PESTO BAKED SALMON WITH WHOLE-WHEAT PASTA & ROASTED CHERRY TOMATOES
A vibrant pesto‑topped salmon baked until flaky, served with whole‑wheat pasta and caramelized cherry tomatoes for a balanced weeknight feast. Ready in under 35 minutes.
INGREDIENTS
• 4 salmon fillets (600 g / 1.3 lb)
• 4 tbsp basil pesto (60 g)
• 300 g whole‑wheat spaghetti or penne (10 oz)
• 400 g cherry tomatoes, halved (14 oz)
• 2 tbsp olive oil (30 ml)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 30 g grated Parmesan (1 oz / ¼ cup) optional
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish (handful)
STEP-BY-STEP COOKING INSTRUCTIONS
1. Preheat oven to 200°C / 400°F. Toss cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, salt, and pepper; roast on a tray for 12–15 minutes.
2. Spread 1 tbsp pesto over each salmon fillet; place on a baking sheet and bake 10–12 minutes until just cooked through.
3. Meanwhile, cook whole‑wheat pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8–10 minutes). Reserve ½ cup (120 ml) pasta water and drain.
4. Heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in a pan, add garlic and roasted tomatoes, then toss in pasta; add reserved pasta water and Parmesan if using to create a light sauce.
5. Plate pasta, top with pesto salmon, garnish with fresh basil and extra pesto drizzle.
HELPFUL COOKING TIPS
1. blend fresh basil, pine nuts, garlic, olive oil, and Parmesan or any hard cheese in a blender for a organic option.
2. Roast tomatoes until they begin to caramelize — this concentrates sweetness and balances the pesto.
3. Don’t overbake salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist.
4. Reserve pasta water to loosen the sauce and help it cling to the pasta.
5. Add a squeeze of lemon over the salmon just before serving to lift flavors.
6. Variation: swap salmon for trout or steelhead; use spinach linguine for extra greens.
PREP & COOKING TIMES
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
NUTRITIONAL INFORMATION (PER SERVING, 4 SERVINGS)
• Calories: ~560 kcal
• Protein: 36 g
• Carbohydrates: 48 g
• Fat: 24 g
• Fiber: 6 g
DIETARY TAGS
• High protein
• Mediterranean‑inspired
• Whole grain option
ALLERGEN INFORMATION
• Contains fish (salmon)
• Contains dairy if Parmesan is used
• Contains gluten (whole‑wheat pasta) — swap to gluten‑free pasta if needed