Elevate Dinner with Ina Garten’s Savory Salmon Tomato Recipe

Sizzling salmon meets the vibrant burst of melting tomatoes in this mouthwatering Ina Garten salmon with melting tomatoes recipe that promises to revolutionize your dinner routine.

Fresh, juicy tomatoes slowly break down into a rich, silky sauce that perfectly complements the tender fish.

Mediterranean flavors dance across your plate, creating a symphony of taste that feels both elegant and effortless.

The combination of herbs, olive oil, and ripe tomatoes elevates this dish from simple to spectacular.

Each bite delivers a perfect balance of bright acidity and delicate salmon richness.

You’ll love how quickly this gourmet-style meal comes together with minimal ingredients and maximum flavor.

Dive into this delectable recipe and bring a touch of culinary magic to your evening meal.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 350 kcal

Servings: 4

What You Need for Ina Garten Salmon with Melting Tomatoes

• Sweet Onion: Provides a delicate, mellow foundation that softens and sweetens the dish's flavor profile without overpowering other ingredients.
• Garlic: Adds robust, pungent depth that enhances the overall complexity of the tomato sauce and complements the salmon's richness.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Burst with fresh, vibrant sweetness and create a luscious sauce that adds moisture and brightness to the salmon.
• Balsamic Vinegar: Introduces a tangy, slightly sweet complexity that balances the richness of the fish and adds sophisticated depth.
• Fresh Basil Leaves: Contributes a bright, herbaceous note that lifts the entire dish with its aromatic, peppery essence.

• Salmon: Provides a rich, buttery protein with a smooth texture that absorbs the surrounding flavors beautifully.
• Olive Oil: Ensures a crisp, golden exterior for the salmon and adds a smooth, fruity undertone to the entire dish.
• Salt: Enhances and highlights the natural flavors of all ingredients.
• Black Pepper: Adds subtle heat and a mild, earthy complexity to the salmon and tomato sauce.

Equipment Used in Ina Garten Salmon with Melting Tomatoes

• Cast-iron pan: Large 12-inch skillet for perfectly searing and baking salmon.
• Sauté pan: Medium 10-inch pan for cooking onions and tomatoes.
• Metal spatula: Small utensil for flipping salmon without damaging the fish.
• Cutting board: Surface for chopping onions, garlic, and preparing ingredients.
• Chef's knife: Sharp knife for precise ingredient preparation.
• Aluminum foil: Covering to let salmon rest and retain heat.
• Wooden spoon or spatula: Tool for stirring onions and tomatoes while cooking.
• Serving platter: Large dish for presenting the final salmon dish.

How to Prepare Ina Garten Salmon with Melting Tomatoes

• Tomato Flavor Base

Warm olive oil in a pan and gently sauté sweet onions until soft. Add garlic for an extra flavor boost, then introduce halved tomatoes with a sprinkle of seasoning. Let the mixture simmer and reduce, creating a rich, fragrant sauce with balsamic and fresh basil undertones.

• Salmon Searing

Heat a cast-iron skillet until scorching hot. Coat salmon with olive oil and season generously. Place fish skin-side up and create a beautiful golden-brown crust by cooking undisturbed. Flip carefully and transfer to a hot oven to finish cooking.

• Resting and Presenting

Allow salmon to rest under a foil tent, letting the delicate fish complete its cooking process while retaining moisture. Warm the tomato mixture and arrange everything on a serving platter. The result is a harmonious blend of tender fish and vibrant, herbaceous sauce that promises a restaurant-quality meal at home.

Extra Tips for Ina Garten Salmon with Melting Tomatoes

• Swap standard salmon for wild-caught Alaskan varieties to boost omega-3 content and enhance flavor complexity.
• Experiment by adding roasted bell peppers, zucchini, or eggplant to the tomato base for additional texture and nutritional depth.
• Replace basil with fresh dill, tarragon, or parsley to create unique flavor profiles that complement the rich salmon.
• Store leftover salmon and tomato mixture separately in airtight containers for up to 2 days, gently reheating just before serving to maintain optimal texture and taste.
• Pair this dish with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or roasted sweet potatoes for a complete gluten-free meal that elevates the salmon's delicate flavors.

