Pistachio Crusted Salmon

Name: Pistachio Crusted Salmon
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 12 min
Total time: 22 min
Ingredients: 4 skinless salmon filets (6oz each); 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt; 1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 tablespoon dijon mustard; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon lemon zest; 1 cup shelled roasted pistachios; 1/4 cup shaved parmesan; 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; Greens (optional: or lemon wedges, to serve with)

By Rena Awada, nutritionally reviewed by Ella Davar RD

5 from 1 vote

Apr 16, 2025

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This Pistachio Crusted Salmon recipe will make you have a special love for salmon and will be your go-to salmon dish for a long time to come. Simple, tasty, and ready in less than 30 minutes.

You may also love my maple pecan salmon recipe. Yummy!

4 salmon fillets in a dish with pistachio crust.

Pistachio is having a moment right now with all the viral recipes happening now using pistachio starting with the Dubai Chocolate bar that’s been going viral for over a year now.

I have been making all sorts of recipes using pistachio but I have to say this pistachio-crusted salmon is one of my favorites. Tender and flaky salmon with a delicious pistachio crust made with parmesan cheese, pistachios, and seasonings. I promise this dish will be so good and a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients needed

Below is a list of ingredients you will need to make this salmon. Full measurements are listed further down in the recipe card.

ingredients for pistachio crusted salmon

Skinless salmon filets
Salt and ground black pepper
Dijon mustard: or honey mustard
Lemon juice and zest
Roasted pistachios
Shaved parmesan
Italian seasoning
Garlic powder
Optional: greens, lemon wedges, to serve with

How to make it

Preheat the oven to 400º F and spray a large baking dish with a bit of cooking oil spray.

4 salmon fillets in a dish, and a hand-brushing marinade on the salmon.

Step 1: Place the salmon fillets on the prepared baking dish and season with salt and pepper. In a small bowl combine the mustard with lemon juice, zest and brush the salmon on all sides with this mixture. This will help the pistachio coating to stick to the salmon.

pistachio, parmesan, and seasonings in a food processor.

Step 2: In a small food processor, add the shelled pistachio, parmesan, and seasonings. Pulse until mostly grounded.

pistachio crust added over salmon filet in a dish.

Step 3: Evenly spread the pistachio mixture over the salmon filets and gently press to help it adhere.

Step 4: Bake for 10-12 minutes, or until flaky. Serve with lemon wedges and some greens.

Tips from my kitchen

You may use skin-on or skinless salmon fillets. If you can get your hands on skinless it would be a bit effortless. Regardless, you would cook the same way.
Do not overbake the salmon. The recommended time is to cook the salmon until it reaches an internal temperature of 165F or until it flakes easily.
Swap the pistachio with any other nuts like almonds, pecans, or walnuts.

flaky crusted salmon on a plate with greens.

Common Questions

Can I use skin on salmon?

Yes. If all you have on hand or can only buy skin-on salmon, you can use that instead. The cook time will be the same and nothing needs to be changes.

What other fish can I use instead of salmon?

If you want to use white fish like cod or tilapia you can do that. Swapping with any other fish of your choice will be fine.

Can I use any other nuts?

Yes. You do not have to use pistachio. You can swap it with pecans, almonds, walnuts, and so on.

How do I store leftovers?

Store your leftovers in a sealed container for up to 3 days. Freeze for up to one month. To reheat them either place them in a preheated oven for 5-7 minutes or simply microwave them for 40-60 seconds.