Baked Salmon with Pesto

Last Tuesday I was running late and staring at four salmon fillets on the counter, wondering how to turn them into something that didnt feel like a weeknight compromise. The pesto jar caught my eye, and suddenly I remembered that time my neighbor tossed cherry tomatoes into everything roasted because they burst into little sweet flavor bombs. Sometimes the best dinners happen when you stop overthinking and just trust what tastes good together.

I made this for my sister when she was recovering from surgery and needed something nourishing but not heavy. She actually asked for the recipe before she even finished her first bite, saying it felt like something from a restaurant but tasted like comfort. That moment when someone takes a bite and their eyes close slightly is exactly why I keep coming back to this combination.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: I prefer skinless for easier eating, but keeping the skin on adds extra moisture and prevents sticking
• Cherry tomatoes: They naturally caramelize in the oven, creating sweet bursts that balance the savory pesto
• Red onion: Thinly sliced becomes sweet and mellow when roasted, adding depth without overpowering
• Extra virgin olive oil: Helps the tomatoes blister beautifully and keeps everything from drying out
• Basil pesto: Storebought works perfectly, but homemade pesto makes this feel like a special occasion
• Sea salt and black pepper: Simple seasonings that enhance the natural flavors without competing
• Crushed red pepper flakes: Just a pinch adds warmth that cuts through the richness
• Lemon wedges: A fresh squeeze at the end brightens everything and ties the flavors together

Instructions

Get your oven ready:

Preheat to 200°C and line a baking tray with parchment paper for the easiest cleanup ever

Season the salmon:

Place fillets on the tray and sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides

Add the pesto layer:

Spread a tablespoon of pesto over each fillet like you are frosting a cupcake, right to the edges

Prep the tomatoes:

Toss halved tomatoes and sliced onion with olive oil and a pinch of salt, then scatter them around the salmon

Bake until perfect:

Cook for 15 to 20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and tomatoes are blistered and soft

Serve with brightness:

Bring those lemon wedges to the table and let everyone squeeze their own fresh finish

Save

This has become my go-to when friends drop by unexpectedly because it looks impressive but takes almost no effort. Last month my friend said it tasted like something she would order at a nice bistro, and I just smiled because the secret was just a jar of pesto and some tomatoes.

Making It Your Own

Sun-dried tomato pesto adds a deeper, almost savory quality while arugula pesto brings a peppery kick that cuts through the richness beautifully. I have also used walnut pesto when I was out of pine nuts, and that earthy change was surprisingly delicious.

What To Serve With It

Steamed rice soaks up all those flavorful juices from the tomatoes, but quinoa adds a nice nutty contrast. A crisp green salad with a simple vinaigrette keeps the meal feeling light, though roasted asparagus would be equally perfect.

Timing And Prep

You can prep everything in the morning and keep it covered in the refrigerator, then just pop it in the oven when you get home. The tomatoes actually benefit from sitting with the olive oil and salt, developing even more flavor.

• Pesto can be made ahead and stored in the fridge for up to a week
• Salmon is best eaten the same day, but leftovers make an amazing salad topper for lunch
• If your fillets are different thicknesses, check the thinner ones a few minutes early

Save

There is something so satisfying about a recipe that looks fancy but comes together in thirty minutes with minimal fuss.

Recipe FAQs

→ What is the best way to bake salmon for moist results?

Bake salmon at 200°C (400°F) for about 15-20 minutes until it flakes easily with a fork. Covering with pesto helps keep moisture in.

→ Can I use homemade pesto for this dish?

Yes, homemade pesto works wonderfully and allows control over ingredients and flavors.

→ How do cherry tomatoes enhance the dish?

Roasting cherry tomatoes brings out their natural sweetness and adds a juicy, tangy contrast to the rich salmon and pesto.

→ Are there alternatives to basil pesto to try?

Sun-dried tomato or arugula pesto provide delicious variations that complement the salmon’s flavor.

→ What side dishes pair well with this salmon preparation?

Steamed rice, quinoa, or a fresh green salad all make excellent, complementary sides for this dish.

→ Is it safe to consume with allergies to nuts or dairy?

Check pesto ingredients carefully as it may contain pine nuts or cheese; use nut-free and dairy-free versions if needed.