Go Back
+ servings
easy pesto salmon recipe

Easy Sheet Pan Pesto Salmon

This mouthwatering sheet pan pesto salmon cooks with burst cherry tomatoes and red onions for a complete meal on one pan. Ready in under 30 minutes with minimal cleanup!
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Italian, Italian-American
Keyword: easy pesto salmon recipe, one pan dinner, pesto baked salmon, sheet pan salmon
Servings: 4
Calories: 382kcal
Cost: $$

Equipment

  • Rimmed baking sheet
  • Mixing bowl
  • Measuring spoons
  • Paper towels

Ingredients

  • 4 6-ounce salmon fillets, skin on
  • ¾ teaspoon kosher salt divided, plus additional for serving
  • ½ teaspoon ground black pepper divided
  • 6 tablespoons prepared basil pesto divided
  • 2 pints cherry or grape tomatoes left whole
  • 1 small red onion thinly sliced
  • Fresh lemon juice for serving
  • Fresh basil chopped (optional, for serving)

Would you like to save this?

Get this recipe sent to your inbox, plus get new recipes from us every week!

Instructions

  • Prepare oven and baking sheet: Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Generously coat a large rimmed baking sheet with nonstick spray.
  • Season vegetables with pesto: Place the cherry tomatoes and red onion in a large bowl. Add 2 tablespoons pesto, 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Toss to coat, then spread into a single layer on the prepared baking sheet.
  • Start roasting vegetables: Bake the tomatoes and onion for 10 minutes, then remove from the oven and with a spatula, stir them around a little to promote even cooking, then return to the oven for 10 additional minutes.
  • Prepare salmon: Meanwhile, pat the salmon fillets dry. Sprinkle with 1/2 teaspoon salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Spread 1 tablespoon of the remaining pesto over each fillet. Rub the pesto on with your fingers or the back of a small spoon as needed. Make sure each fillet is completely covered in pesto.
  • Add salmon to sheet pan: Remove the sheet pan from the oven and move the tomatoes and onions to the outsides to make space for the salmon in the center. Arrange the salmon fillets down the center of the baking sheet, skin-side down.
  • Bake until salmon is cooked: Return the pan to the oven and bake the pesto salmon until the fish flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145 degrees F, about 16 to 20 minutes.
  • Add final touches and serve: Sprinkle the salmon with a pinch of additional kosher salt and squeeze lemon over the top. Top with fresh basil as desired. Enjoy!

Notes

For best results, make sure to pat the salmon completely dry before adding the pesto.
The cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.
Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
This dish pairs well with crusty bread, couscous, or a simple green salad.

Nutrition

Serving: 1g | Calories: 382kcal | Carbohydrates: 8g | Protein: 36g | Fat: 24g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Cholesterol: 94mg | Sodium: 512mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 4g
Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!