Pan-Seared Salmon with Pumpkin Seed-Cilantro Pesto
A vibrant and healthy dish featuring perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a fresh, homemade pumpkin seed and cilantro pesto. The combination of toasted pepitas, fresh herbs, and citrus creates a flavorful crust for the tender fish.
Ingredients
- •2½ teaspoons extra-virgin olive oil
- •½ cup shelled pumpkin seeds
- •½ cup cilantro
- •½ teaspoon cracked coriander seeds
- •½ clove garlic
- •1 tablespoon lime juice
- •to taste salt and pepper
- •4 fillets salmon fillets
- •1 whole lime
- •4 wedges lime wedges
Cooking Instructions
- 1.
Heat 1 1/2 teaspoons oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Add pumpkin seeds; sauté until beginning to brown and pop, about 2 minutes. Transfer seeds to paper towels to drain; let cool. Reserve skillet.
5 min
- 2.
Pulse 6 tablespoons pumpkin seeds, cilantro, coriander seeds, and garlic in a food processor until coarsely chopped. With machine running, gradually add 1 tablespoon lime juice, 1/4 cup oil, then 1/4 cup water, blending until coarse purée forms. Season pesto to taste with salt, pepper, and more lime juice, if desired.
5 min
- 3.
Heat remaining 1 teaspoon oil in reserved skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Add to skillet and cook until just opaque in center, 3-4 minutes per side. Place fillets on plates. Spoon pesto over. Garnish with remaining pumpkin seeds. Serve with lime wedges.
10 min
