Get ready to revolutionize your weeknight cooking with the most mouthwatering, foolproof Sheet Pan Paleo Pesto Salmon that will make your taste buds dance and your health-conscious heart sing! In just 30 minutes, you'll create a restaurant-quality meal that's not only incredibly delicious but also packed with nutrition and follows the paleo lifestyle. Imagine tender, perfectly cooked salmon topped with vibrant basil pesto, surrounded by roasted cherry tomatoes and zucchini - this isn't just a recipe, it's a culinary adventure waiting to happen!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 20 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Cuisine: Paleo
Serves: 2 servings
Ingredients
- 2 salmon fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup zucchini, sliced
- 1/4 cup basil pesto
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that your salmon and vegetables cook evenly and thoroughly.
- Line a sheet pan with parchment paper or lightly grease it with olive oil to prevent sticking.
- Rinse the salmon fillets under cold water and pat them dry with paper towels. This helps to remove any excess moisture.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides, ensuring they are evenly coated for flavor.
- In a medium bowl, combine the sliced zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle with a little olive oil and season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss the vegetables until they are evenly coated.
- Spread the seasoned zucchini and cherry tomatoes evenly on one side of the prepared sheet pan, creating a bed for the salmon.
- Place the salmon fillets on the other side of the sheet pan, skin-side down. This allows the skin to crisp up while the fish cooks.
- Spread 2 tablespoons of basil pesto over each salmon fillet, ensuring they are well-coated for maximum flavor.
- Transfer the sheet pan to the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The vegetables should be tender and slightly caramelized.
- Once cooked, remove the sheet pan from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute in the salmon.
- Serve the salmon fillets alongside the roasted zucchini and cherry tomatoes. Drizzle any remaining pesto over the top for an extra burst of flavor.
- Enjoy your Sheet Pan Paleo Pesto Salmon with a side salad or your favorite paleo-friendly dish!
Tips
- • Always pat your salmon dry before seasoning to ensure a perfect crispy exterior • Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets for the best flavor and texture • Make sure your oven is fully preheated before putting the sheet pan in • Don't overcrowd the pan - give your ingredients space to roast properly • Check salmon doneness by seeing if it flakes easily with a fork • For extra flavor, try using homemade or high-quality store-bought basil pesto • If you prefer a more golden top, briefly broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes • Let the salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to retain its juiciness
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 380kcal
Carbohydrates: 6g
Protein: 34g
Fat: 25g
Saturated Fat: 5g
Cholesterol: 90mg
