Are you ready to delight your taste buds with an easy and tasty meal? This Sheet-Pan Pesto Salmon with Roasted Vegetables is perfect for busy nights or lazy weekends. Using fresh salmon and vibrant veggies, this dish is not just quick; it’s also packed with flavor. I’ll guide you through each step to ensure your dinner turns out fantastic, so let’s dive into this delicious recipe!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
– 2 salmon fillets (approximately 6 oz each)
– 1/4 cup basil pesto (store-bought or homemade)
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into even rounds
– 1 bell pepper (any color), diced into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Seasoning Ingredients
– 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
– 1 teaspoon garlic powder
– 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Optional Garnishes
– Fresh basil leaves for garnish
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preheat the Oven
Set your oven to 425°F (220°C). This hot temperature helps everything cook evenly.
Prepare the Vegetables
On a large sheet pan, arrange the following vegetables:
– 1 medium zucchini, sliced into even rounds
– 1 bell pepper, diced into bite-sized pieces
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1 cup asparagus, trimmed and cut into 2-inch pieces
Drizzle 2 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil over the veggies. Then, sprinkle with 1 teaspoon garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Toss everything together until the veggies shine.
Roast the Vegetables
Place the sheet pan in the oven. Roast the veggies for about 15 minutes. They should start to soften and get some char marks. This step adds great flavor.
Prepare Salmon Fillets
While the vegetables roast, take your salmon fillets and dry them with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick better. Season each fillet with salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon freshly grated lemon zest for a bright flavor.
Bake Salmon
After 15 minutes, remove the sheet pan from the oven. Push the veggies to one side to make room for the salmon. Spread 1/4 cup of basil pesto over the top of each salmon fillet.
Put the pan back in the oven and bake for another 12-15 minutes. The salmon is ready when it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Enjoy your delicious meal!
Tips & Tricks
Perfecting the Roast
To cook your veggies just right, follow these steps:
– Cut all vegetables into similar sizes. This helps them cook evenly.
– Spread them out in a single layer on the sheet pan. This allows hot air to circulate.
– Roast at 425°F (220°C) for about 15 minutes. Look for soft veggies with slight char marks.
– Toss them halfway through cooking for even roasting.
Salmon Cooking Tips
To keep your salmon moist, use these tips:
– Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. This helps the seasoning stick well.
– Season with salt, pepper, and lemon zest. This adds a bright flavor.
– Spread a good amount of basil pesto on top. The sauce keeps the fish juicy during baking.
– Bake for 12-15 minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork.
Presentation Ideas
Serving your dish with flair makes it more appealing:
– For a rustic look, serve directly from the sheet pan. It feels casual and fun.
– Or, plate the salmon and veggies on individual dishes. This makes it feel special.
– Add fresh basil leaves as a garnish. They bring color and a fresh aroma to your meal.
Variations
Vegetable Substitutions
You can change the veggies in this dish. Try these options:
– Broccoli florets
– Carrots, sliced thin
– Green beans, trimmed
– Cauliflower, cut into small pieces
These veggies roast well and add different flavors. Mix and match to find your favorites.
Different Pesto Options
You can use homemade or store-bought pesto. Homemade pesto is fresh and full of flavor. Here’s a quick way to make it:
– Blend fresh basil leaves, garlic, nuts, Parmesan cheese, and olive oil.
Store-bought pesto saves time and is still tasty. Look for high-quality brands with simple ingredients.
Protein Alternatives
If you want to swap salmon, chicken and tofu work great.
– For chicken, use boneless, skinless thighs or breasts. Cook them for about 20-25 minutes.
– For tofu, choose firm or extra-firm. Press it to remove water, then cube and roast for 20 minutes.
These options keep the dish healthy and delicious. Enjoy experimenting with flavors!
Storage Info
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your sheet-pan pesto salmon, store any leftovers in an airtight container. Place the salmon and veggies together to keep flavors intact. Refrigerate them within two hours to keep them safe. They will last for up to three days in the fridge. If you want to keep them fresh longer, consider freezing.
Reheating Instructions
To reheat without drying out, use the oven. Preheat it to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon and veggies on a baking sheet. Cover them with foil to trap moisture. Heat for about 10-15 minutes or until warmed through. This method helps keep the salmon moist and the veggies nice.
Freezing Tips
Yes, you can freeze this dish! To do it properly, let the food cool completely. Then, wrap each portion tightly in plastic wrap. Place the wrapped portions in a freezer-safe bag or container. Label with the date for easy tracking. It can last for up to three months in the freezer. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
How long do you bake salmon at 425°F?
You should bake salmon for 12 to 15 minutes at 425°F. This time gives you tender, flaky fish. The salmon will be opaque when it is done. It should flake easily with a fork.
Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets! Just add a few more minutes to the cooking time. Make sure to thaw them first for even cooking. If you don’t have time to thaw, bake them for about 20 to 25 minutes.
What’s the best side dish to serve with this recipe?
Roasted vegetables pair well with this salmon dish. You can also serve a light salad or quinoa. Both add freshness and balance to the meal. Garlic bread is another tasty option to round out your dinner.
Can I make this recipe in advance?
Yes, you can prep this dish ahead of time! Cut the veggies and season the salmon. Store them in the fridge until you are ready to bake. You can also roast the veggies and salmon and store leftovers for quick meals later.
This blog post guided you through cooking a delicious salmon dish. You learned about key ingredients like salmon, pesto, and fresh veggies. We covered step-by-step instructions, handy tips for cooking, and serving ideas.
Cooking can be simple and fun. Experiment with different vegetables or proteins. Remember to store and reheat your leftovers well. Enjoy your meal, and make it your own!
