Salmon Traybake with Gnocchi and Pesto

Salmon traybake with gnocchi, green vegetables & pesto is the perfect easy meal, chuck everything in a tray, pop it in the oven & job done!

This recipe takes around 15 minutes to cook, you don’t need to pre-cook the gnocchi and even if you make homemade pesto this will go from your fridge to your table in around 30 minutes.

Baked Salmon with Gnocchi and Pesto

A tray bake or “sheet pan” dinner has got to go down as one of the simplest ways of putting a complete meal down on the dinner table.

They appear here quite regularly, with everything from tray-baked whole mackerel to a wonderful pork chop tray bake, among others, making an appearance.

My latest offering is one of my simplest, a salmon fillet traybake with gnocchi, basil pesto and loads of green veggies.

And just like my gnocchi and tomato tray bake, you don’t need to pre-cook the gnocchi.

It really is a case of chucking some stoff onto a pan, adding some pesto, giving it a mix and then cooking them for 5 minutes.

Then you nestle in the salmon fillets after you have rubbed them with the remaining pesto, bake it all for 12 (or so) minutes, and dinner is ready with perfectly cooked fish.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use skinless salmon?

Yes, as I have mentioned in the notes section of my recipe, I do not eat or serve the skin. Mainly because it does not have enough time in the oven to crisp up.

However, it does help the fish hold together when it is cooked and served.

Can I use store-bought pesto?

Yes, homemade pesto is delicious and I have added my recipe for basil pesto, but this is convenience food.

If you don’t want to make your own pesto, don’t get some nice storebought pesto and this will taste great.

Can I use homemade gnocchi?

Homemade gnocchi is delicious, but they really don’t work in a tray bake.

I try to buy “fresh”ish gnocchi from the chiller section, but you can use shelf-stable gnocchi too, but I prefer the former.

Do I really not have to pre-cook the gnocchi?

No, boiling the gnocchi before adding them to the tray results in gnocchi that become kind of gloopy.

Just add them to the tray, give them a good coating of pest and you are good to go.

Can I use different types of fish?

Yes, but you will need to look at the size of the pieces of fish to judge the timing.

Sea or ocean trout would work wonderfully, some thick fillets of cod, coley or hake would also work really well.

Serving Suggestions

I consider this salmon traybake to be a pretty complete meal, it rocks plenty of vegetables, the pasta provides moisture and the gnocchi gives you all of the carbs you need.

If I were to add anything it would be some bread to mop up the juices and leftover pesto from the plate.

This soft potato focaccia recipe has a regular home in my freezer at the moment and it is ideal.

But you could even add garlic baguette or cheesy garlic bread if you like.

Equipment Used

I only name-check brands of equipment if I think they make a material difference to a recipe. But, if you have any questions feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Oven.
• 35cm x 25cm (14″ x 10″) baking tray.
• Serving implements.
• A combination of weighing scales, measuring cups and spoons.
• Chopping board
• Kitchen knife.

If you are making homemade pesto you will need some additional kit:

• Hob/Stovetop.
• Small pan to toast the pine nuts.
• Mini blender and or a pestle and mortar.