Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A delicate salmon fillet coated in a nutty pistachio crust, served with a bright lemon-dill sauce and fresh cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, shelled pistachios, olive oil into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Place 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
  2. Step 2: In a food processor, combine 1/2 cup shelled pistachios, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Pulse until a coarse paste forms, about 30 seconds.
  3. Step 3: Spread the pistachio mixture evenly over the top of each salmon fillet.
  4. Step 4: Bake for 12-15 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  5. Step 5: While salmon bakes, in a small saucepan over medium-low heat, combine 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1 tbsp butter. Stir until butter melts and sauce is warm, about 2 minutes.
  6. Step 6: Serve salmon with lemon-dill sauce and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes on the side.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Pistachio-Crusted Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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