Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Basil Pesto
Elevate your weeknight dinner with this Pan Seared Salmon with Lemon Basil Pesto, a quick yet elegant recipe that's bursting with fresh flavors. Perfectly crispy salmon fillets are seared to golden perfection and paired with a vibrant, homemade pesto made from fragrant basil, toasted pine nuts, zesty lemon, and sharp Parmesan cheese. This dish comes together in just 25 minutes, making it ideal for busy evenings or entertaining guests. Drizzle the creamy lemon basil pesto over the tender salmon, and serve it alongside roasted vegetables, fluffy rice, or a crisp garden salad for a restaurant-quality meal at home. Packed with healthy fats, bold flavors, and gourmet flair, this recipe will quickly become your go-to for effortless sophistication.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces salmon fillets (skin on, about 6 oz each)
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cups fresh basil leaves
- 0.5 cups parmesan cheese (grated)
- 3 tablespoons pine nuts (toasted)
- 2 pieces garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 0.25 cups extra virgin olive oil
Instructions
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and black pepper.
Heat a large skillet over medium-high heat and add 2 tablespoons of olive oil.
Place the salmon fillets in the skillet skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, until the skin is crispy and golden brown.
Carefully flip the salmon fillets using a spatula and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque and cooked to your desired doneness. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
To prepare the lemon basil pesto, place the fresh basil leaves, parmesan cheese, toasted pine nuts, garlic cloves, lemon juice, and lemon zest in a food processor.
Pulse the mixture a few times until the ingredients are coarsely chopped.
With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in the extra virgin olive oil until the pesto is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
To serve, spoon the lemon basil pesto over the seared salmon fillets, and garnish with additional basil leaves or toasted pine nuts if desired.
Serve immediately with your choice of side dishes, such as roasted vegetables, steamed rice, or a fresh salad.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
765 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 59.1 g | 76% | |
| Saturated Fat | 13.6 g | 68% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 127 mg | 42% | |
| Sodium | 1015 mg | 44% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 4.3 g | 2% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.3 g | 5% | |
| Total Sugars | 0.5 g | ||
| Protein | 52.4 g | 105% | |
| Vitamin D | 20.7 mcg | 103% | |
| Calcium | 393 mg | 30% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 665 mg | 14% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
