Herb Crusted Salmon with Pistachio Nuts

Herb crusted salmon fillets featuring a parsley and rocket (arugula) crust with lemon and pistachio nuts baked or roasted to perfection.

Preparation takes a leisurely 15-20 minutes, and the dish cooks in just 10-12 making this a fantastic midweek dinner option.

Herby Baked Salmon Fillets

I love this approach to creating herb-crusted salmon fillets.

It is very much based on a technique I saw being used to create herb-crusted rack of lamb on a TV show years ago.

Rather than using herb-crusted breadcrumbs similar to those that I use on my baked cod fillet, this recipe makes a thick, herb-rich paste. A paste that is held together with pistachio nuts and olive oil.

The herbs I use are parsley and rocket, or arugula, as it is known in some parts, which is often used as a salad leaf in dishes like my spicy mango salad.

Here, I use it as a herb in much the same way I do for my rocket pesto and goat cheese pizza.

Seasoning aside, the final flavour in the crust is lemon zest, before it is used to top a salmon fillet and baked in just 10 minutes or so!

Frequently Asked Questions

Do I have to use skinless salmon fillets?

No, you can use salmon with the skin on; however, because of the way the dish is built and cooked, it will not go crispy. As a result, I prefer to use skinless salmon.

Can I not just spread the crust on the salmon?

Yes, it is a little messier, and you will never get the edges really sharp, but it works just fine.

Given that I usually prepare this dish with potatoes, I always have the 10 minutes spare that this step takes.

Can I use other nuts and herbs?

Yes, of course, knock yourself out and shout up your favourite combinations. I make this recipe all of the time and change it up occasionally!

Other favourites include basil and pine nuts; you get the whole pesto "vibe". Coriander, parsley and cashew nuts also work really well.

Sticking with the rocket and parsley, other nuts that work are hazelnuts or walnuts.

Serving Suggestions

I like to serve this dish with some potatoes and a simple green salad.

It is pictured here with Parmentier potatoes, but something like my fried crispy potatoes or straw potatoes would work superbly.

If you wanted something a little more left-field, then these fried polenta chips are also wonderful.

Steering away in a healthier direction, dishes like braised cavolo nero or a samphire salad also make great accompaniments for this herb-crusted salmon fillet.

Equipment Used

I only recommend brands of equipment if I think that they make a material difference to a recipe. But if you have any questions, feel free to ask them in the comments section below the recipe.

• Mini Blender.
• Oven.
• Lemon zester.
• Baking tray.
• Baking parchment (optional).
• A combination of weighing scales and or measuring cups and spoons.