Description

This delicious and vibrant recipe features perfectly baked salmon seasoned with a flavorful spice blend and topped with a creamy basil sauce. Served alongside a refreshing tomato and sweet corn salad with fresh greens, this meal is a delightful balance of fresh herbs, tender fish, and bright vegetables, ideal for a wholesome and satisfying dinner.

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 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 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

For Serving

2 cups cooked rice or grains (precooked recommended)

Instructions

Prep the Tomato Salad: In a medium bowl, combine halved cherry tomatoes, sweet corn kernels, fresh spinach or spring greens, olive oil, minced chives or parsley, and season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste. Toss gently and set aside.
Make the Basil Sauce: In a blender or food processor, add fresh basil, small bunch of chives, dried oregano (if using), garlic clove, mayonnaise, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a small pinch of salt. Blend until the sauce is almost completely smooth with just a few flecks of herbs remaining, adjusting consistency with more mayo if needed.
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 olive oil to form a spice paste. Coat the salmon pieces evenly with this mixture.
Bake the Salmon: Place the spiced salmon pieces on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 9 to 12 minutes or until the internal temperature reaches 135°F (57°C) at the thickest part, achieving a medium-well done texture preferred in this recipe.
Assemble the Meal: Serve the baked salmon over cooked rice or grains. Add a generous portion of the tomato and corn salad on the side. Spoon the creamy basil sauce over the salmon and season with additional salt and pepper if desired. Enjoy immediately.

Notes

For best flavor, use fresh, high-quality salmon filet.
The basil sauce can be adjusted to preferred thickness by adding more mayonnaise.
Oven temperatures and baking times may vary; using a meat thermometer ensures perfect doneness.
Precooked rice or grains save time and make this dish easy for weeknight meals.
Feel free to substitute spring greens with baby kale or your favorite salad greens.
Leftover basil sauce keeps well refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 12 minutes
Category: Dinner
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: salmon recipe, basil sauce, tomato salad, baked salmon, healthy dinner, easy salmon dish, summer salad, fresh herbs