Pistachio Crusted Salmon

Pistachio crusted salmon is the perfect easy dinner! The tender fish is irresistible with a crunchy topping of nuts and Parmesan cheese.

Looking for an easy dinner to impress everyone? Try this Pistachio Crusted Salmon! It tastes like it was prepared at a restaurant, but it’s so simple to make. The aroma wafting from the oven will have you salivating before the food even reaches your plate! Each bite of tender fish has a crunchy Parmesan pistachio topping that makes you immediately want another. We inhaled this over here: and it’s now our go-to for entertaining (or a romantic meal for two).

Ingredients for pistachio crusted salmon

The ingredient list for pistachio crusted salmon is short: and it takes no time at all to put together. Mealtime win, over here! Every time we make it, people want seconds. (Really.) Here’s what you need for this easy dinner recipe:

• Protein: Wild caught salmon
• Staple ingredients: Dijon mustard, honey, pistachios, Italian panko
• Dairy: Grated Parmesan cheese
• Seasonings: Salt and pepper

Best salmon to buy

An important part of this pistachio crusted salmon recipe is buying a great piece of fish! This recipe is at its best with a high quality of fish. Here are some tips on the best salmon to buy:

• Fresh salmon is best. You can find decent frozen salmon. But for the very best salmon, buy it fresh from your local seafood counter.
• Buy wild caught salmon. Fish that is wild caught in your country is usually a sustainable choice. There are also quality options in well-regulated farms. Read more in this Sustainable Salmon Guide. Coho and Sockeye salmon are great options for flavor.
• Keep an eye out for thickness. Typically we like salmon fillets that are 1 to 1 1/2-inches thick for the best look. But any thickness of salmon will work here.

Some notes on panko

One secret to the crunchy topping on this pistachio crusted salmon is panko. Panko is a Japanese-style breadcrumb mixture that is airier and lighter than traditional breadcrumbs. You can use either panko or breadcrumbs in this recipe, but we prefer panko because it’s the crunchiest!

Try to find Italian panko or Italian breadcrumbs, which contain seasonings and salt. It’s easily available in most grocery stores and online. If you can’t find Italian panko, here’s what to do:

• Use regular panko and add salt and Italian seasoning. Mix 2 tablespoons panko with 1 pinch kosher salt and ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (or ¼ teaspoon each dried oregano and dried basil)
• Or look for Italian or plain breadcrumbs instead, or make your own breadcrumbs! For plain breadcrumbs, use the seasoning recommendations for panko above.

Dietary notes: gluten-free or dairy free

This pistachio crusted salmon recipe is easily made gluten free! Find gluten-free panko or breadcrumbs in stores or online to make this a gluten free recipe. You can also omit the breadcrumbs, but keep in mind the topping will be less delightfully crunchy (but still delicious).

This recipe is also easily made dairy free. Skip the Parmesan cheese and add another pinch or two of salt.

How to know when the salmon is done

This pistachio crusted salmon is quick and simple: mix together Dijon mustard and honey, brush it on top, and sprinkle with a mix of pistachios, panko and Parmesan! Pop it in the oven and it should take between 10 and 15 minutes to bake. Here’s how to know when salmon is done:

• Cook until the salmon just starts to flake when pricked with a fork.
• The internal temperature should measure 125 to 130°F in the center of the fish.
• Be careful not to overcook. We prefer our salmon cooked to medium. To us, there’s nothing worse than a dry piece of fish. Keep an eye on it and don’t overdo it!

Sides to serve with pistachio crusted salmon

This pistachio crusted salmon is so tasty, we hope you’ll want to make it part of your regular dinner recipe rotation! Want to make an easy side to go with it? Here are a few ideas we like:

• Salad: Try easy arugula salad, goat cheese salad with arugula, arugula beet salad, fennel salad, celery salad, or Brussels sprouts salad.
• Rice or quinoa: Try perfectly seasoned quinoa, cilantro lime rice, or jasmine rice.
• Farro or couscous: Whole grain farro cooks in 25 minutes, couscous, Israeli couscous or orzo cook in just 10 minutes.
• Beans: Pair with white beans or cannellini beans.
• Sautéed vegetables: Add quick and colorful sauteed vegetables.
• Brussels sprouts: These brussels sprouts with maple glaze would be fantastic.

More salmon recipes

Salmon is the perfect meal for entertaining friends or an easy weeknight dinner! Here are a few of our top salmon recipes:

• Mix up a Simple Salmon Bowl or Salmon Tacos with creamy green avocado sauce
• Try umami-packed Miso Salmon or Honey Garlic Salmon
• Grab tasty Classic Salmon Burgers or Easy Salmon Cakes with tartar sauce
• Opt for pan-fried Blackened Salmon or Cajun Salmon
• Go classy with Lemon Dill Salmon or Poached Salmon

01

Salmon Rice Crunch Bowl

02

Honey Garlic Salmon

03

Salmon Burgers

04

Poached Salmon

This pistachio crusted salmon recipe is…

Pescatarian. For gluten-free, see the notes above.

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