Pan Seared Salmon With Lemon Basil Pesto

• 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

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.

pine nuts, fresh basil leaf, garlic, olive oil, parmesan cheese, red pepper, lemon juice, kosher salt, salmon, cooking spray

Taken from www.food.com/recipe/pan-seared-salmon-with-lemon-basil-pesto-444000 (may not work)