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Pesto Salmon

Pesto Salmon

The ultimate comfort food, Pesto Salmon combines tender salmon fillets with vibrant basil pesto and fresh tomatoes. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner, this dish is packed with flavor and nutrients. Impress your family or guests with this easy, delicious recipe tonight!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 40 minutes
Total Time 45 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Dinner
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

  • 4 6-ounce salmon fillets skin on
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt divided, plus additional for serving
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • 6 tablespoons prepared basil pesto divided
  • 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes left whole
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • 1 squeeze fresh lemon juice for serving
  • to taste chopped fresh basil optional for serving

Equipment

  • Wooden Spoon
  • Oven
  • Baking Sheet
  • Chef's Knife
  • Frying Pan

Method
 

  1. Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
  2. Place the cherry tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons pesto, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat, then spread into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  3. Bake the tomatoes and onion for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and with a spatula, stir them around a little to promote even cooking, then return to the oven for 10 additional minutes.
  4. Meanwhile, pat the salmon fillets dry. Sprinkle with ½ teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread 1 tablespoon of the remaining pesto over each fillet.
  5. Rub the pesto on with your fingers or the back of a small spoon as needed. Make sure each fillet is completely covered in pesto.
  6. Remove the sheet pan from the oven and move the tomatoes and onions to the outsides to make space for the salmon in the center. Arrange the salmon fillets down the center of the baking sheet, skin-side down.
  7. Return the pan to the oven and bake the pesto salmon until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 16 to 20 minutes.
  8. Sprinkle the salmon with a pinch of additional kosher salt and squeeze lemon over the top. Top with fresh basil as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

  • Cooking time will vary: The cooking time will vary based upon the thickness of your salmon. Thicker (2-inch-plus) slices will need several extra minutes, while thinner slices may cook more quickly.
  • Storage: Refrigerate salmon and vegetables in an airtight storage container for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Gently rewarm leftovers on a baking sheet in the oven at 350 degrees F.