Baked Salmon with Pesto (Printable Version)

Tender salmon fillets baked with vibrant basil pesto and juicy cherry tomatoes in the oven.

# What You’ll Need:

→ Fish

01 - 4 salmon fillets (approximately 5 oz each), skin-on or skinless

→ Vegetables

02 - 9 oz cherry tomatoes, halved
03 - 1 small red onion, thinly sliced (optional)

→ Pesto

04 - 4 tablespoons basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)

→ Seasonings

05 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
06 - ½ teaspoon salt
07 - ¼ teaspoon black pepper
08 - ½ lemon, cut into wedges

→ Garnish

09 - Fresh basil leaves for serving

# Directions:

01 - Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper.
02 - Place salmon fillets on the tray and lightly season with salt and black pepper.
03 - Spread 1 tablespoon of basil pesto evenly over each salmon fillet.
04 - Distribute halved cherry tomatoes and sliced red onion (if using) around the fillets; drizzle with olive oil.
05 - Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until salmon flakes easily and tomatoes are softened and blistered.
06 - Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges.

# Top Tips:

01 -
  • The salmon comes out silky and flakes apart like it was cooked by someone who actually went to culinary school.
  • Those roasted tomatoes burst in your mouth with concentrated sweetness, creating this perfect salty-sweet-herby balance.
  • It's genuinely one of those recipes that looks impressive enough for guests but is honestly easier than ordering takeout.
02 -
  • The difference between moist salmon and dry salmon is about three minutes and paying attention to when it flakes—don't wander away and assume it'll be fine.
  • Room temperature ingredients cook more evenly, so if you have time, take your salmon out of the fridge for five minutes before cooking; it sounds fussy but it genuinely makes a difference.
03 -
  • If you're making homemade pesto, blend it just before cooking so it's as bright green and aromatic as possible—the difference is genuinely noticeable.
  • Pat your salmon dry with paper towels before seasoning; this tiny step helps it cook more evenly and develop a better texture.

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