Cookin’ with Nino: Walnut Pesto Salmon Filets

Walnut Pesto Salmon Filets

Ingredients:

• ½ cup walnuts
• ¾ cup fresh chopped flat-leaf parsley
• 3 tablespoons fresh chopped chives
• ½ teaspoon chopped fresh thyme
• ½ teaspoon chopped fresh oregano
• 3 tablespoons capers, chopped
• 2 garlic cloves, minced
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 6 pieces of salmon fillet, skin removed, about 2 pounds
• 3 tablespoons lemon juice
• 6 lemon wedges as a garnish

Instructions:

1. Preheat an oven to 375°F.  Place the walnut halves on a baking sheet and toast until fragrant and lightly golden, about 7 minutes.  Let cool.  Place the walnuts on a cutting board and coarsely chop.
2. In a bowl, stir together the parsley, chives, thyme, oregano, sage, garlic and ½ cup extra virgin olive oil.  Add the walnuts.  Season to taste with salt and pepper.
3. Heat the 3 tablespoons of olive oil over medium high heat in a large nonstick pan.  Add the salmon in a single layer and cook until golden brown and crisp on 1 side, about 3 minutes.  Turn the salmon carefully, season with salt and pepper, and continue to cook until golden brown and crisp on the second side, 2 to 3 minutes.
4. In the meantime, add the lemon juice to the salsa verde. To serve, place 1 salmon fillet on each plate and top with the salsa verde. Garnish with lemon wedges and serve immediately.