Pistachio Crusted Salmon: An Easy & Elegant Weeknight Dinner

Pistachio Crusted Salmon offers a breezy way to enjoy restaurant-worthy flavor at home. The salmon stays tender and flaky, while a crunchy pistachio topping brings a satisfying bite. In about 25 minutes, you’ll transform simple ingredients into a delicious, healthy main that looks as good as it tastes. This dish proves you don’t need complicated techniques to serve something classy and crowd-pleasing.

Why You’ll Love This Pistachio Crusted Salmon

• Quick and easy to prepare, perfect for busy weeknights.
• A unique nutty, crunchy crust adds texture and depth.
• Wholesome, balanced ingredients support a lighter dinner.
• Restaurant-quality flavors without the fuss.

Ingredients + Notes/Substitutions

• 2 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces (175 grams) each)
• salt
• pepper
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ⅓ cup pistachios coarsely chopped

Notes/Substitutions

Fresh salmon fillets (6 oz each) with skin removed or skin-on if preferred. Salt and black pepper to taste. Minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, honey, and pistachios form the crust’s backbone.

• Wild or farmed salmon both work.
• Garlic powder can replace fresh garlic.
• Avocado oil can swap in for olive oil.
• Yellow mustard is a fine stand-in for Dijon.
• Lime juice can replace lemon juice.
• Maple syrup can substitute for honey.
• Walnuts, almonds, or pecans are tasty crust alternatives.

Equipment and pantry items you’ll need:

• Measuring cups and spoons
• Sharp knife and cutting board
• Small mixing bowl
• Parchment-lined baking sheet
• Air fryer (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. Rinse the salmon and pat it dry. Place on a parchment-lined quarter sheet pan, skin side down if the skin remains.
3. In a small bowl, mix garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey. Brush ¾ of this glaze over the salmon.
4. Stir the pistachios into the remaining glaze. Spoon the pistachio mixture on top of the salmon and press lightly to help it adhere.
5. Bake 15–20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily. Remove from the oven and rest about 5 minutes before serving.

Air Fryer Instructions

• Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
• Brush with glaze and press pistachios firmly onto the fillets.
• Place in the air fryer basket and cook at 375°F (190°C) for 10–12 minutes.
• The salmon should flake easily; let rest 2–3 minutes before serving.

Pro Tips & Troubleshooting

• Don’t overcook the salmon. Aim for an internal temperature of 125–130°F.
• Remove from heat just before it’s fully cooked for a juicier finish.
• Dry fillets thoroughly to help the crust adhere.
• Chop pistachios evenly to achieve a consistent crunch.
• Use parchment for easy cleanup and a clean crust.
• Apply the glaze generously to improve crust adhesion.
• Serve immediately for maximum crispness.

Serving Suggestions

• Pair with a starchy side such as roasted potatoes or mashed cauliflower.
• Add rice, quinoa, or a simple grain bowl.
• Roast vegetables like broccoli or asparagus for color and texture.
• A bright, crisp green salad completes the plate.
• Finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon to amplify the citrus note.

Storage & Reheating

• How to Store: Refrigerate leftovers up to 3 days in an airtight container.
• How to Reheat: Gently reheat in a 300°F oven for 5–10 minutes, or briefly in an air fryer to renew crust crispiness.
• Avoid microwaving, which can dry out the fish and soften the crust.
• How to Freeze: Not recommended for best texture.

Variations

• Add fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil for vibrant aroma.
• Introduce a touch of heat with cayenne or red pepper flakes.
• Swap maple syrup for honey for a slightly different sweetness.
• Mix Parmesan into the crust for a cheesy crunch.
• Experiment with different nuts for varied texture.
• Turn this into salmon bites for a party-friendly appetizer.

Nutrition

FAQ

Conclusion

Pistachio Crusted Salmon makes weeknights feel special without hours in the kitchen. The dish blends a tender, flaky center with a crisp, flavorful crust that elevates every bite. It’s quick, beginner-friendly, and wonderfully adaptable—perfect for busy families and anyone who loves a little restaurant flair at home. Give this Pistachio Crusted Salmon a try, share your results, and tag your photos so others can see how easy elegance can be.

The American Heart Association recommends eating fish, particularly fatty fish like salmon, twice weekly as part of a heart-healthy diet to benefit from its omega-3 fatty acids and other essential nutrients.

Pistachio Crusted Salmon: An Easy & Elegant Weeknight Dinner

This Pistachio Crusted Salmon recipe offers an easy yet elegant weeknight dinner option. Flaky salmon fillets are topped with a savory pistachio-garlic mixture and baked to perfection.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings 2 servings

Calories 221 kcal

Equipment

• Oven
• Baking sheet
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Spoon

Ingredients

  

Main Ingredients

• 2 salmon fillets (approximately 6 ounces (175 grams) each)
• salt
• pepper
• 1 clove garlic minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• ¼ teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 2 tablespoons lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tablespoon honey
• ⅓ cup pistachios coarsely chopped

Instructions

 

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 375°F.
• Rinse and pat the salmon fillets dry, then place them skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and season with salt and pepper to taste.
• In a small bowl, combine minced garlic, olive oil, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey, then spread three-quarters of this mixture evenly over the salmon.
• Add the coarsely chopped pistachios to the remaining mixture, stir, then spoon it over the salmon and gently press it into the fillets.
• Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is flaky, then remove from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Notes

For best results, avoid overcooking the salmon to keep it moist and tender. The brief resting period after baking allows the fish to finish cooking gently and ensures optimal flavor and texture.