Pan Seared Salmon With Lemon Basil Pesto

Submitted by threeovens

"This is a salmon fillet served with a fresh pesto on top. You could use a store-bought pesto if you like, but homemade is so much better and so easy to do."

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photo by Lori Mama

Ready In:: 20mins
Ingredients:: 10
Yields:: 2 fillets
Serves:: 2

ingredients

¹⁄₄ cup pine nuts, lightly toasted
1 cup fresh basil leaf, packed
2 garlic cloves, minced
¹⁄₄ cup olive oil
¹⁄₄ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
1 pinch crushed red pepper flakes (I use a generous pinch)
1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper
12 ounces salmon fillets (2, 6-oz each)
cooking spray

directions

Heat a dry skillet, over medium heat, and lightly toast pine nuts (gently toss and shake pan occasionally); then place in a food processor.
To the food processor, add basil and garlic; pulse just to combine.
With processor running, drizzle in olive oil, and process, scraping down sides once or twice with a rubber spatula, to desired consistency (I like it sort of chunky).
Add in Parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste; pulse to combine; set aside.
Wipe the salmon dry with paper towels (to allow a nice sear), then season lightly with salt and pepper.
Heat the skillet, over medium-high heat, then spray with cooking spray.
Cook salmon about 4 minutes per side or to desired doneness (I like it a little pinkish in the center since it will continue cooking a little when removed from the pan).
Serve salmon with pesto spooned over top.
Can also be served at room temperature.

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Reviews

As with the other reviewer, I've never combined salmon with pesto before. Very nice. I used my own homemade pesto, but added the lemon juice. I also baked the salmon, as I have a difficult time flipping fish so it doesn't fall apart. :)

Lori Mama
A very nice recipe. I cheated a little bit and used the last of some store-made pesto then added some lovely basil from the garden, along with the lemon and red pepper. I've never really thought of basil/pesto with salmon, but it worked together well. Mr Grumpy was not so enthusiastic, but he does not always like change.

duonyte

RECIPE SUBMITTED BY

LucyS-D

Brentwood, 72

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