Ingredients:
1 1/2-2 cups basil leaves, stemmed and chopped
1 cup white breadcrumbs
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
Directions:
To make the crust: Combine all ingredients except the olive oil, salt and pepper in a food processor.
With the processor running, slowly pour in the oil and process until incorporated.
Season with salt and pepper if desired.
To prepare the salmon: Preheat the oven to 400 F.
Spread the pesto crust 1/8-inch thick on the salmon fillets.
In a dry nonstick ovenproof saute pan or skillet over high heat, heat the olive oil and sear the salmon, crust-side down.
Turn the fillets over and place in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, until cooked through.
Servings: 8
Time preparation: 20 min.
Time total: 32 min.