Pistachio crusted salmon is a simple, healthy keto recipe that’s perfect for date night dinner at home but easy enough to make any night of the week!

Pistachio crusted salmon on black sheet pan


 

This amazing Pistachio Crusted Salmon combines two of my favorite keto foods: fresh salmon and pistachios. Put them both together and you have a simple yet elegant, baked salmon.

The pistachios and Dijon mustard really add flavor and pizzazz to a moist and tender salmon. Add the right sides, like air fryer asparagus or crispy brussels sprouts, and dessert like keto cookies, and you will have a completely keto dinner!

Pistachio crusted salmon sounds like something you would get at an expensive restaurant, which makes it the perfect dish for an impressive date night or at home Valentine’s Day dinner. However, it’s so easy to make you can add it to your list of weeknight dinners.

This oven roasted salmon recipe melts in your mouth and will make you forget you are eating a healthy dinner!

You can also try our Blood Orange Glazed Salmon for another knockout salmon dish.

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ingredients for Pistachio crusted salmon

Ingredients You’ll Need

Here’s what you’ll need for this healthy and delicious salmon:

  • Salmon – You can use either a whole piece or one that is cut into 4-ounce portions.
  • Pistachios – You’ll need shelled, salted and crushed for finely chopped pistachios. If you don’t buy them pre-chopped, just put them in your food processor or high-powered blender. You substitute with pecans for an equally tasty alternative.
  • Seasonings – For seasoning, you’ll need salt, pepper, and Dijon mustard.
  • Optional – Lemon juice or lemon wedges. Some people like a bit of lemon juice squeezed on their salmon. If you choose, serve the dish with one or two lemon wedges on the side.
raw Pistachio crusted salmon on sheet pan

Instructions

Step 1 – Preheat. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees F.

Step 2 – Season and crust the fillets. Lightly salt and pepper both sides of the salmon. Spread the Dijon mustard over each side of the fillet and press them into the pistachio mixture until both sides are covered in nuts.

Step 3 – Bake. Once it has a pistachio crust, place salmon it on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 10 to 15 minutes, or until the salmon is tender and flakes easily with a fork.
Step 4 – Rest and serve. Remove salmon fillets from the oven and let the salmon rest for 5 minutes before serving.

Is It Better to Bake or Pan Fry Salmon?

My personal preference is to bake the salmon for multiple reasons.

  • Quicker clean up. I line my baking sheet with aluminum foil or parchment paper so when the salmon has finished baking the foil or paper can be removed and there is no need to scrub the baking sheet.
  • Doesn’t require any oil. If you are frying the salmon you need to add oil which adds calories. The oil also spatters as the fish is frying which makes a mess and creates a stronger smell in the house.
  • Quicker and consistent results. You can typically bake more salmon fillets on a baking sheet than in a pan. The oven cooks the salmon at an even temperature the whole time which means that all of your fillets finish cooking at the same time.

If you can’t decide what method to use, you can meet somewhere in the middle by baking your salmon in an air fryer!

Pistachio crusted salmon roasted in the oven

How Long Does Salmon Need to Bake at 400 Degrees F?

Cook times will vary based on the thickness of your fillet. However, the general rule of thumb is to cook the salmon for 10 minutes per inch of thickness.

Should I Cover My Salmon When Baking in the Oven?

Salmon can be covered while it bakes but it isn’t necessary.

For this recipe in particular, you do not want to cover the salmon because you want the pistachios to roast as the salmon cooks. If you cover the salmon it will trap in the moisture and steam, it giving you a soggy crust.

fork in Pistachio crusted salmon

Is Salmon Healthy?

Yes! Salmon is a great source of so many vitamins and nutrients, including omega-3 fatty acids, protein, B vitamins, and potassium.

Pistachios provide unsaturated fatty acids and potassium, are high in antioxidants, and are a good source of protein. They also have fewer calories than other nuts.

If you follow a low carb or keto diet, this recipe is perfect for you. It is both low in carbs and offers a high amount of fat to help balance out the protein. 

How Many Calories are in Pistachio Crusted Salmon?

There are 298 calories in one filet of pistachio crusted salmon. The number of calories may increase if you substitute the pistachios with pecans or other nuts.

What Goes Well With Salmon?

Salmon is a great main course, but it can definitely use some side dishes to help round it out. Here are some tasty suggestions for what to serve with your salmon.

  • Air Fryer Asparagus – Crispy asparagus stalks are a perfect side for salmon and add some great additional nutritional benefits.
  • Crispy Air Fryer Brussels Sprouts – Brussel sprouts taste amazing when you air fry them and serve them alongside a crispy salmon dinner.
  • The BEST Cauliflower Mash {Keto} – An absolute must on the keto diet! This cauliflower mash is so good, you’ll forget you aren’t eating potatoes. 
  • Italian Green Bean Salad – If you have never tried an Italian green bean salad, you might just want to check it out when you make this salmon dish. It combines Italian dressing over fresh green beans for a taste like no other.
  • Winter Salad with Homemade Vinaigrette – This crispy salad contains nuts and fruit for a delicious mid winter salad that is big on flavor. 
  • Crispy Air Fryer Potatoes  – A much healthier way to enjoy fried potatoes, these air fried treats are a great compliment to pecan crusted salmon.
Pistachio crusted salmon on a sheet pan with asparagus

How to Store and Reheat

Refrigerator – Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days.

Freezer – Let the cooked salmon cool completely then wrap in plastic wrap and place in an airtight container. Store in the freezer for up to 2 months.

When ready to use move the salmon to the refrigerator and let thaw for 24 hours.

Reheat – Reheat in the microwave by placing a piece of salmon on a plate and cover with a lightly damp paper towel. Warm it  for 1 to 2 minutes in the microwave until heated through.

To reheat on the stove top heat a non-stick pan with a lid over medium heat. Place the salmon in the pan and cover with lid. Let warm for 3-5 minutes or until warmed through.

Looking for More Seafood Recipes?

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes

Pistachio Crusted Salmon

This simple Pistachio Crusted Salmon recipe is elegant enough for a dinner party and easy enough for a weeknight dinner.
Pistachio crusted salmon on black sheet pan
Print Recipe
5 from 1 vote

Ingredients

  • 16 ounces Salmon, 4 – 4 ounce filets
  • 3 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 3/4 cup Pistachios, roughly chopped
  • Salt & pepper

Instructions

  • Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.
  • Lightly salt and pepper both sides of each salmon filet.
  • Add Dijon mustard to each filet and then press the chopped pistachios into the mustard.
  • Place filets on a greased baking sheet or in a greased dish and bake 10-15 minutes, until salmon is tender and flakes easily with a fork. (The general rule of thumb is 10 minutes of cook time per inch of thickness).
  • Enjoy!

Nutrition

Serving: 1filet, Calories: 298kcal, Carbohydrates: 6g, Protein: 27g, Fat: 18g, Saturated Fat: 2g, Cholesterol: 62mg, Sodium: 177mg, Potassium: 807mg, Fiber: 2g, Sugar: 1g, Vitamin A: 140IU, Vitamin C: 1.3mg, Calcium: 44mg, Iron: 2mg
Nutrition Disclaimer: We are not certified nutritionists. Nutrition facts are an estimate and are provided as a courtesy. They are generated by an online API which recognizes ingredient names and amounts and makes calculations based on the serving size. Results may vary.
Author: Kat Jeter & Melinda Caldwell
Course: Main dish
Cuisine: American
Keyword: oven roasted salmon, pistachio crusted salmon, pistachio salmon