Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

Baked Salmon with Basil Chimichurri and Thyme Fries


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

5 from 3 reviews

  • Author: Asha Pagdiwalla
  • Total Time: 50 minutes
  • Yield: Serves 4
  • Diet: Omnivore, Pescatarian

Description

Salmon fillets baked with a vibrant basil chimichurri, served alongside crispy potato fries and roasted beets. A perfect weeknight meal!


Ingredients

Units Scale

For the Basil Chimichurri

  • 3 cups (710 ml) loosely packed fresh basil leaves
  • 1 small red onion, diced
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • ⅓ cup (80 ml) olive oil
  • 2 tbsp white wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp honey
  • 1/2 tsp chili paste
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Salmon

  • 4 wild salmon fillets
  • 8 tbsp basil chimichurri sauce (from above)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

For the Thyme Potato Fries

  • 3 russet or sweet potatoes, sliced into 1/2-inch (1.3 cm) thick strips
  • A few sprigs fresh thyme
  • 2-3 tbsp olive oil
  • Sea salt and pepper, to taste

For the Roasted Vegetables

  • 8 golden beets, halved vertically
  • 8 Thumbelina or baby carrots, cleaned and tops trimmed
  • Olive oil, for drizzling
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Make the Basil Chimichurri: Combine basil, red onion, garlic, olive oil, white wine vinegar, honey, chili paste, salt, and pepper in a food processor.
  2. Blend until smooth and adjust seasoning as needed. Reserve 8 tablespoons for the salmon and refrigerate any extra.
  3. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
  4. Prepare the salmon: Place fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet and spread a thick coating of chimichurri over the flesh side.
  5. Bake for 25–30 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily. Remove from the oven and let rest for 5 minutes.
  6. Prepare the thyme potato fries: Toss the sliced potatoes with olive oil, thyme sprigs, salt, and pepper.
  7. Arrange in a single layer on an ovenproof rack set over a baking sheet. Bake at 375°F (190°C) for 25 minutes, turning halfway, until golden and crisp.
  8. Prepare the roasted vegetables: Toss halved golden beets and carrots in olive oil, salt, and pepper.
  9. Spread on a baking sheet and roast for 25 minutes at 375°F (190°C) until tender and caramelized.
  10. To serve, arrange salmon, roasted vegetables, and thyme potato fries on each plate.
  11. Drizzle a little extra chimichurri over the salmon before serving.

Notes

  • Make the basil chimichurri up to 3 days in advance and store in the fridge.
  • Use sweet potatoes for a slightly sweeter contrast to the savory salmon.
  • If using larger beets, roast them slightly longer to ensure tenderness.
  • Pair with a crisp white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc or Albariño.
  • This recipe can also be made with cod or halibut instead of salmon.
  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 30 minutes
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Roasting
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet
  • Calories: 450
  • Sugar: 5
  • Sodium: 350
  • Fat: 25
  • Saturated Fat: 5
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 30
  • Fiber: 5
  • Protein: 35
  • Cholesterol: 100