Pesto Salmon with Lemon Asparagus

Ingredients

• 2 fillets salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp pesto (basil pesto)
• 1 lemon
• 1 bunch asparagus
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 clove garlic(optional)
• 0.25 tsp salt(optional)
• 0.25 tsp black pepper(optional)

Instructions

1. 1

   Prep (10 minutes): Pat salmon dry and season with salt and black pepper. Trim asparagus and cut into 2-inch pieces. Zest and juice the lemon; mince garlic if using.

2. 2

   Cook salmon (about 8 minutes): Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Sear salmon until browned and nearly cooked through, about 3–4 minutes per side.

3. 3

   Glaze with pesto (about 2 minutes): Reduce heat to medium. Spread pesto over the salmon and add a squeeze of lemon juice. Cook just until pesto is warmed and salmon flakes easily, about 1–2 minutes.

4. 4

   Cook asparagus with lemon (about 5 minutes): While salmon finishes, heat the remaining 1 tbsp olive oil in the same skillet (or a second pan) over medium-high heat. Add asparagus (and garlic if using) and sauté until bright green and crisp-tender, about 3–4 minutes. Add lemon zest and a splash of lemon juice, then toss to coat.

5. 5

   Serve (within the total 15 minutes): Plate salmon and asparagus and spoon any pesto-lemon pan juices over the top.