If you’re looking to impress with minimal effort and maximum flavor, Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad just might become your new favorite go-to meal. This vibrant combination brings together perfectly baked salmon, a velvety, fresh basil sauce, and a burstingly colorful tomato salad that’s as lovely on the plate as it is on your fork. It captures the essence of Mediterranean eating—bright, wholesome, nourishing, and every bite tastes as fresh as summer. Let’s jump in and bring a delicious Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad to your table!
Ingredients You’ll Need
What makes Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad so special is the way just a handful of high-quality ingredients come together for something truly memorable. Each component steps into the spotlight, from the rich, flaky salmon to the punchy basil sauce and juicy tomatoes. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Salmon fillets: Choose four fresh fillets, about 6 oz each, for perfectly portioned servings packed with protein and omega-3s.
- Olive oil: Used in both the salmon and tomato salad, olive oil adds depth and helps everything roast up beautifully.
- Salt and pepper: Don’t underestimate these pantry classics—they’re key for seasoning all the elements to perfection.
- Cherry tomatoes: Two cups halved provide sweet, juicy pops of flavor and bright color for your salad.
- Grape or heirloom tomatoes: One cup, sliced, to bring even more variety, sweetness, and visual appeal.
- Red onion: A quarter onion, thinly sliced, gives the salad its classic Mediterranean kick and a pleasant crunch.
- Balsamic vinegar: A tablespoon for tangy-sweet complexity that makes the tomato salad sing.
- Extra virgin olive oil: Another tablespoon for the salad, highlighting all the fresh produce flavors.
- Fresh basil leaves: One cup for a bold, peppery basil sauce that brightens the whole dish.
- Parmesan cheese: A quarter cup, grated, lends the basil sauce richness and a subtle umami balance.
- Garlic clove: One is all you need for aromatic punch in the basil sauce—don’t skip it!
- Pine nuts or walnuts: A quarter cup provides classic pesto creaminess, or swap for sunflower seeds if needed.
- Lemon juice: The juice of half a lemon for just the right touch of brightness in the sauce.
How to Make Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad
Step 1: Prep and Bake the Salmon
Begin by getting your oven ready—set it to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Rub each salmon fillet with a bit of olive oil, then sprinkle them generously with salt and pepper. Place the salmon on your lined sheet, giving them a little space to bake evenly. Slide the tray into the oven and bake for 12 to 15 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The aroma will have you checking the oven before the timer’s up!
Step 2: Blend the Basil Sauce
While the salmon bakes, make that glorious basil sauce. In your food processor or blender, combine the fresh basil leaves, Parmesan cheese, garlic clove, pine nuts (or walnuts or sunflower seeds), lemon juice, and the 1/3 cup olive oil. Blend everything until silky smooth, scraping down the sides if needed. Taste as you go and adjust with a touch of salt until the sauce is pop-with-flavor perfect.
Step 3: Toss the Tomato Salad
Grab a nice serving bowl and add your halved cherry tomatoes, sliced grape or heirloom tomatoes, and thinly sliced red onion. Drizzle in the balsamic vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, then sprinkle with salt and pepper. Gently toss everything until those garden colors gleam and every bite is coated in flavor.
Step 4: Plate and Finish
Once the salmon is baked and perfectly flaky, spoon a generous dollop of basil sauce over each fillet while they’re still warm. Arrange a heap of your vibrant tomato salad on the side. This is the moment that Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad looks truly spectacular—already bursting with appetite appeal!
How to Serve Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad
Garnishes
Garnishing is where you can turn your simple meal into a showstopper. Try scattering a few extra whole basil leaves on top or add a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan for a little extra richness. Toasted pine nuts (or sunflower seeds) on top also look lovely and offer crunchy contrast.
Side Dishes
Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad pairs beautifully with a light side. Think fluffy couscous or lemon-scented quinoa, or keep it simple with crusty artisan bread to soak up all that herby sauce. For a heartier spread, roasted asparagus or sautéed green beans make a perfect match.
Creative Ways to Present
If you want to make things a little fancy, try serving the salmon on a platter with the basil sauce swooshed underneath, then artfully arrange the tomato salad all around. Or build individual bowls with salmon at one end, salad at the other, and a pretty trail of basil sauce connecting them. The colors will really pop, turning Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad into the visual centerpiece of your table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store the salmon, basil sauce, and tomato salad separately in airtight containers. The salmon and sauce will stay fresh for up to two days in the fridge, and the tomato salad is best enjoyed within 24 hours for peak flavor and texture.
Freezing
You can freeze leftover baked salmon (wrapped well), but avoid freezing the basil sauce and tomato salad, as their fresh flavors and textures don’t hold up well in the freezer. Simply thaw the salmon in the fridge overnight when you’re ready to use it again.
Reheating
To gently reheat salmon, place it in a 275°F oven for about 10 minutes, covered with foil so it doesn’t dry out. If you prefer, Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad can also be enjoyed cold—making it perfect for a summer picnic or quick lunch!
FAQs
Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
Absolutely! Grill the seasoned salmon fillets over medium heat for 4-5 minutes per side. The basil sauce and tomato salad pair just as beautifully, and you’ll get some lovely smoky undertones.
Is there a dairy-free option for the basil sauce?
Yes! Simply omit the Parmesan cheese or substitute it with a favorite plant-based alternative. The fresh basil, nuts, and lemon juice will still create a vibrant, delightful sauce.
Can I make Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad ahead of time?
You can prep the basil sauce and tomato salad earlier in the day and keep them chilled. For best texture, bake the salmon right before serving, although it tastes wonderful cold too.
What’s the best way to store the basil sauce?
Store the basil sauce in a small airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. To help keep its bright color, press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface before sealing.
How can I make this nut-free?
Great news! Swap the pine nuts or walnuts for roasted sunflower seeds in the basil sauce. You’ll get that classic creamy texture and earthy flavor with zero nuts involved.
Final Thoughts
This is one of those recipes that truly feels like something special, yet fits easily into any weeknight routine. I can’t wait for you to try Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad—once you do, it’ll surely find a regular place at your table. Give it a go and savor every gorgeous bite!
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Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad Recipe
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
This recipe for Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad is a delightful dish that combines perfectly cooked salmon fillets with a vibrant basil sauce and a refreshing tomato salad. The basil sauce adds a burst of flavor while the tomato salad complements the dish with its freshness and tanginess.
Ingredients
Salmon:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Tomato Salad:
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1 cup grape or heirloom tomatoes (sliced)
- ¼ red onion (thinly sliced)
- 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Basil Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh basil leaves
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 garlic clove
- ¼ cup pine nuts or walnuts
- ⅓ cup olive oil
- Juice of ½ lemon
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- To serve, spoon basil sauce over warm salmon and plate with the tomato salad on the side.
Salmon: Rub the salmon fillets with 1 tablespoon olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Bake for 12–15 minutes until cooked through.
Basil Sauce: Blend basil, Parmesan, garlic, nuts, lemon juice, and olive oil until smooth.
Tomato Salad: Toss cherry tomatoes, grape tomatoes, red onion, balsamic vinegar, olive oil, salt, and pepper in a bowl.
Notes
- This dish can also be served chilled—perfect for summer.
- Swap pine nuts for sunflower seeds for a nut-free pesto alternative.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with salad
- Calories: 480
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 310mg
- Fat: 35g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 27g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 32g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
