Tomato-Basil Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon
Flaky salmon fillets seared to perfection and finished with a vibrant tomato-basil sauce for a quick, elegant dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, halved cherry tomatoes, extra virgin olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 385 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. 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
- 1.25 lbs salmon fillets
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- 2 cloves minced garlic
- 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 1.25 lbs salmon fillets dry and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper on both sides.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and sear for 4 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
- Step 3: Flip salmon and transfer skillet to a preheated 400°F (200°C) oven. Bake for 8-10 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 4: While salmon bakes, heat 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 5: Stir in 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh basil, 1 tbsp lemon juice, and 1/2 tsp salt. Simmer for 5 minutes until tomatoes soften and sauce thickens slightly.
- Step 6: Remove salmon from oven, transfer to plates, and spoon tomato-basil sauce over each fillet.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Tomato-Basil Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Tomato-Basil Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Tomato-Basil Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon?
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 Tomato-Basil Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon 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.
What goes well with Tomato-Basil Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★★
Simple and delicious.
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
