Salmon Crusted Pistachio Pesto
Elevate your dinner table with the vibrant flavors of Salmon Crusted Pistachio Pesto, a gourmet dish that’s surprisingly quick and easy to prepare. Tender, flaky salmon fillets are topped with a luscious pesto blend made from shelled pistachios, fresh basil, Parmesan cheese, and a bright splash of lemon juice for zesty depth. The addition of panko breadcrumbs creates a delightfully crunchy, golden crust that perfectly complements the rich, buttery texture of the salmon. Ready in just 30 minutes, this elegant, oven-baked recipe is as nutritious as it is flavorful, making it the perfect choice for weeknight dinners or sophisticated entertaining. Serve it with a side of roasted vegetables or a crisp salad to round out this restaurant-quality meal.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 cup pistachios, shelled and unsalted
- 1 cup (packed) fresh basil leaves
- 1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 cloves garlic cloves
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 0.25 cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
- 0.333 cup panko breadcrumbs
- 1 can (for greasing) nonstick cooking spray
Instructions
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and lightly grease it with nonstick cooking spray.
In a food processor, combine the pistachios, fresh basil leaves, grated Parmesan cheese, minced garlic cloves, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and black pepper. Pulse until the mixture is well combined but still has a slightly coarse texture.
Transfer the pistachio pesto to a bowl and stir in the panko breadcrumbs to add extra crunch to the crust.
Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Place them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Spread an even layer of the pistachio-pesto mixture on top of each fillet, pressing gently to help it adhere.
Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the crust is golden-brown and the salmon flakes easily with a fork. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the fillets.
Remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for 2-3 minutes before serving.
Plate the salmon and serve immediately, optionally garnished with additional fresh basil leaves or a light squeeze of lemon juice.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
1077 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 90.8 g | 116% | |
| Saturated Fat | 14.9 g | 75% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 88 mg | 29% | |
| Sodium | 1036 mg | 45% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 20.0 g | 7% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 6.3 g | 23% | |
| Total Sugars | 3.5 g | ||
| Protein | 53.3 g | 107% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 292 mg | 22% | |
| Iron | 3.5 mg | 19% | |
| Potassium | 483 mg | 10% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
