Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Pesto

Are we okay? We’re cool, right? I mean, your stomach isn’t cursing your name after eating too many bowls of this is it? I had no intention of harming you or damaging our relationship in any way. You know that, right? Let’s just blame the bike, shall we?

Shifting blame is fun!

I did not just type that.

Anyway, if you hold on for 3 more seconds, I think I can make it up to you. Ready?

RED.

PEPPER.

PESTO.

I knooooooooow. Now hold on for 3 more seconds and I bet we’ll seal the deal.

SALMON.

ASPARAGUS.

SPINACH.

I knoooo – wait, hello? OH, you had to get run get a towel for the sweat buckets of desire pouring down your body. Understood.

Okay, seriously, 3 more seconds and we’re as good as gold.

TWENTY.

MINUTES.

TOTAL.

I knoooo – uh oh. What have I done? I was only trying to help! Are you still alive? Have you slipped into a deep jubilation coma with no one around to revive you, stick a thermometer in your mouth and a supposit….yeah, you know what? I’ll go ahead and just stop there.

But seriously you guys, make. this. tonight. or. else.

Seared Salmon with a Red Pepper Pesto:

(adapted from Cooking Light)

What it took for 2:

* 4 cups baby spinach
* 1/2 pound asparagus, ends trimmed
* 2 salmon fillets
* 3 Tbs. extra-virgin olive oil, divided
* 1 large (jarred) roasted red pepper, rinsed and roughly chopped
* 1 Tbs. tomato paste
* 8 almonds, toasted
* 1 garlic clove, roughly chopped
* coarse salt and freshly ground pepper

In a small food processor, blitz the pepper, almonds, garlic, tomato paste and 1 Tbs oil. Set aside.

Heat 2 Tbs. oil over medium-high. Add the asparagus, sprinkle with salt and pepper; saute 4 minutes. Remove from pan and set aside to keep warm.

Sprinkle both sides of the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add to the pan (add a little more oil if needed) and sear on both sides until lightly browned on the outside and flakey on the inside.

Serve salmon on a bed of spinach and asparagus. Top with red pepper pesto.

Don’t you feel healthier already? I KNOW.

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19 Responses to Seared Salmon with Red Pepper Pesto

  1. Katie September 21, 2011 at 4:30 pm #
    Mmm, can I tell you that I made red pepper pesto last week and it wasn't nearly as pretty as yours? However, it was delicious and I bet on salmon it was incredible.
  2. Julia September 21, 2011 at 5:41 pm #
    Almond and roasted red peppers. And garlic. MMMMMMM, faaaantastic!
  3. Julia September 21, 2011 at 6:03 pm #
    I have been so beyond obsessed with roasted red peppers this summer. SO GOOD. Haven't made red pepper pesto though... I'll definitely have to give it a try!
  4. Averie @ Love Veggies and Yoga September 21, 2011 at 7:56 pm #
    Another beautiful recipe with beautiful photos. I love asparagus and the red tom paste in a tube = awesome Red + Green color contrast = so pretty!
  5. Cassie @ Bake Your Day September 21, 2011 at 8:47 pm #
    This sounds amazing and fresh. I love that tomato paste in the tube. And roasted red peppers. And salmon. And everything in this!
  6. Prana & Pie September 21, 2011 at 9:22 pm #
    You had me at supposi- never mind.
  7. Kat @ Big Apple Little Kitchen September 21, 2011 at 9:24 pm #
    wait. this might be the most perfect meal ever!!!
  8. Sex Knowledge September 22, 2011 at 11:41 am #
    Delicious fish !!! It looks delicious
  9. Mimi September 22, 2011 at 2:28 pm #
    Oh. My. Goodness. That looks really amazing, especially since I'm currently resigned to no refined carbs for the next few weeks and EVERYTHING in this dinner is fair game! You absolutely Rock, Bev. Thanks!! :)
  10. Sommer@ASpicyPerspective September 22, 2011 at 2:36 pm #
    Love.... love the photography on the post. the recipe sounds pretty fantastic too, but the photos. Sigh!
    • Bev Weidner September 22, 2011 at 11:04 pm #
      Why thank you so much, Sommer! Ya make me blush. :)
  11. Jenna September 22, 2011 at 2:56 pm #
    I love your photos, as always. And salmon and asparagus are two of my favorite things to eat--how did you know?? =)
  12. carly {carlyklock} September 22, 2011 at 3:33 pm #
    I think I could stand to have this for dinner. Maybe. :P
  13. Cookin' Cowgirl September 22, 2011 at 4:35 pm #
    Oh dear!! How I LOVE red peppers! This just make my mouth water. Hold on.....cleaning up drool! :)
  14. Sylvia@bascooking September 22, 2011 at 6:51 pm #
    Amazing photos and wonderful recipe, I love salmon
  15. Jersey Girl Cooks September 22, 2011 at 8:55 pm #
    I really like this salmon recipe. And the colors are beautiful!
  16. Lisa {With Style and Grace} September 30, 2011 at 2:53 pm #
    Can you come over and make me this? This is practically my ideal dinner, but only when someone else makes it. I don't do fish well (note for our future girl's weekend).
  17. Susan April 23, 2012 at 6:57 am #
    This looks great. I have to try it. It's just mouthwatering. I hope my family will like it too.

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