Salmon with Pesto & Pistachios is a fantastic weeknight meal that is a real crowd pleaser. This recipe is more of a method than anything too formal, which is the best kind of simplicity in the kitchen. I first learned how to make this from a friend of mine from college. We all have a fun text chain going, and when our kids were young we exchanged a lot of quick recipe ideas. This was one of them!
This recipe has evolved over the years in our family and this is where it stands now. Some of my children have nut allergies so I always use nut-free pesto for them and omit with the pistachios. However, when I’m not making this for them, I make it as seen in this video. The entire recipe is made in one assembly on the prepared baking pan. Then, I pop it in the oven and prepare the rest of the meal.
To round out dinner I’ll usually serve this with some rice and a green salad. I’m typically able to prepare both sides while the salmon is in the oven. Once it’s done, I plate our meal and everything is served.
Of all the quick recipes I make this is one of the easiest and best for sure. I highly recommend it to anyone looking for a quick, healthy dinner. Use store-bought pesto to make it easy, or you can use some you’ve made yourself. Either way you really can’t go wrong.
To bring it full circle, if you have friends looking for a family meal they can make in under 30 minutes please send them this one. I’ll never forget how awesome it was when my friend shared this technique with me. We all want to help one another and sharing our favorite tried-and-true recipes is a great way to do that. I hope you enjoy this recipe as much as we do!
Pesto & Pistachio Crusted Salmon
This is a very easy weeknight meal that is great for the whole family. When I was just out of college my friends and I used to text each other easy recipe ideas and this is one that I received. I started making it weekly and everyone loved it!
4 servings
4 6-ounce salmon fillets
4 tablespoons basil pesto, divided
4 tablespoons pistachios, divided
Preheat the oven to 350 degrees F.
Cut four pieces of aluminum foil that are the size of the bottom of the 9 ½ x 13 baking sheet.
Place one salmon pieces on each piece of aluminum foil.
Top each piece of salmon with 1 tablespoon pesto and 1 tablespoon pistachios.
Fold up the aluminum foil edges to make a tent over the fish and fold the foil to seal it in. Place all four foil packets on a baking sheet.
Bake the salmon for 20 minutes, or until the inside is cooked through and the fish flakes easily.
Remove each piece of salmon from its packet and serve.
Nikki Glekas is the owner of Nikki Glekas Events, a full-service catering and events company located in Stamford, CT.. To discuss further please contact team@nikkiglekascollective.com or call 203.658.8659.