Baked Salmon with Fresh Salsa (Printable Version)
Flaky salmon fillets topped with zesty tomato salsa – a quick, impressive main dish that's both healthy and bursting with flavor.
# What You'll Need:
→ For the Salmon
01 - 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
02 - 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 - 1 lemon, sliced
04 - 1 teaspoon sea salt
05 - 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
06 - 1/2 teaspoon paprika (optional)
→ For the Fresh Salsa
07 - 2 medium ripe tomatoes, diced
08 - 1/2 small red onion, finely chopped
09 - 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely chopped (optional)
10 - 1/4 cup fresh cilantro or parsley, chopped
11 - Juice of 1 lime
12 - 1 tablespoon olive oil
13 - 1/4 teaspoon salt
14 - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
# How To Make It:
01 - Preheat your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
02 - Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle with salt, pepper, and paprika (if using). Arrange lemon slices on top.
03 - Bake for 12–15 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
04 - Meanwhile, prepare the salsa: In a medium bowl, combine diced tomatoes, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Toss gently to mix.
05 - Remove salmon from the oven. Transfer to plates and spoon the fresh salsa generously over each fillet. Serve immediately with lemon wedges, if desired.
# Expert Advice:
01 -
- The contrast between the warm, flaky salmon and the cool, vibrant salsa creates this perfect temperature play that makes each bite feel special.
- Even on your busiest nights, you can have this impressive dish ready in just 30 minutes without sacrificing an ounce of flavor.
02 -
- Overcooking salmon is the surest way to ruin it, so I've learned to pull it from the oven when it still looks slightly underdone in the center, as it continues cooking for a few minutes after removal.
- Preparing the salsa at least 15 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together, though adding the cilantro at the last minute preserves its bright color and freshness.
03 -
- A small splash of honey added to the salsa creates this subtle sweetness that beautifully balances the acidity of the lime and tomatoes.
- Letting the salmon come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking ensures more even cooking from edge to center.