Pesto Crusted Roast Salmon

• Ready In: 32 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• Pesto Crust

• 1 1⁄2-2  cups basil leaves, stemmed and chopped
• 1  cup  white breadcrumb
• 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

1. To make the crust: Combine all ingredients except the olive oil, salt and pepper in a food processor.
2. With the processor running, slowly pour in the oil and process until incorporated.
3. Season with salt and pepper if desired.
4. To prepare the salmon: Preheat the oven to 400 F.
5. Spread the pesto crust 1/8-inch thick on the salmon fillets.
6. In a dry nonstick ovenproof sauté pan or skillet over high heat, heat the olive oil and sear the salmon, crust-side down.
7. Turn the fillets over and place in the oven for 5 to 6 minutes, until cooked through.