Baked Salmon With Harissa and Cherry Tomatoes (Easy + Healthy!)
This Baked Salmon with Harissa and Cherry Tomatoes is the ultimate anti-inflammatory meal, combining bold North African spices, omega-3-rich salmon, and juicy cherry tomatoes in one easy sheet pan recipe. It’s a delicious choice for anyone following a low-carb, keto, paleo, or Mediterranean diet—and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!
With the rise of demand for heart-healthy dinners, anti-inflammatory recipes, and protein-packed meals for weight loss, this dish has become very popular. Also, with ingredients like harissa paste, cherry tomatoes, and extra virgin olive oil, you’re getting both vibrant flavor and powerful health benefits.
🍽️ About This Baked Harissa Salmon
For a quick, nutritious, and bold-flavored dinner, this baked harissa salmon is the perfect choice. It’s not only a flavor-packed meal, but also loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, making it ideal for those seeking heart-healthy dinners, anti-inflammatory recipes, and low-carb meal prep ideas.
- ✅ Ready in just 30 minutes – Perfect for busy weeknights and quick family meals.
- ✅ Packed with omega-3s and lean protein – Supports brain, heart, and joint health.
- ✅ Made with spicy harissa paste – Adds a bold, smoky flavor without the calories.
- ✅ Great for low carb diets, keto meal plans, and weight loss recipes.
- ✅ An easy one-pan dinner recipe – Minimal cleanup, maximum flavor!
Related: Low-Carb Breakfast Burrito Recipes
🛒 Ingredients You’ll Need For Baked Harissa Salmon
This easy baked salmon recipe uses simple, wholesome ingredients that are perfect for a low-carb Mediterranean diet, packed with omega-3s, antioxidants, and bold spicy flavor. Every ingredient here is part of a clean eating lifestyle ideal for anti-inflammatory meal plans and heart-healthy dinners.
- 🐟 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each, skin-on or skinless) – A rich source of omega-3 fatty acids and lean protein.
- 🌶️ 2 tablespoons harissa paste – Adds smoky, spicy flavor; a signature North African chili blend.
- 🫒 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil – A heart-healthy fat essential to the Mediterranean diet.
- 🍅 2 cups cherry tomatoes – Roasted for natural sweetness and loaded with antioxidants like lycopene.
- 🌶️ 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional) – Enhances the bold, smoky profile.
- 🧂 Salt & freshly ground black pepper – Essential for seasoning and balance.
- 🍋 Juice of ½ lemon – Adds a bright, zesty finish and enhances absorption of nutrients.
- 🌿 Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish) – Optional but adds freshness and color.
Suggested: White Bean Caprese Salad Recipe
🧑🍳 How to Make Baked Salmon With Harissa and Cherry Tomatoes
This easy oven-baked salmon recipe is a game-changer for busy weeknights. Made with heart-healthy salmon fillets, bold harissa paste, and sweet cherry tomatoes, it’s packed with anti-inflammatory benefits and bursting with flavor. This low-carb Mediterranean recipe is perfect if you’re looking for a high-protein, low-carb dinner that also supports weight loss and gut health.
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🔥 Step 1: Preheat Your Oven
Set your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking tray with parchment paper or foil. A hot oven ensures your salmon gets that perfect flaky texture while the cherry tomatoes roast to juicy perfection.
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🐟 Step 2: Prep the Salmon Fillets
Place 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless) onto the baking sheet. Pat them dry with a paper towel to help the harissa marinade stick better. For best nutrition, choose wild-caught Alaskan salmon — it’s rich in omega-3 fatty acids and ideal for a diabetic-friendly dinner.
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🌶️ Step 3: Make the Harissa Marinade
In a small bowl, mix 2 tbsp harissa paste, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, a pinch of sea salt, and the juice of half a lemon. This fiery blend enhances both metabolism and flavor. Adjust spice level based on your tolerance.
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🎨 Step 4: Marinate the Salmon
Brush or spoon the harissa mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes while you prepare the vegetables. This short marination helps infuse deep flavor while maintaining the salmon’s natural juiciness.
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🍅 Step 5: Add Cherry Tomatoes
Scatter 2 cups of cherry tomatoes around the salmon on the tray. Drizzle with olive oil and a pinch of salt. This step adds natural sweetness and antioxidants to your low calorie, high protein dinner.
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⏱️ Step 6: Bake It
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the tomatoes begin to blister. Internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C). Avoid overcooking to retain maximum nutrients and moisture.
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🌿 Step 7: Garnish & Serve
Top with freshly chopped parsley or cilantro and an optional extra squeeze of lemon. Serve hot with lemon herb couscous or a side of roasted vegetables for a complete heart-healthy dinner.
Suggested: Quick Veggie Stir-Fry Recipes
Tips for Perfect Results
Want to make your harissa baked salmon absolutely irresistible every single time? These expert tips will help you elevate this easy oven-baked salmon recipe into a restaurant-worthy dish. From cooking temperatures to flavor balance, here’s what you need to know!
