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Oven Baked Pesto Salmon Recipe

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3.9 from 14 reviews

This Oven Baked Pesto Salmon recipe offers a flavorful and healthy dinner option featuring tender salmon topped with fresh basil pesto and accompanied by juicy roasted cherry tomatoes. Easy to prepare and perfect for weeknight meals or entertaining, this dish combines the rich taste of garlic and pesto with the natural sweetness of tomatoes, baked to perfection in the oven.

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 8 servings

Ingredients

Salmon

  • 2 to 2½ pounds whole salmon filet, skin-on
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • ¾ cup basil pesto

Tomatoes

  • 2 cups cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon olive oil
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

For Serving

  • Lemon wedges

Instructions

  1. Prep. Preheat the oven to 400˚F to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the salmon evenly.
  2. Prepare the salmon fillet. Line a large baking sheet with aluminum foil for easy cleanup. Place the salmon skin-side down in the center of the foil. Rub the minced garlic evenly over the salmon and season generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Spread the basil pesto all over the top of the fillet to coat it fully. Set aside.
  3. Combine the tomatoes. In a medium bowl, toss the halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Arrange the tomatoes around the salmon filet on the foil-lined baking sheet to roast alongside the fish.
  4. Bake. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake the salmon and tomatoes for 22 to 25 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the internal temperature reaches 145˚F as checked with an Instant Read Thermometer.
  5. Let it rest. Remove the salmon from the oven and allow it to rest for 4 to 5 minutes so the juices can redistribute, ensuring a moist and tender fillet.
  6. Cut and serve. Slice the salmon into individual fillets and serve with the roasted cherry tomatoes and lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top for added brightness.

Notes

  • Use fresh basil pesto for the best flavor or homemade pesto if available.
  • Ensure the salmon skin is intact to help hold the fillet together during baking.
  • Adjust baking time slightly for thicker or thinner fillets to avoid overcooking.
  • Lemon wedges add a nice fresh citrus flavor that complements the richness of the salmon and pesto.
  • This recipe can be doubled or halved based on serving needs.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Italian

Find it online: https://dishiary.com/oven-baked-pesto-salmon-recipe/