Pistachio Crusted Salmon

February 09, 2021

Pistachio crusted salmon is the perfect easy dinner to impress! The 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! This method for cooking fish seems like something you’d get 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 and the crunchy, Parmesan pistachio topping makes you immediately want to take another. We inhaled this over here: and it’s now our go-to for entertaining (or a romantic meal). Here’s more about this tasty salmon recipe!

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:

Salmon (wild caught if possible, see below)
Dijon mustard
Honey
Pistachios
Italian panko (see more below)
Grated Parmesan cheese (that’s the kind that’s the texture of sand, not shredded)
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. Wild caught is the way to go! It’s most sustainable and has the best flavor.
Coho is a good choice. We tend to like Coho salmon for its mild flavor: it’s a good middle of the road option in terms of price. Of course, King salmon is incredible but more of a splurge. Avoid Atlantic salmon as it is typically farmed salmon.

What’s panko? Is there a substitute?

One secret to the crunchy topping on this pistachio crusted salmon is panko. What it is? 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! Look for 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 seasonings. Mix 2 tablespoons panko with 1 pinch kosher salt and 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning (or 1/4 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.

How to make this recipe gluten free?

Can you make pistachio crusted salmon gluten free? Yes. Look for 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).

You can also make this recipe dairy free: skip the Parmesan cheese or use vegan Parmesan!

How to know when the salmon is done

This pistachio crusted salmon is so simple. Just mix together the Dijon mustard and honey, brush it on top, and sprinkle the top with the pistachio panko Parmesan mix! Pop it in the oven and it should take between 10 and 15 minutes to bake. 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 degrees Fahrenheit 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 delicious, 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, arugula beet salad, fennel salad, celery salad, or Brussels sprouts salad.
Rice or quinoa: Try Perfectly Seasoned Quinoa or Jasmine Rice.
Farro or couscous: Whole grain farro cooks in 25 minutes, couscous (which is tiny pasta) cooks in just 5.
Beans: Pair with elegant white beans or cannellini beans.
Sautéed vegetables: Add quick and colorful ultimate sauteed vegetables.
Brussels sprouts: These brussels sprouts with maple glaze would be fantastic.

This pistachio crusted salmon recipe is…

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