cooking time. If your fillets are thicker than an inch, don’t hesitate to add an extra 5 minutes to the baking time. Just keep an eye on them, and they should flake beautifully when they’re done.
Also, feel free to get creative with the veggies! Zucchini and bell peppers are fantastic additions that roast well alongside the salmon. Just slice them up and toss them in with the cherry tomatoes. You can even throw in some asparagus or red onion for a pop of flavor and color!
Lastly, if you want to amp up the flavor even more, consider adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese on top right before serving. It adds a lovely salty kick that complements the pesto perfectly. Trust me, these little tweaks will elevate your dish to a whole new level of deliciousness!
Variations
If you’re in the mood to switch things up a bit with your Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, I’ve got some fun ideas for you! Experimenting with different flavors can take this dish from great to absolutely phenomenal.
- Herb Infusion: Swap out the basil pesto for sun-dried tomato pesto or even a cilantro-lime pesto for a zesty twist. You could also sprinkle some fresh herbs like dill or parsley on top just before serving for an extra burst of flavor.
- Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a bit of heat, or try a sprinkle of smoked paprika for a lovely depth of flavor. If you’re feeling adventurous, a dash of lemon zest can brighten the dish remarkably!
- Veggie Boost: Don’t stop at cherry tomatoes! Toss in some sliced bell peppers, zucchini, or even asparagus for added color and nutrients. You could also mix in some olives or artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean flair.
- Cheesy Goodness: For those cheese lovers out there, try adding a layer of mozzarella or feta cheese on top of the salmon. Pop it back in the oven for a couple of minutes to melt it to perfection!
- Citrus Flair: Drizzle some fresh lemon or lime juice over the salmon before baking. It adds a refreshing zing that pairs beautifully with the richness of the pesto.
These variations will not only keep your taste buds excited but also let you personalize the dish to match your mood or the ingredients you have on hand. Happy cooking!
Serving Suggestions
Now that you’ve got your Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes ready to shine, let’s talk about what to serve alongside it! This dish is versatile and pairs wonderfully with a range of sides that will complement those vibrant flavors.
- Simple Greens: A fresh arugula salad drizzled with lemon vinaigrette adds a peppery bite that balances the richness of the salmon.
- Roasted Veggies: Try serving it with a medley of roasted vegetables like zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus. The charred bits enhance the overall flavor!
- Couscous or Quinoa: A fluffy side of couscous or quinoa cooked in vegetable broth not only absorbs the delicious juices but also adds a nice nutty texture.
- Garlic Bread: For a comforting touch, some warm garlic bread can be a delightful addition. Who doesn’t love that buttery, garlicky goodness?
- Wine Pairing: If you’re looking to elevate your meal, a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or a light Pinot Grigio pairs beautifully with the salmon and pesto, enhancing those Mediterranean vibes.
Mix and match these suggestions to create your perfect meal! Trust me, whatever you choose will make this dish even more enjoyable and satisfying.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
So, you’ve made this delightful Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes, and now you’ve got some leftovers—lucky you! To keep all that flavor intact, it’s important to store it properly. First, let the salmon cool down to room temperature, but don’t leave it out for more than two hours to keep things safe. Then, transfer the salmon and cherry tomatoes to an airtight container. I usually layer a piece of parchment paper between the salmon and tomatoes to help absorb any moisture and keep everything fresh.
Pop that container in the fridge, and you can enjoy your leftovers for up to 2-3 days. When you’re ready to eat, reheating is key. I recommend gently warming the salmon in the oven to maintain its texture. Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), and place the salmon on a baking sheet. Cover it loosely with aluminum foil to keep it from drying out, and warm it for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You could also use a microwave if you’re in a hurry, but be careful! Heat it in short bursts of about 30 seconds to prevent it from becoming rubbery. Just keep an eye on it, and you’ll have a tasty meal ready to enjoy again!
FAQ Section
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Absolutely! Just make sure to thaw them completely in the refrigerator before cooking. This will help ensure even cooking and that delicious flaky texture we all love.
What should I do if I don’t have basil pesto?
No worries! You can use any type of pesto you have on hand, like sun-dried tomato pesto or even a homemade version. If you want something a bit lighter, try a drizzle of olive oil and a sprinkle of fresh herbs instead!
Can I add other vegetables to this dish?
Definitely! Feel free to throw in some zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus. Just chop them up and scatter them around the salmon as it bakes. You’ll get extra flavor and nutrition!
How do I know when the salmon is done cooking?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). If you’re uncertain, using a meat thermometer can take the guesswork out of it!
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep everything in advance! Just assemble the salmon and tomatoes with pesto, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when you want a quick, healthy dinner!
Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes: 5 Flavorful Reasons
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Dish
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Baked Pesto Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes is a flavorful and healthy dish that combines succulent salmon with fresh basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1/2 cup basil pesto
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Place salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Spread basil pesto evenly over each fillet.
- Scatter cherry tomatoes around the salmon.
- Drizzle olive oil over the tomatoes and salmon.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until salmon is cooked through.
- Serve immediately.
Notes
- Adjust cooking time based on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
- Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini or bell peppers.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet with tomatoes
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: Baked Pesto Salmon, Salmon Recipe, Healthy Dinner