Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad Recipe
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.
- 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
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
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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.
- 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
