Pistachio-encrusted Salmon with Zesty Orzo and Asparagus 

Shanthi Appelo, MS, RD

| 1 min read

Pistachio-encrusted Salmon with Zesty Orzo and Asparagus
If you’re looking to add a new heart-healthy recipe to your weeknight menu, search no further. This recipe combines nutrient-dense asparagus with Mediterranean flavors and staples including parsley, citrus, orzo and sun–dried tomatoes. This recipe checks the boxes for heart health by including healthy fats, antioxidants and fiber.
Serving Amount
Ingredients
  • 4 5-ounce salmon filets

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard

  • 13 cup panko breadcrumbs

  • 12 cup pistachios

  • Salt and pepper to taste

  • Spray olive oil

  • 2 tbsp olive oil, divided

  • 112 cup orzo pasta (dry)

  • Salt to taste

  • 4 cloves garlic, minced

  • 14 tsp red pepper flakes

  • 12 bunch asparagus, cut to 2-inch lengths

  • 12 cup sundried tomatoes, julienne cut

  • 12 lemon, juiced and zested

  • 12 cup fresh parsley, chopped

  • Pepper to taste

  • 14 cup grated parmesan

  • 12 lemon, juiced and zested

  • 14 cup fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
  • Step 1

    Preheat oven to 400 degrees F.  

  • Step 2

    In a small bowl, combine Dijon mustard and honey and whisk.  

  • Step 3

    Brush the salmon with the mustard and honey mixture  

  • Step 4

    In a food processor, combine panko breadcrumbs, pistachios, and salt and pepper. If you do not have a food processor, finely chop the pistachios and combine with breadcrumbs.  

  • Step 5

    Pour over the pistachio mixture over the salmon, pressing down to allow it to stick.  

  • Step 6

    Spray with olive oil, then bake for 11-14 minutes, or until desired internal temperature. Thicker salmon filets need to cook toward the longer end of the range. 

  • Step 7

    Bring 5-7 cups of water to a boil and season with salt. 

  • Step 8

    In a large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon olive oil over medium-high heat. Add the orzo and toast, tossing until golden. 

  • Step 9

    Add the orzo to the boiling water and cook until al dente, according to package instructions, about 7-8 minutes. The saucepan will be used in the next step. 

  • Step 10

    In the large saucepan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add garlic and red pepper flakes and cook until golden and fragrant. Turn up to medium heat, and add asparagus and took until tender. 

  • Step 11

    When the pasta is ready, drain and add to saucepan with asparagus. Add lemon juice, sundried tomatoes, parmesan, and salt and pepper to taste. Finish with lemon zest and fresh parsley. 

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