Tomato Basil Salmon

Tomato Basil Salmon is a simple, flavorful dinner that turns a few everyday ingredients into a satisfying seafood meal. Tender salmon fillets are seasoned with dried basil, topped with fresh tomato slices and Parmesan cheese, then baked until the salmon is flaky and the cheese is lightly golden.

With minimal prep and just a handful of ingredients, this easy salmon recipe is ideal for a quick weeknight dinner. Serve it with roasted vegetables, rice, potatoes, or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and easy: Minimal preparation makes this a great weeknight meal.
• Simple ingredients: You only need five main ingredients.
• Fresh flavors: Tomato and basil complement the rich flavor of salmon.
• Light but satisfying: Salmon provides plenty of protein while the tomato keeps the dish fresh.
• Easy cleanup: Everything can be prepared and baked in one dish.

Quick Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 15–20 minutes
• Total Time: 25–30 minutes
• Servings: 2
• Category: Dinner
• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• 2 (6-ounce) boneless salmon fillets
• 1 tablespoon dried basil
• 1 tomato, thinly sliced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese

How to Make Tomato Basil Salmon

1. Prepare the Oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).

Line a small baking dish or baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil.

2. Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them skin-side down, if your fillets have skin, in the prepared baking dish.

Drizzle the olive oil evenly over the salmon.

Sprinkle the dried basil over the tops of the fillets, gently pressing it onto the surface.

3. Add the Tomato and Parmesan

Arrange the thinly sliced tomato over each salmon fillet, slightly overlapping the slices if necessary.

Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese evenly over the tomatoes and salmon.

4. Bake

Place the salmon in the preheated oven and bake for about 15–20 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets.

The salmon is ready when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part.

For a lightly browned Parmesan topping, you can broil the salmon for 1–2 minutes at the end, watching it closely.

5. Serve

Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Serve warm with your favorite side dishes.

Recipe Tips for Success

• Pat the salmon dry: This helps the seasonings and toppings stay in place.
• Use evenly sized fillets: Similar-sized pieces will cook at roughly the same rate.
• Don’t overbake: Salmon can become dry if cooked too long.
• Slice the tomato thinly: Thin slices soften quickly and sit nicely on top of the fish.
• Watch the Parmesan: If broiling at the end, keep a close eye on the cheese because it can brown quickly.
• Check the thickest part: Cooking time depends on the thickness of the salmon rather than just its weight.

Ingredient Substitutions

• Dried basil: Use fresh basil if available. Add chopped fresh basil after baking for a brighter flavor.
• Parmesan cheese: Pecorino Romano or another finely grated hard cheese can be used.
• Olive oil: Use avocado oil or another mild cooking oil if preferred.
• Fresh tomato: Cherry tomatoes can be halved and arranged over the salmon instead.

Recipe Variations

Garlic Tomato Basil Salmon

Add 1–2 minced garlic cloves over the salmon before baking for extra savory flavor.

Lemon Basil Salmon

Add fresh lemon juice or a few thin lemon slices before serving to brighten the dish.

Mozzarella Tomato Salmon

Replace some or all of the Parmesan with shredded mozzarella for a softer, melty topping.

Tomato Basil Salmon with Spinach

Place a layer of fresh spinach underneath the salmon before baking. The spinach will wilt as the salmon cooks.

What to Serve With Tomato Basil Salmon

This salmon pairs well with:

• Steamed rice
• Roasted potatoes
• Garlic mashed potatoes
• Roasted asparagus
• Steamed broccoli
• Green beans
• Quinoa
• Fresh garden salad
• Crusty bread

How to Store

Store leftover salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Reheat gently in a 300°F (150°C) oven until warmed through. Avoid overheating, as salmon can dry out easily.

Can You Freeze Tomato Basil Salmon?

Yes, although the texture of the tomatoes and Parmesan may change slightly after freezing.

Allow the cooked salmon to cool completely, then place it in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to 2 months.

Thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use frozen salmon?

Yes. Thaw the salmon completely in the refrigerator and pat it dry before preparing the recipe.

How do I know when salmon is done?

The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part.

Can I use fresh basil instead of dried basil?

Absolutely. Fresh basil gives the dish a brighter flavor. Add chopped fresh basil after baking or use a small amount before cooking.

Can I make this recipe without Parmesan?

Yes. The salmon will still be flavorful without the cheese. You can also substitute another grated hard cheese.

What type of tomato works best?

A ripe, firm tomato works well because it holds its shape while baking. Roma tomatoes are particularly convenient because they contain less moisture.

Nutrition Information

Approximate per serving, based on 2 servings:

• Calories: 390
• Protein: 39g
• Carbohydrates: 5g
• Fat: 23g
• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Fiber: 1g
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 220mg

Nutrition information is an estimate and can vary depending on the salmon, Parmesan, and other ingredients used.

Final Thoughts

Tomato Basil Salmon is proof that a simple dinner doesn’t need a long ingredient list. Tender salmon, juicy tomato, fragrant basil, and Parmesan come together in one easy bake for a meal that feels fresh and satisfying.

Pair it with rice, roasted vegetables, or a crisp salad for an easy dinner that works just as well on a busy weeknight as it does for a relaxed weekend meal.

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