Name: Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 27 min
Cuisine: American
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; 1 lb. salmon filet, cut into 2-3 pieces; 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 to keep it creamy); 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese; 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice; Small pinch of salt, to taste; 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; 2 cups cooked rice or grains (precooked recommended)

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

1 lb. salmon filet, cut into 2-3 pieces

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

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

2 cups cooked rice or grains for serving (precooked to make it easy)

Instructions

Step 1: Prep the tomato salad by combining halved cherry tomatoes, cut corn kernels, fresh spinach or spring greens, olive oil, minced chives or parsley, and seasoning with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Set aside.

Step 2: Make the basil sauce by blending fresh basil, fresh chives, dried oregano (if using), garlic clove, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt. Blend until almost smooth, leaving a few flecks for texture. Adjust mayonnaise as needed to keep the sauce creamy.

Step 3: Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C). Mix paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, granulated sugar, and olive oil in a small bowl to create a spice paste.

Step 4: Coat the salmon pieces with the spice paste evenly on all sides.

Step 5: Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the thickest part of the salmon reaches 135°F (57°C) for medium-well doneness.

Step 6: Plate the cooked salmon over cooked rice or grains. Serve alongside the tomato salad and spoon the basil sauce generously over the salmon. Season everything with additional salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!

Tips & Variations

For a lighter basil sauce, substitute half the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt.

Use fresh corn off the cob for sweetness, or frozen corn if fresh isn’t available.

If you prefer, grill the salmon instead of baking for a smoky flavor.

Add a splash of white wine or lemon zest to the basil sauce for extra brightness.

Storage

Store leftover salmon and salad separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat the salmon gently in the oven or microwave to avoid drying it out. The basil sauce is best served fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 1 day. Keep the sauce chilled and stir before serving again.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

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

Is this basil sauce similar to pesto?

While it shares some ingredients with pesto, this basil sauce is creamier due to the mayonnaise and Parmesan, making it perfect as a topping or dip rather than a thick spread.