Summer Salmon Delight: A Flavorful Basil Sauce Recipe

Summer Salmon Delight: A Flavorful Basil Sauce Recipe

Hello everyone, and happy summer! Today, I'm sharing a dish that has become a staple in our home this season: Salmon with Basil Sauce and Tomato Salad. This recipe is not only delicious but also incredibly easy to make, perfect for those busy weeknights or a relaxed weekend meal.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

This salmon dish is all about fresh, vibrant flavors. The basil sauce is so good, you might just want to drink it straight! When paired with perfectly spiced and caramelized salmon and a simple tomato salad, it creates a meal that's both satisfying and healthy.

What You'll Need

For the Salmon:

• 1 lb salmon fillet, cut into 2-3 pieces
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
• 1/2 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
• 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

For the Basil Sauce:

• 1/2 cup packed fresh basil
• 1 small bunch fresh chives
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
• 1 clove garlic
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1-2 tablespoons lemon juice
• Salt, to taste

For the Tomato Salad:

• 1 1/2 cups halved cherry tomatoes
• 2 ears sweet corn, cut off the cob
• 1-2 cups fresh spinach or spring greens
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 2 tablespoons minced chives or parsley
• Salt, pepper, and garlic powder to taste
• 2 cups cooked rice or grains for serving

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Basil Sauce

1. Combine all the basil sauce ingredients in a blender or mini chopper. Blend until almost completely smooth, with just a few flecks remaining.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

1. Preheat the oven to 425°F (220°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix together the paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and sugar.
3. Stir in the olive oil to create a paste.
4. Coat the salmon pieces with the spice paste.

Step 3: Bake the Salmon

1. Place the salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
2. Bake for 9-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 135-140°F.

Step 4: Assemble the Dish

1. Prepare the tomato salad by combining all the salad ingredients in a bowl.
2. Serve the salmon over a bed of rice or grains.
3. Top with the tomato salad and generously drizzle with the basil sauce.
4. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Tips and Notes

• Family Favorite: This recipe is a hit with the whole family, even the picky eaters!
• Basil Love: The basil sauce is the star of the show. It brings back memories of summers at a family cabin.
• Flexible Salad: You can use either a tomato-cucumber salad or a tomato-corn salad, depending on your preference.
• Mayo Substitute: If you're looking for a lighter option, try using plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise in the basil sauce.

Frequently Asked Questions

• Can I use other herbs? Yes, dill or cilantro can be good substitutes if you don't have basil.
• How long does the basil sauce last? It can last up to 5 days in the fridge.
• Other protein options? This recipe can work well with chicken or shrimp, simply adjust the cooking time to ensure the protein is cooked thoroughly.
• Vegetarian Option? You can replace the salmon with tofu or roasted sweet potato or cauliflower for a vegetarian meal.
• Gluten-Free/Dairy-Free? This recipe is naturally gluten-free and dairy-free, just be sure to use a gluten-free grain when serving.

Enjoy!

I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do. It's a great way to savor the flavors of summer. Happy cooking!