Introduction

This Pesto Crusted Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes is a vibrant, flavorful, and healthy dish that brings restaurant-quality taste to your home kitchen. Tender salmon fillets are topped with a fragrant basil pesto crust and baked alongside sweet, juicy cherry tomatoes that burst in the oven, releasing natural sweetness into the dish.

This recipe is perfect for weeknight dinners, entertaining guests, or a special occasion meal. It’s light yet satisfying, combining omega-3-rich salmon, fresh herbs, and a touch of garlic and Parmesan in the pesto. Every bite is a delightful balance of richness from the salmon, herbal freshness from the pesto, and tangy sweetness from the roasted tomatoes.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it’s simple, healthy, and full of flavor. The pesto crust adds an aromatic, nutty, and cheesy layer that elevates the salmon without overpowering it. Roasting the cherry tomatoes alongside the salmon infuses the dish with natural sweetness and juicy bursts, creating a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort. It’s a recipe that feels indulgent yet is wholesome enough to enjoy any night of the week.

Why This is a Must-Try Dish

• Quick and easy: Ready in under 30 minutes.
• Healthy and flavorful: Rich in omega-3s with fresh herbs and tomatoes.
• Elegant presentation: Perfect for entertaining or a special dinner.
• Balanced textures: Crispy pesto topping, tender salmon, juicy tomatoes.
• Customizable: Pair with pasta, rice, or roasted vegetables.

Preparation & Cooking Time

• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 15–18 minutes
• Total Time: 25–28 minutes

Servings & Nutrition

• Servings: 4
• Calories: ~400–450 per serving (depending on amount of pesto and olive oil)

Course & Cuisine

• Course: Main Dish
• Cuisine: Italian / Mediterranean

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on or skinless
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• 1–2 tbsp olive oil

For the Pesto Crust:

• 1/2 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
• 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tsp lemon zest
• 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)

For the Vegetables:

• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 tsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Fresh basil leaves, for garnish

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

Step 1: Prepare Oven and Baking Dish

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease with olive oil.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. Pat salmon fillets dry and season lightly with salt and pepper.
2. Place salmon on the prepared baking sheet, leaving space between fillets.

Step 3: Make and Apply Pesto Crust

1. In a small bowl, combine basil pesto, Parmesan cheese, garlic (if using), and lemon zest.
2. Spread a generous layer of pesto mixture on top of each salmon fillet.

Step 4: Prepare Cherry Tomatoes

1. Toss halved cherry tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Arrange tomatoes around the salmon on the baking sheet.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

1. Bake in preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
2. Optional: Broil for 1–2 minutes at the end for a golden, slightly crispy pesto topping.

How to Serve

• Serve salmon fillets with roasted cherry tomatoes on the side.
• Garnish with fresh basil leaves and a squeeze of lemon juice.
• Pair with:
  • Steamed asparagus, green beans, or broccoli
  • Garlic mashed potatoes or risotto
  • Rice or quinoa for a lighter option

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh pesto for the brightest flavor.
• Don’t overbake salmon; check at 15 minutes for medium doneness.
• Broiling at the end adds extra crispiness to the pesto crust.
• Cherry tomatoes can be replaced with grape tomatoes or halved baby heirlooms for color variety.

Variations

• Herb Pesto: Use cilantro or parsley-based pesto for a twist.
• Nutty Crunch: Add crushed pine nuts or almonds to the pesto topping.
• Spicy: Add 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes to the pesto.
• Creamy: Drizzle a little cream or yogurt sauce over the salmon after baking.

Freezing & Storage

• Refrigerator: Store cooked salmon in airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Freezer: Not recommended with pesto topping; pesto may change texture and flavor. Freeze plain cooked salmon separately if needed.
• Reheating: Reheat gently in oven at 325°F (165°C) for 5–7 minutes to avoid overcooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Parchment paper or silicone baking mat
• Small bowl for mixing pesto
• Oven-safe tongs or spatula

FAQ

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, thaw completely before baking for even cooking.

Q2: Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, omit Parmesan or use a dairy-free alternative.

Q3: Can I prepare the pesto ahead of time?
Yes, homemade or store-bought pesto can be prepared up to 2 days in advance.

Q4: Can I use other vegetables?
Yes, zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus pair wonderfully with salmon.

Conclusion

Pesto Crusted Baked Salmon with Cherry Tomatoes is a healthy, colorful, and flavor-packed dish that is perfect for any occasion. The combination of flaky salmon, aromatic pesto, and roasted cherry tomatoes makes it both visually stunning and irresistible. Quick to prepare, nutritious, and versatile, this recipe is a must-try for anyone looking for a simple yet elegant meal that impresses family or guests.