Herb-Roasted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomato Salsa
Oven-roasted salmon infused with fresh herbs served atop light zucchini noodles and vibrant cherry tomato salsa for a fresh Whole30 dinner. This whole30 (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, quartered cherry tomatoes, finely chopped fresh basil leaves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 4 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
- 1 1/2 cups, quartered cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped fresh basil leaves
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh parsley
- 3 tbsp, freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 3 tbsp, divided olive oil
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 1/2 tsp, divided sea salt
- 1 tsp, divided black pepper
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper. Place 4 salmon fillets skin side down on the sheet. Drizzle 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp sea salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1 tbsp lemon juice evenly over the fillets. Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped parsley and 2 tbsp chopped basil on top. Roast for 12-15 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 2: While salmon roasts, prepare cherry tomato salsa by combining 1 1/2 cups quartered cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/4 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Toss gently and set aside.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 4 spiralized medium zucchinis, sprinkle with 3/4 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper, and toss gently with tongs. Cook for 2-3 minutes until zucchini noodles soften but remain slightly firm.
- Step 4: Divide zucchini noodles between four plates. Top with a salmon fillet each and spoon generous amounts of cherry tomato salsa over the top. Garnish with remaining basil leaves if desired and serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Herb-Roasted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomato Salsa take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Herb-Roasted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomato Salsa?
Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.
Can I substitute ingredients in Herb-Roasted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomato Salsa?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Herb-Roasted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomato Salsa for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
Is Herb-Roasted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles and Cherry Tomato Salsa whole30?
Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, paleo, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.