Salmon Red Pesto Pasta

This Salmon Red Pesto Pasta combines the rich flavors of salmon with a vibrant red pesto made from sun-dried tomatoes, basil, and Parmesan. The dish is both satisfying and nutritious, offering a delightful blend of textures with tender pasta, flaky salmon, and a creamy pesto sauce. It’s a perfect balance of traditional Italian flavors with a modern twist, making it a great choice for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.

Ingredients:

• 200g pasta (spaghetti or penne)
• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 cup sun-dried tomatoes in oil, drained
• 1/2 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Fresh basil leaves for garnish
• Lemon wedges for serving

Instructions:

1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside, reserving a bit of pasta water.
2. In a food processor, combine sun-dried tomatoes, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Blend until smooth, adding reserved pasta water as needed to achieve a creamy consistency.
3. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Heat a skillet over medium heat and cook the salmon for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until cooked through and flaky. Remove from heat and flake into large pieces.
4. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the red pesto sauce. Toss until the pasta is well coated.
5. Gently fold in the flaked salmon, being careful not to break it up too much.
6. Serve immediately, garnished with fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges on the side.