Seared Salmon with Linguine and Ramp Pesto

Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons plus 1/2 cup olive oil, divided
• 2/3 cup thinly sliced trimmed ramp bulbs and slender stems
• 1 cup freshly grated Asiago cheese*
• 1/3 cup Marcona almonds**
• 2 tablespoons chopped fresh tarragon
• 12 ounces linguine
• 6 6-ounce salmon fillets

Instructions

1. 1

   Heat 1 tablespoon oil in large nonstick skillet over medium heat. Add 2/3 cup ramp bulbs and stems to skillet and sauté just until soft but not browned, reducing heat if necessary to prevent browning, about 5 minutes. Transfer sautéed ramps to processor (do not clean skillet). Add green tops, cheese, almonds, and tarragon to processor; process until finely chopped. With machine running, gradually add 1/2 cup oil and puree until almost smooth. Transfer pesto to bowl. Season to taste with salt and pepper. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead; cover and chill.

2. 2

   Cook pasta in large pot of boiling salted water until just tender but still firm to bite, stirring occasionally.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, heat remaining 1 tablespoon oil in same large skillet over medium-high heat. Sprinkle salmon with salt and pepper. Add salmon to skillet and cook just until opaque in center, about 4 minutes per side.

4. 4

   Drain pasta, reserving 3/4 cup pasta cooking liquid. Return pasta to pot; add all but 1/4 cup pesto and toss to coat, adding enough pasta cooking liquid by tablespoonfuls to moisten. Season with salt and pepper. Divide pasta among plates. Top with salmon. Spread remaining 1/4 cup pesto over fish and serve.

5. 5

   Available at some supermarkets and at specialty foods stores and Italian markets.

6. 6

   **Tender Spanish almonds that are usually sold roasted and salted; available at specialty foods stores and natural foods stores and from tienda.com.