Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad Recipe

Introduction

This Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad recipe combines tender, perfectly baked salmon with a vibrant, creamy basil sauce and a fresh tomato salad. It’s a simple yet flavorful meal that’s great for weeknight dinners or casual entertaining.

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (plus 1 tablespoon for salad)
• 1 lb. salmon filet, cut into 2-3 pieces
• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil
• 1 small bunch of fresh chives (plus 2 tablespoons minced chives or parsley for salad)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 cup mayo (more as needed to keep it creamy)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Small pinch of salt, to taste
• 1 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 ears sweet corn, cut off the cob
• 1-2 cups fresh spinach or spring greens
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice or grains for serving (precooked recommended)

Instructions

1. Prep the tomato salad: In a bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, cut corn kernels, fresh spinach or spring greens, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons minced chives or parsley, salt, pepper, and a pinch of garlic powder. Toss well and set aside.
2. Make the basil sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil, fresh chives, garlic clove, mayo, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, dried oregano (if using), small pinch of salt, and a little pepper. Blend until almost smooth with some flecks remaining. Adjust mayo to keep the sauce creamy as needed.
3. Prep the salmon: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to create a spice paste. Coat the salmon pieces evenly with the mixture.
4. Bake the salmon: Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the thickest part reaches 135°F for medium-well doneness (adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness).
5. Assemble the meal: Serve the baked salmon over cooked rice or grains. Add a portion of the tomato salad on the side and spoon the basil sauce generously over the salmon. Season with extra salt and pepper to taste and enjoy.

Tips & Variations

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
• If you prefer a thinner basil sauce, add a splash of water or lemon juice while blending.
• Swap spinach for arugula or kale in the tomato salad for a different green flavor.
• For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the spice paste or basil sauce.
• Grilling the salmon instead of baking adds a smoky flavor.

Storage

Store leftover salmon, sauce, and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat salmon gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. Toss the salad fresh before serving, and keep the basil sauce chilled for best flavor and texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon works well. Thaw it completely in the refrigerator before seasoning and baking to ensure even cooking.

Is there a substitute for mayonnaise in the basil sauce?

You can use Greek yogurt or sour cream as a lighter alternative to mayo. This will give a tangier flavor and a creamy texture as well.

Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.7 from 146 reviews

A flavorful and wholesome dish featuring oven-baked salmon seasoned with a fragrant paprika and garlic spice rub, served with a fresh tomato and spinach salad, and accompanied by a creamy basil sauce. This meal combines vibrant Mediterranean flavors and is easy to prepare, perfect for a nutritious weeknight dinner.

• Author: Stella
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 3 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Salmon and Spice Rub

• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 lb. salmon filet, cut into 2–3 pieces

Basil Sauce

• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil
• 1 small bunch of fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise (more as needed for creaminess)
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1–2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Small pinch of salt, to taste

Tomato Salad

• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 ears sweet corn, cut off the cob
• 1–2 cups fresh spinach or spring greens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced chives or parsley
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste

Serving

• 2 cups cooked rice or grains (precooked recommended for ease)

Instructions

1. Prep the tomato salad: Combine halved cherry tomatoes, freshly cut sweet corn kernels, and fresh spinach or spring greens in a bowl. Drizzle with olive oil, add minced chives or parsley, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Toss gently to combine and set aside to let flavors meld.
2. Make the basil sauce: In a blender or food processor, add fresh basil, chives, optional dried oregano, garlic clove, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and a small pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is almost completely smooth, with just a few flecks of herbs remaining for texture. Adjust mayo if needed to keep sauce creamy.
3. Prep the salmon: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and olive oil to create a spice paste. Coat each salmon piece evenly with the spice paste, ensuring full coverage.
4. Bake the salmon: Place the coated salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 9-12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches about 135°F in the thickest part, indicating medium-well doneness, which balances juiciness and firmness.
5. Assemble the meal: Spoon cooked rice or grains onto plates, place the baked salmon over the rice, and arrange the tomato salad on the side. Generously spoon the creamy basil sauce over the salmon and salad. Season with additional salt and pepper if desired before serving. Enjoy your fresh and wholesome meal!

Notes

• Use a food thermometer to check salmon doneness if unsure; 135°F is medium-well and preferred for moist but cooked fish.
• The basil sauce can be adjusted for thickness by adding more mayonnaise or lemon juice to taste.
• Precooked rice or grains help streamline preparation time.
• Fresh herbs elevate the flavor but dried oregano is optional and can be omitted.
• This dish pairs well with a crisp white wine or sparkling water with lemon.

Keywords: salmon recipe, basil sauce, tomato salad, baked salmon, healthy dinner, Mediterranean cuisine, easy salmon recipe, fresh herbs