Description
This vibrant salmon recipe features perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a fresh homemade basil pesto and accompanied by sweet blistered cherry tomatoes. Ready in just 25 minutes, it’s an elegant yet simple dish ideal for a flavorful weeknight dinner or entertaining guests.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon and Tomatoes
- 4 skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil (for cooking)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves, packed
- 1/4 cup pine nuts (lightly toasted)
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- Pinch of salt
For Garnish
- Fresh basil leaves
- Lemon wedges
- Extra grated Parmesan cheese
Instructions
- Prepare the Pesto: In a food processor, combine fresh basil leaves, lightly toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, and grated Parmesan cheese. While blending on low speed, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the mixture forms a smooth, vibrant pesto. Once blended, add fresh lemon juice and a pinch of salt to brighten the flavors, then pulse briefly to incorporate.
- Blister the Tomatoes: Heat a skillet over medium-high heat and add a splash of olive oil. Add the cherry tomatoes and cook them without stirring too much, allowing their skins to char and blister, which concentrates their sweetness. Season lightly with salt and then remove from heat, setting aside.
- Cook the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and freshly ground black pepper. In a separate skillet heated over medium heat with a little olive oil, place the salmon skin-side down. Cook until the skin crisps up and the salmon is almost cooked through. Flip the fillets briefly to cook the other side, ensuring the salmon remains moist and flavorful.
- Assemble and Serve: Plate the cooked salmon fillets and spoon generous amounts of the freshly made pesto over the top. Arrange the blistered cherry tomatoes alongside or over the salmon. Garnish the dish with fresh basil leaves, lemon wedges, and additional grated Parmesan cheese for an elegant and colorful presentation.
Notes
- Lightly toasting the pine nuts before adding them to the pesto enhances their flavor.
- Be careful not to overcook the salmon to keep it moist and tender.
- Blistering tomatoes intensifies their natural sweetness—avoid stirring too often so they can char properly.
- Adjust the pesto’s consistency by adding olive oil gradually to achieve desired thickness.
- Use fresh basil and fresh lemon juice for the best vibrant taste in the pesto.
