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Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 147 reviews

This delicious recipe features spice-rubbed salmon baked to perfection, served with a vibrant basil sauce and a fresh tomato salad. Easy to prepare and full of bright, fresh flavors, it’s a perfect weeknight dinner that balances healthy fats, protein, and fresh vegetables.

Ingredients

Scale

Spice-Rubbed Salmon

  • 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 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

Tomato Salad

  • 1 1/2 cup 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

For Serving

  • 2 cups cooked rice or grains (precooked for convenience)

Instructions

  1. Prep the Tomato Salad: Start by preparing the tomato salad. Halve the cherry tomatoes, cut the corn kernels off the cob, and combine with 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.
  2. Make the Basil Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine fresh basil, chives, dried oregano if using, garlic clove, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a small pinch of salt. Blend until the mixture is almost completely smooth but retains some flecks of herbs. Adjust mayonnaise quantity to reach a creamy consistency. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
  3. Prep the Salmon: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). In a small bowl, mix together paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and granulated sugar. Stir in olive oil until it forms a paste. Coat the salmon pieces evenly with the spice paste.
  4. Bake the Salmon: Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the spice-rubbed salmon pieces on it. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes, or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) in the thickest part of the salmon. This results in a medium-well done texture preferred by the recipe author.
  5. Assemble the Meal: Serve the baked salmon pieces on top of warm cooked rice or grains. Plate a generous portion of the tomato salad on the side. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the salmon, and season the entire dish with additional salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy immediately for best flavor.

Notes

  • Adjust lemon juice in the basil sauce to your preferred level of acidity.
  • You can swap mayo with Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce variation.
  • Feel free to use any cooked grains or rice you prefer; quinoa or farro would work well.
  • Cook salmon just to 135°F for moist, medium-well doneness; cook longer if you prefer fully cooked.
  • The tomato salad can be prepped ahead and refrigerated for up to a day.

Keywords: salmon recipe, baked salmon, basil sauce, tomato salad, healthy dinner, easy seafood recipe

Find it online: https://tastybynova.com/salmon-with-basil-sauce-and-tomato-salad-recipe/