Pan-Seared Duck Breast with Pistachio Pesto and Citrus Salad

By Lauren Mitchell, Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-06 · Updated 2026-05-06

A brunch-worthy pan-seared duck breast served with vibrant pistachio pesto and a fresh citrus salad inspired by Shanghai's love for pistachios. This french-inspired brunch ready in about 35 minutes combines duck breast, salt, black pepper into a breakfast that fuels the morning without the midday crash — make-ahead-friendly and balanced enough to anchor the first meal of the day. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 2, so it sits comfortably in a weekly breakfast rotation alongside fruit, yogurt, or coffee. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Ingredients

• 2 pieces (about 6 oz each) duck breast
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1/3 cup pistachios, shelled and unsalted
• 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1, minced garlic clove
• 1/3 cup plus 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 cup orange segments
• 1 cup grapefruit segments
• 2 cups baby arugula
• 1 tsp honey
• 1/4 tsp salt (for salad)
• 1/8 tsp black pepper (for salad)

Instructions

1. Step 1: Score the skin side of 2 duck breasts with a sharp knife in a crisscross pattern without cutting into the meat. Season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
2. Step 2: Place the duck breasts skin-side down in a cold skillet. Turn heat to medium and cook for 6-8 minutes until the skin is golden brown and crispy, rendering out fat. Flip and cook the meat side for 4-5 minutes until medium rare. Remove from pan and rest for 5 minutes.
3. Step 3: Meanwhile, prepare pistachio pesto by blending 1/3 cup shelled pistachios, 1 cup packed fresh basil leaves, 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/3 cup olive oil, and 1 tbsp lemon juice in a food processor until smooth but still textured.
4. Step 4: In a medium bowl, toss 1 cup orange segments, 1 cup grapefruit segments, and 2 cups baby arugula with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
5. Step 5: Slice the rested duck breasts thinly and arrange on plates. Spoon 2 tbsp pistachio pesto over each and serve alongside a generous portion of the citrus salad.