How to Serve Ina Garten Salmon with Melting Tomatoes

• Pair with Crisp Salad: Create a light, refreshing side salad with mixed greens, cucumber slices, and a zesty lemon vinaigrette to complement the rich salmon and tomato flavors.
• Serve with Crusty Bread: Slice a rustic baguette or sourdough to soak up the delicious tomato sauce, adding texture and extra enjoyment to the meal.
• Wine Pairing Delight: Select a chilled glass of crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to enhance the dish's bright, Mediterranean-inspired profile and cut through the salmon's richness.
• Garnish with Fresh Herbs: Sprinkle additional chopped basil or add a few fresh dill sprigs on top of the salmon to boost the herb aroma and create a visually appealing presentation.

Keeping Ina Garten Salmon with Melting Tomatoes Fresh

• Maximize Freshness: Store salmon and tomato mixture separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for optimal taste and texture.
• Refrigerate Quickly: Cool salmon and tomato mixture within two hours of cooking to prevent bacterial growth and maintain food safety.
• Smart Reheating: Gently warm salmon in a 275°F oven for 10-15 minutes to prevent overcooking, maintaining its delicate moisture and flavor.
• Meal Prep Magic: Prepare tomato mixture up to three days ahead, allowing flavors to intensify and simplifying weeknight dinner preparation.

Vibrant Ina Garten Salmon With Melting Tomatoes Recipe

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4.7 from 21 reviews

• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Ina Garten’s salmon with melting tomatoes brings Mediterranean flavors to dinner tables with elegant simplicity. Hearty fish and juicy tomatoes create a perfect summer meal seasoned with herbs that complement each other beautifully. Home cooks will enjoy this quick and delicious dish.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 1 (2 lbs/907 g) salmon fillet, cut crosswise into 4 pieces
• 2 cloves minced garlic
• 2 cups (1 pint/473 ml) cherry or grape tomatoes, halved through the stem
• 1 cup chopped sweet onion (such as Vidalia)
• 1.5 tbsps balsamic vinegar
• 1.5 tbsps julienned fresh basil leaves
• olive oil (good quality)
• kosher salt
• freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Oven Preparation: Ignite the oven to a searing 425°F (220°C), establishing the perfect roasting environment.
2. Tomato Sauce Creation: In a sauté pan, cascade olive oil and gently sauté onions until translucent. Introduce minced garlic, allowing its fragrance to permeate. Incorporate halved tomatoes, seasoning with salt and pepper. Simmer until the sauce condenses and thickens, stirring intermittently.
3. Flavor Enhancement: Deglaze the tomato mixture with balsamic vinegar, folding in fresh basil leaves. Set aside to allow flavors to intertwine and develop complexity.
4. Salmon Searing: Heat a cast-iron pan until blazing hot. Coat salmon with olive oil and season aggressively with salt and pepper. Place fish skin-side up, creating a golden-brown crust without disruption.
5. Roasting Technique: Flip salmon with precision, then transfer the entire pan to the preheated oven. Roast for 8 minutes, allowing gentle cooking without complete doneness.
6. Resting and Serving: Remove salmon from oven, transfer to a serving platter, and tent with foil for 5 minutes. Warm the tomato mixture, adjusting seasoning. Plate salmon alongside the vibrant tomato sauce, offering a choice of temperature presentation.

Notes

• Sizzle Surface Selection: Use a cast-iron skillet for perfect salmon sear, ensuring high heat and even cooking surface.
• Temperature Control: Watch salmon closely during roasting to prevent overcooking, aiming for medium-rare with a slightly pink center.
• Resting Technique: Allow salmon to rest under foil for 5 minutes, enabling residual heat to gently finish cooking without drying out the fish.
• Flavor Layering: Balsamic vinegar and fresh basil transform simple tomato sauce into a vibrant, complex accompaniment that elevates the entire dish.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Dinner
• Method: Roasting
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 4 g
• Sodium: 450 mg
• Fat: 22 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 8 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg