Salmon Caprese
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Salmon Caprese takes seafood to the next level! The combination of salmon, tomatoes, mozzarella and basil with a drizzle of balsamic glaze is incredible!
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Why You'll Love It
Recipe Highlights
I'm always looking for new ways to cook seafood. There are several ideas out there, and each one sounds better than the next.
But, one night after making a Caprese Panini, I wondered if the same topping would go go well with baked salmon...and the answer is YES!
This baked salmon dish is absolutely delicious. The technique on how to cook the fish is similar to Jerk Salmon, but the seasonings are totally different.
You'll love the fresh flavor from the tomatoes and basil. Adding balsamic glaze really makes this a unique seafood dish.
Its beautiful red, white and green color makes it the perfect dish for the Christmas season!
Ingredients
I usually purchase salmon filets at Sams Club or Aldi. You'll need at least a 2 pound filet, or you can use several smaller ones if desired.
Here are the ingredients you'll need for this recipe. (See the recipe card for quantities and notes.)
- salmon filet
- olive oil
- garlic salt
- black pepper
- paprika
- lemon
- green onions
- cherry tomatoes
- mozzarella
- basil
- brown rice
- balsamic glaze
Instructions
Drizzle olive oil on bottom of a sheet pan. Arrange fish on pan, with top side facing up. Drizzle olive oil over top of salmon.
Mix garlic salt, pepper and paprika together, then sprinkle salmon with mix. Arrange lemon slices on top of salmon.
Sprinkle with chopped green onions. Bake salmon at 400 degrees for 15 minutes, depending on the thickness of the filet. It should reach a temperature of 145ºF which will yield a pink and flaky middle.
While salmon is baking, slice tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Cook rice as directed on package.
Take salmon out of oven and immediately garnish with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Drizzle balsamic glaze over entire surface of salmon. Serve on a bed of rice.
How to Serve Salmon Caprese
The flavor of the salmon combined with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil, is absolutely off-the-charts! The warmth of the baked salmon melts the cheese to the perfect temperature.
To serve this beautiful fish, cut it into equal slices and make sure there are plenty of toppings on each slice. Place a bed of rice on each plate and add a slice of salmon on top. Drizzle with extra balsamic glaze.
When you add a drizzle of balsamic glaze, and serve the entire dish over rice, it takes the salmon to the next level.
Recipes That Pair Well With Salmon
Try these favorite recipes that pair well with Salmon Caprese...
Variations
- Instead of using mozzarella, change up the cheese and use parmesan or fontina.
- Turn this dish into a Mexican fiesta by swapping out cilantro for basil and using taco sauce instead of balsamic glaze.
- Add mango salsa for an entirely different dish.
- Try this Blackened Catfish recipe for another seafood choice!
Recipe FAQs
The type of salmon you purchase is an acquired taste. Some folks will only eat wild caught, while others don't mind farm raised Atlantic salmon. Wild caught has less fat but is often more expensive. The choice is up to you!
Yes, leave the skin on because it protects the fish from scorching on the sheet pan. You can remove it once it is cooked, or leave it on for your guests to manage. Many folks like to eat the skin, so it's a matter of personal taste.
Storage and Freezing
Be sure to cook fish within one day of bringing it home from the market or grocery store. If you don't plan to eat it right away, you can vacuum seal it and freeze for up to 6 months.
After baking, store Salmon Caprese in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The tomatoes and basil will not keep well, so plan to refresh those items and serve any reheated fish with fresh caprese.
Reheat leftovers in the microwave in 30 second intervals until fish reaches 145ºF degrees internally.
More Main Dishes To Try
You'll love these other main dishes with tons of flavor...
- BBQ Shrimp and Grits
- Beef Tenderloin Marsala
- Fall Off The Bone Ribs
- Southern Tuna Salad Recipe
- Traeger Smoked Chuck Roast
Recipe Card
Salmon Caprese
*See notes in blog post for detailed tips, photos and instructions.
Ingredients
- 1 large salmon filet at least 2 pounds
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil
- ½ tsp. garlic salt
- ¼ tsp. pepper
- ¼ tsp. paprika
- 1 lemon sliced
- 2 Tbsp. green onions chopped
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes sliced
- 8 oz. mozzarella cubed
- 6 large fresh basil leaves julienned
- 2 cups brown rice cooked and seasoned with butter and a dash of salt
- 2 Tbsp. balsamic glaze
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees.
- Drizzle olive oil on bottom of a sheet pan. Arrange salmon on pan with top side facing up. Drizzle olive oil over top of salmon.
- Mix garlic salt, pepper and paprika together, then sprinkle salmon with mix. Arrange lemon slices on top of salmon.
- Sprinkle with chopped green onions. Bake salmon at 350 degrees for 20 minutes, or until cooked to your liking.
- While salmon is baking, slice tomatoes, mozzarella and basil. Cook rice as directed on package.
- Take salmon out of oven and immediately garnish with tomatoes, mozzarella and basil.
- Drizzle balsamic glaze over entire surface of salmon.
- Slice salmon into 6 pieces and serve over rice.
Notes
- The warmth of the salmon will melt the cheese to the perfect temperature.
- If you can't find balsamic glaze in your store, make it by boiling 8 oz. balsamic vinegar and ¼ cup brown sugar together for 20 minutes over medium heat. Let it cool about 10 minutes before using, then store in the fridge to use later.
Nutrition
Nutrition info is an auto generated estimate.
Tried this Recipe and Loved It? ❤️ Please scroll down and leave a *STAR* review!
I love grilled salmon and caprese salad, so this recipe is perfect!!!
Well, you're going to love this dish!
I love salmon. This recipe is so different than any I have seen. I bet it’s delicious!
Oh my.....I’ll be trying this!
Thanks, Pam! Invite me over when you do. 🙂
I made this and cheated on the topping. I used canned roasted tomatoes, dried basil, and shredded mozzarella. It was the best salmon I’ve ever had!! I’ll definitely make this again! Thanks Debi!!
Cool beans! That's a great idea, Teresa. So glad you like it!
5 Star Restaurant Dish! The flavors are fabulous together, very healthy too. Thanks Debi!
WOW! Thanks, Jane! So glad you loved it!
Looks delish!
Thanks Carol! C'mon over and let's make it!