Salmon + Pesto?? Yes! And then let’s make that a creamy pesto shall we? I am all about that salmon lately! What’s new though salmon has always been one of my favorite things to have for dinner. But honestly could they drop the price just a little? I love though when I make it at home I can feed four+ people for what it costs to buy it at a restaurant. And this Grilled Salmon with a simple creamy pesto is just as good as what you’d buy at a nice restaurant!







For this recipe I used homemade pesto because homemade is obviously best but store-bought will work here as well. Then if you don’t want to grill the salmon you can definitely pan sear it as well. Just pat salmon dry with paper towels, season with S&P and cook the salmon in 2 tsp of olive oil in a 12-inch non-stick skillet over medium-high about 3 minutes per side. And I’m yet to try this with Neufchatel cheese, I’d like to try it sometimes. I’m hoping it will melt as smooth and creamy as the cream cheese does without creating any type of roux first. But this version is oh so perfectly rich and creamy and simply delicious. I’m totally in love! Try it soon!









PREPARATION


Preheat a grill over medium-high heat to about 425 degrees. Brush both sides of salmon with olive oil (about 1 Tbsp total) and season both sides with salt and pepper. Brush grill grates with oil and grill salmon about 3 minutes per side or to desired doneness (if using skin-on salmon grill skin side up first). 

While salmon is grilling, heat cream cheese with milk in a saucepan set over medium heat, stirring constantly until melted, about 1 - 2 minutes. Remove from heat and stir in pesto.
Serve salmon warm with creamy pesto sauce. Spoon about 1 tsp pesto over creamy pesto sauce for added color and flavor.

Recipe Notes
For a homemade pesto (which you'll have just a little excess left): in a food processor pulse to mince 1 cup (18g) slightly packed fresh basil leaves, 1 clove garlic, 2 Tbsp finely shredded parmesan, 1 Tbsp pine nuts or chopped walnuts, salt and pepper. Pour in 1/4 cup olive oil and pulse until well blended. Store in refrigerator.








INGREDIENTS

Servings: 4


4 - 6 (6 oz.) skin on or skinless salmon fillets
Olive oil, for brushing salmon and grill
Salt and freshly ground black pepper
4 oz. cream cheese, diced into small cubes
1/4 cup milk
3 Tbsp homemade or store-bought pesto, plus more for serving* (I used homemade)



NUTRITIONAL FACTS

3 ounces cooked salmon: 325 calories,     25g fat (7g saturated fat),     79mg cholesterol,     379mg sodium,     3g carbohydrate (2g sugars, 0 fiber),     20g protein.



Seven health benefits of salmon

1. Eating salmon is beneficial in the treatment of osteoarthritis and other inflammatory joint conditions. Salmon contains small proteins called bioactive peptides. One in particular, called calcitonin, has been shown to increase, regulate and stabilize collagen synthesis in human osteoarthritic cartilage. This salmon-found protein also improves bone density and strength.

2. Eating salmon reduces risk of depression. The brain is 60 percent fat and most of that is the omega-3 fatty acid DHA, which is critical it is for brain function and a healthy nervous system. Eating salmon regularly has been associated with reducing the risk and incidence of depression, hostility in young adults and cognitive decline in the elderly.

3. Eating salmon increases your cardiovascular health. As noted, salmon contains high levels of the omega-3 fats, EPA and DHA. These fats are responsible for many cardiovascular benefits such as reducing inflammation. When eaten two to three times per week, salmon can protect you from problems such as heart attack, stroke, arrhythmia, high blood pressure and high triglycerides.

4. Salmon helps build children’s brains. Eating salmon while pregnant and nursing can boost learning capability and academic performance in children. Salmon contains high levels of DHA (decosahexaenoic acid) which is the main structural fatty acid in the central nervous system and retina. Feeding salmon to preschool children also aids in the prevention of ADHD and can even boost academic performance.

5. Salmon’s an excellent source of vitamin D. Sufficient vitamin D is crucial to maintaining optimal health. A deficiency of this essential vitamin has been linked to an increased risk of cancer, cardiovascular disease, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis and type-1 diabetes. One can of salmon, for example, contains a day’s worth of vitamin D.

6. Salmon brings out the best in fresh greens. The proteins, B vitamins and omega 3 fatty acids in salmon complement the antioxidants and vitamin C in greens such as spinach and kale.

7. It can help prevent cell damage. Along with its many vitamins and high protein content, salmon is an excellent source of selenium, a mineral is that works as an antioxidant in the body. It is associated with decreased risk of joint inflammation, keeps the immune system and thyroid working well, and can help to keep tissues healthy by preventing cell damage.



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