Baked salmon with fennel & tomatoes

Story behind the dish

Imagine a sunlit kitchen where the air is filled with the fragrant aroma of fresh herbs and citrus. This baked salmon with fennel and tomatoes is a celebration of simplicity and elegance—bringing together vibrant flavors in one harmonious dish. Perfect for a cozy family dinner or a special gathering, it proves that healthy, delicious meals don’t have to be complicated.

The combination of tender salmon, sweet cherry tomatoes, and aromatic fennel creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will delight your palate. As the oven works its magic, the ingredients meld together, making every bite a comforting yet refined experience.

Ingredients

• 2 medium fennel bulbs (about 1 lb or 16 oz)
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley
• Juice of 1 lemon (about 2-3 tablespoons)
• 6 oz cherry tomatoes (about 1 cup)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 12 oz (about 3/4 lb) fresh salmon fillet
• Black olives, to serve

Step-by-step

1. Preheat your oven to 350°F (180°C, fan 160°C, gas 4). Trim the fronds from the fennel bulbs and set aside for later. Cut each fennel bulb in half, then each half into three wedges.
2. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the fennel wedges and cook for 10 minutes until tender. Drain well and set aside.
3. Roughly chop the fennel fronds, then mix them with the chopped parsley and lemon zest.
4. Spread the drained fennel slices evenly in a shallow ovenproof dish. Arrange the cherry tomatoes around the fennel.
5. Drizzle the vegetables with olive oil and bake in the oven for 10 minutes.
6. Remove the dish from the oven and nestle the salmon fillet among the vegetables. Squeeze the lemon juice over the fish.
7. Return the dish to the oven and bake for an additional 15 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily.
8. Sprinkle the parsley mixture over the top before serving. Accompany with a few black olives for an extra burst of flavor.

Chef’s tips & serving ideas

• For added richness, drizzle a little extra virgin olive oil over the dish just before serving.
• Serve alongside crusty bread or a light green salad for a complete meal.

Closing thoughts

There’s something truly satisfying about roasting fresh ingredients into tender harmony. This baked salmon with fennel and tomatoes is a delightful reminder that nature’s best flavors shine through with minimal fuss, creating a meal that’s both nourishing and utterly inviting. Enjoy the warmth and comfort of this dish—perfect whenever you need a little culinary sunshine.