Want a 5-star dinner with minimal effort? This Pistachio-Crusted Salmon recipe is perfect for any occasion! A simple pistachio topping, made with lemon zest, breadcrumbs, and Parmesan cheese, is sprinkled onto salmon fillets and then baked in the oven. With this method, you’ll get flavorful, perfectly flakey salmon every time.
Pistachio-Crusted Salmon Recipe
If it were up to me, I would eat salmon at LEAST once a week. And with this Pistachio-Salmon recipe?! That goes up to 3 times a week!
This dish came about by chance when I wanted to switch up this Panko-Crusted Salmon, but now it’s become a staple at my house!
The pistachio mixture that goes on top of the salmon is perfectly nutty, with brightness from the lemon and a tang from the Parmesan cheese.
Since it’s carefully baked in the oven you can monitor the internal temperature closely to end up with perfectly flakey salmon!
And the presentation? I think we can all agree that the nutty crust doesn’t just taste great, it’s absolutely GORGEOUS—perfect for your next fancy dinner or holiday party! But don’t think you can’t have it in the regular dinner rotation for an easy weeknight dinner, as well.
(Are you a fellow salmon lover? Then you’ve got to check another easy healthy dinner recipe, like this Oven-Baked Salmon in Foil, Lemon Dill Salmon, Air Fryer Salmon, or this Teriyaki Salmon!)
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Salmon. While you can use just about any type of salmon fillet, a few are better options. If you see Verlasso, grab it. This type is sustainably raised and provides incredible flavor and health benefits, like fatty acids. Whether you get farm-raised or wild salmon, fresh is better than frozen. Always look for the freshest possible options when buying seafood.
- Pistachios. You want raw nuts. Avoid ones that are roasted or salted.
- Panko breadcrumbs. Be sure to get Italian-seasoned breadcrumbs for extra flavor. Grab a gluten-free Panko if needed.
- Parmesan cheese. Grated Parmesan cheese is mixed into the topping mixture. Save time by buying it pre-grated from the store.
- Lemon. Lemon zest adds a fresh flavor you don’t want to miss.
How to Make Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Please see the recipe card below for ingredient amounts and more detailed instructions.
1. Prepare the Salmon
Preheat the oven to 425℉.
With a sharp knife, cut the salmon into 4-5 ounce portions so it cooks evenly. If you prefer, you can remove the skin. However, it’s fine to leave it on. Dry the salmon with a paper towel.
Spray a 13×9-inch baking dish with non-stick cooking spray. Then, place salmon pieces onto the pan.
2. Make the Topping
Place pistachios, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, zest, salt, and black pepper into the bowl of a food processor.
Pulse until a fine crumb forms and everything is well mixed. Drizzle the oil into the processor and pulse until the mixture is just combined.
3. Top the Salmon
Add a spoonful of the crunchy pistachio crust to each fillet, ensuring equal amounts are used in each one.
Use your fingers to press the mixture down so it sticks well.
4. Bake in the Oven
Bake salmon at 425℉ oven for 16 to 18 minutes.
Salmon cooks differently depending on the type and how big it is. The fillets are done when the thickest part of the topping is golden brown and the fish flakes easily with a fork, or when a meat thermometer reads 145℉.
Serve the tender salmon immediately with some chopped fresh parsley.
What to Serve with Pistachio-Crusted Salmon
There are SO many side dishes that perfectly complement this pistachio salmon dish for a delicious meal.
Go green with Sautéed Green Beans with Garlic, Honey Roasted Broccoli, or Roasted Asparagus.
Or, stick with Duchess Potatoes, Melting Potatoes, or Hasselback Sweet Potatoes alongside this easy baked salmon. Don’t miss out on this simple Coconut Milk Rice, either.
More Salmon Recipes
There are plenty more healthy—and simple—dinner recipes that feature salmon. Don’t miss these favorites:
- Honey Sriracha Glazed Salmon
- Miso Glazed Salmon
- Salmon Piccata
- Salmon Curry with Coconut Milk
- Blackened Salmon
- Air Fryer Salmon
- Baked Pesto Salmon
- Crispy Teriyaki Salmon Bites
- Teriyaki Salmon Rice Bowl
- Salmon Burgers
Tap stars to rate!
Pistachio Crusted Salmon Recipe
email this recipe!
Ingredients
- 1 – 1 ¼ lbs. salmon cut into 4 fillets
- ½ cup pistachios raw
- ¼ cup Parmesan cheese grated
- ¼ cup breadcrumbs Italian seasoned, gluten-free if needed
- ½ tsp. lemon zest
- ½ tsp. salt to taste
- ¼ tsp. black pepper
- 2 Tbsp. oil avocado or olive
- Fresh parsley finely chopped, optional
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 425°F.
- Prepare the Salmon: Cut salmon into four 4-5 ounce portions. (You can leave the skin on or off depending on your preference.) Place the salmon into a 13×9-inch baking dish that has been sprayed with non-stick cooking spray.1 – 1 ¼ lbs. salmon
- Make the Topping: Add the pistachios, Parmesan cheese, breadcrumbs, zest, salt, and black pepper to a small food processor. Pulse until a fine crumb forms. Add the oil and pulse until just combined. Top each filet with equal amounts of the pistachio crumbs, patting it down slightly so it sticks onto the fish.½ cup pistachios, ¼ cup Parmesan cheese, ¼ cup breadcrumbs, ½ tsp. lemon zest, ½ tsp. salt, ¼ tsp. black pepper, 2 Tbsp. oil
- Bake salmon in the preheated oven for 16-18 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork in the thickest portion. Serve immediately with a sprinkle of finely chopped fresh parsley. Enjoy!Fresh parsley
Tap stars to rate!
Video
Notes
- You choose. It’s up to you whether you leave the skin on or remove it.
- Same size. Be sure to cut the salmon fillets into pieces about the same weight.
- Get it hot. Let the oven completely preheat before adding in the fish.
- Go for it. Because it’s a fish, salmon is best enjoyed immediately.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
