Salmon With Pesto

  • 2 salmon filets
  • 1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
  • 2 tablespoons pine nuts (or almonds)
  • 1 large clove garlic
  • ¼ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • ¼ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
  • ¼ cup lemon juice
  • 1 green onion finely chopped
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • Lemon wedges for serving

Preheat oven to 425 degrees. For the pesto, combine basil leaves, pine nuts and garlic in a food processor and process until minced. Slowly drizzle in the oil, followed by the lemon juice, and process for another 5-7 seconds. Add the cheese and pulse just enough to combine (you may have to scrape down sides with a rubber spatula). Transfer the pesto mixture to a small bowl. Add the chopped green onions and salt and pepper. Mix until combined.

On a baking dish coated with cooking spray, place salmon filets (skin side down). Spoon and spread half of the pesto mixture over the fish. Bake for 10 minutes and then baste (with a brush) remaining mixture over fish. Bake for an additional 2-3 minutes or until fish flakes with a fork. Serve with additional lemon wedges. This same recipe is excellent grilled!