Pesto Crusted Roast Salmon

Total Time: 32 mins Preparation Time: 20 mins Cook Time: 12 mins

Ingredients

• Servings: 8
• 1 1/2-2 cups basil leaves, stemmed and chopped
• 1 cup breadcrumb
• 1/2 cup pine nuts
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, chopped
• 1/2 cup crisp bacon bits
• 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
• salt & freshly ground black pepper (optional)
• 8 (7 ounce) salmon fillets
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Recipe

• 1 to make the crust: combine all ingredients except the olive oil, salt and pepper in a food processor.
• 2 with the processor running, slowly pour in the oil and process until incorporated.
• 3 season with salt and pepper if desired.
• 4 to prepare the salmon: preheat the oven to 400 f.
• 5 spread the pesto crust 1/8-inch thick on the salmon fillets.
• 6 in a dry nonstick ovenproof sauté pan or skillet over high heat, heat the olive oil and sear the salmon, crust-side down.
• 7 turn the fillets over and place in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, until cooked through.