Pan Seared Salmon With Lemon Basil Pesto

Total Time: 20 mins Preparation Time: 10 mins Cook Time: 10 mins

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

Recipe

• 1 heat a dry skillet, over medium heat, and lightly toast pine nuts (gently toss and shake pan occasionally); then place in a food processor.
• 2 to the food processor, add basil and garlic; pulse just to combine.
• 3 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).
• 4 add in parmesan cheese, red pepper flakes, lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste; pulse to combine; set aside.
• 5 wipe the salmon dry with paper towels (to allow a nice sear), then season lightly with salt and pepper.
• 6 heat the skillet, over medium-high heat, then spray with cooking spray.
• 7 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).
• 8 serve salmon with pesto spooned over top.
• 9 can also be served at room temperature.