Introduction
If you’re looking for a delicious and healthy meal that is easy to prepare, this baked salmon with bruschetta topping might be just what you need. With fresh ingredients like cherry tomatoes, basil, and garlic, this dish is bursting with flavor and perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
Detailed Ingredients with measures
Salmon filets: 4 pieces, fresh or thawed frozen
Cherry tomatoes: 1 pint, halved or quartered
Fresh basil: 1/4 cup, finely chopped
Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
Italian seasoning: 1 teaspoon
Balsamic glaze: 2 tablespoons
Olive oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin
Kosher salt: to taste
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time, Total Time, Yield
Cook Time: 12-15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: Serves 4
This recipe is not only flavorful but also visually appealing, making it a hit at the dining table. Enjoy your meal!
Detailed Directions and Instructions
1. Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 425 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Prepare the Bruschetta Topping
Cut cherry tomatoes into halves or quarters, finely chop fresh basil, and mince garlic.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a bowl, combine the tomatoes, basil, and garlic with olive oil and a pinch of salt. Mix well and set aside.
4. Prepare the Salmon Filets
Place the salmon filets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
5. Season the Salmon
Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and sprinkle with Italian seasoning and kosher salt.
6. Bake the Salmon
Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
7. Add Bruschetta Topping
Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and top each filet with the prepared bruschetta mixture.
8. Drizzle with Balsamic Glaze
Drizzle balsamic glaze over the bruschetta-topped salmon before serving.
Notes
Freshness Matters
Using fresh salmon filets will enhance the overall flavor of the dish.
Tomato Variety
Opt for cherry tomatoes for a sweeter, juicier bruschetta topping.
Customization
Feel free to adjust the amount of garlic and Italian seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
Cooking Time
Monitor the salmon closely as cooking times may vary based on thickness and oven performance. Adjust as necessary for your desired doneness.
Balsamic Glaze Substitution
If balsamic glaze is not available, regular balsamic vinegar can be used, but the dish may lack the same sweetness and thickness.
Cook Techniques
Preparing Ingredients
It’s essential to properly prepare your ingredients to enhance flavor. Halve or quarter cherry tomatoes for sweetness, chop fresh basil finely for a burst of freshness, and mince garlic to release its aromatic qualities.
Drizzling Olive Oil
When drizzling olive oil over salmon, ensure an even coating. This not only adds flavor but helps in the cooking process to keep the salmon moist.
Using Italian Seasoning
Sprinkling Italian seasoning over the salmon introduces a complex flavor profile. The blend of herbs complements the richness of the fish perfectly.
Baking Salmon
Bake the salmon in a preheated oven at 425 degrees Fahrenheit to achieve a crispy exterior while keeping the inside tender. Monitor the cooking time to reach your desired doneness.
Creating Bruschetta Topping
Mixing the prepared tomato, basil, and garlic topping with olive oil and salt enhances the flavors. Allowing it to sit for a moment helps the ingredients meld together.
Applying Balsamic Glaze
Drizzling balsamic glaze over the bruschetta-topped salmon adds a sweet tang that balances the dish. Use it sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?
Yes, thawed frozen salmon can be used, but fresh salmon is preferable for the best flavor and texture.
What can I substitute for cherry tomatoes?
If cherry tomatoes aren’t available, you can use grape tomatoes or diced regular tomatoes as alternatives.
Is there an alternative to balsamic glaze?
If balsamic glaze is unavailable, a regular balsamic vinegar can be used, though it may need to be reduced to achieve a similar thickness and sweetness.
How can I tell when the salmon is done?
Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit.
Can I add other ingredients to the bruschetta topping?
Yes, you can customize the bruschetta topping by adding ingredients like diced red onion, peppers, or a sprinkle of feta cheese for added flavor.
Conclusion
This salmon bruschetta recipe is a delightful combination of fresh ingredients that create a vibrant, flavorful dish. The juicy cherry tomatoes and aromatic basil topped on perfectly baked salmon make for a refreshing meal, enhanced further by the sweetness of balsamic glaze. Ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant gathering, this recipe is sure to impress.
Caprese Salad Skewers
Combine cherry tomatoes, fresh basil, and mozzarella balls on skewers, drizzled with balsamic glaze for an easy and tasty appetizer.
Garlic Butter Roasted Vegetables
Toss a mix of your favorite vegetables in olive oil, minced garlic, Italian seasoning, and roast them in the oven for a flavorful side dish.
Herbed Quinoa Salad
Mix cooked quinoa with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, fresh basil, and a light vinaigrette for a healthy and colorful salad.
Lemon Garlic Grilled Shrimp
Marinate shrimp in olive oil, garlic, lemon juice, and Italian seasoning, then skewered and grilled for a quick and delicious seafood option.
Pasta Primavera
Sauté seasonal vegetables with olive oil and garlic, then toss with your favorite pasta and a sprinkle of Italian seasoning for a light, fresh dish.