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🔥 1. Don’t Overbake the Salmon:
Salmon is best when it’s juicy and flaky. Bake just until it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Overbaking causes dryness and reduces the benefits of its omega-3 fatty acids. -
💡 2. Choose Wild-Caught Salmon:
For better taste and more nutrients, always opt for wild-caught salmon over farmed. It’s richer in healthy fats and free from unnecessary additives—perfect for heart-healthy dinner recipes. -
🌶️ 3. Adjust the Heat of Harissa:
Not a fan of too much spice? Mix your harissa with a spoonful of Greek yogurt or olive oil to mellow the flavor while keeping its exotic kick. This also adds a creamy texture! -
🍋 4. Always Finish with Lemon:
A quick squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving enhances the flavor and supports digestion. It brightens the taste and complements the spice from the harissa. -
🧂 5. Use Quality Olive Oil:
Invest in a good quality extra virgin olive oil for a boost of antioxidants and deeper flavor. This is essential in any Mediterranean low-carb recipe and adds richness without excess calories. -
📦 6. Make It Meal Prep Friendly:
Double the batch and store in airtight glass containers for up to 3 days. Perfect for those looking for anti-inflammatory meal prep recipes or high-protein lunch ideas.
Combine this baked salmon with roasted cauliflower or quinoa for a complete low-glycemic dinner idea that fits into the keto, paleo, or Mediterranean diet.
Related: Keto Overnight Oats Recipes
🍽️ Delicious Serving Suggestions for Harissa Baked Salmon
These healthy Mediterranean-inspired side dishes are rich in nutrients, low in carbs, and perfect for a complete anti-inflammatory dinner.
🥗 Lemon Herb Couscous
This light, zesty grain side perfectly balances the smoky heat of harissa salmon. A staple in Mediterranean diet recipes, it’s rich in fiber and ideal for heart-healthy meals.
🥦 Roasted Garlic Broccoli
A fiber-rich, low-carb pairing for baked salmon. Roasting brings out its natural sweetness and adds antioxidants, making this a perfect low-carb dinner side.
🍚 Cauliflower Rice with Herbs
Ideal for keto-friendly salmon meals, this fluffy, low-calorie rice substitute keeps things light while enhancing the flavor of harissa with fresh dill and parsley.
🍅 Tomato Cucumber Feta Salad
Stay true to the Mediterranean lifestyle with this cooling, crunchy salad. It complements the spicy baked salmon and provides essential electrolytes.
🍠 Roasted Sweet Potatoes
Sweet potatoes provide complex carbs and beta-carotene—perfect for a balanced anti-inflammatory diet. Their sweetness contrasts beautifully with spicy harissa.
Related: Broken Egg Salad Recipe
🥡 Storage, Reheating & Meal Prep Tips
📦 How to Store Leftover Salmon
Once fully cooled, store your cooked harissa salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to 3 days. For longer storage, freeze it for up to 2 months. This method is ideal for anti-inflammatory weekly meal prep or healthy weight loss recipes.
🔥 How to Reheat Salmon Without Drying It Out
To preserve moisture and flavor, reheat salmon in a 300°F (150°C) oven for about 10–12 minutes, or microwave it loosely covered at 50% power in 30-second bursts. Avoid high heat, which can dry out your fish. This technique works great for meal prep salmon recipes and keeps your omega-3-rich dinners tasting fresh.
🥗 Meal Prep Ideas & Leftover Hacks
- Flake leftover salmon over quinoa or couscous salad with lemon and herbs
- Use in high-protein lunch wraps with arugula and hummus
- Top it on cauliflower rice bowls for a keto-friendly meal prep
- Mix into anti-inflammatory grain bowls with roasted veggies
🐟 Baked Salmon With Harissa and Cherry Tomatoes Recipe
This Baked Salmon with Harissa and Cherry Tomatoes is a bold, vibrant, and heart-healthy recipe that’s perfect for busy weeknights or elegant dinners. Packed with omega-3 fatty acids, anti-inflammatory spices, and roasted cherry tomatoes, this Mediterranean-inspired dish is low in carbs and high in flavor. The smoky, spicy flavor of harissa paste adds an irresistible kick to flaky salmon, making it an ideal option for anyone looking for a healthy, easy, and protein-rich meal.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each, skin-on or skinless)
- 2 tbsp harissa paste (adjust to spice preference)
- 2 tbsp olive oil (extra virgin)
- 2 cups cherry tomatoes (whole or halved)
- 1 tsp smoked paprika (optional for extra smokiness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Juice of ½ lemon
- Fresh parsley or cilantro (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or foil. - Prepare the Salmon
Pat dry the salmon fillets and place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. - Mix Harissa Marinade
In a small bowl, mix harissa paste with olive oil, smoked paprika, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Adjust spice levels based on preference. - Coat the Salmon
Spoon or brush the harissa mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet. - Add Cherry Tomatoes
Scatter the cherry tomatoes around the salmon on the baking sheet. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and a pinch of salt. - Bake the Dish
Bake for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the tomatoes are blistered and juicy. - Serve
Garnish with fresh herbs and an extra squeeze of lemon juice. Serve with couscous, quinoa, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- Use wild-caught salmon for better omega-3 content and flavor.
- Don’t overbake the salmon. Use a thermometer to check for 145°F internal temp.
- Harissa Substitute: Use a mix of chili paste, cumin, garlic, and paprika if harissa is unavailable.
- Add veggies like bell peppers, zucchini, or red onions to make it a full one-pan meal.
- Meal prep tip: This dish stores well and can be eaten cold as a salad topping the next day.
Serving Suggestions:
- Pair with lemon herb couscous or cauliflower rice for a low-carb meal.
- Serve over arugula or baby spinach salad for a fresh, balanced plate.
- Add a dollop of Greek yogurt mixed with lemon and mint for a creamy, cooling contrast.
Related: Baked Fish Recipes
💬 Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Harissa Salmon
Related: Salmon Meal Prep Recipes
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