Lemony herb salmon bites paired with a homemade pistachio pesto- need I say more? This recipe packs in so much fresh flavor and comes together in under 30 minutes.
Cubed salmon bites are seasoned with lemon juice, fresh parsley and Italian seasoning then baked or air-fried until crisp. They’re served over a dairy-free pistachio pesto that complements the fish so well.
I create so many of my recipes with dinner parties in mind. There’s something about a vibrant dinner party table that really excites me. I love recipes that are simple to make, pretty to look at, and of course delicious.
You can prepare this recipe during the week as a simple dinner, or serve it at your next dinner or holiday party. It’s perfect for a large crowd and can be served with nearly any side dish you like.
Some of my favorite side dishes to serve with these pesto salmon bites:
- Spicy Harissa Roasted Potatoes
- Chipotle Pasta Salad
- Roasted Beet Kale Salad
- Spring Couscous Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
- Honey Chipotle Baked Sweet Potatoes
Pistachio Pesto
The homemade pistachio pesto is one of my favorite spreads to have on hand. It can be used on wraps, sandwiches or paired with your favorite pasta, and can easily be made ahead of time and refrigerated or frozen.
Here’s what you’ll need:
- fresh basil
- pistachios– I love using spicy, chili roasted pistachios for this recipe
- olive oil
- nutritional yeast, or substitute grated parmesan for a non dairy-free version
- fresh or frozen garlic
- lemon juice
- salt & pepper
My mini food processor is my newest kitchen staple. It’s the perfect size for sauces and dips, and is super easy to clean!
Herb Salmon Cubes
The salmon gets cubed and tossed in a few simple seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1.2- 1.5 lbs of salmon: skin removed, cut into 1″ cubes
- Seasonings: garlic powder, italian seasoning, salt & pepper
- Fresh lemon juice
- Fresh parsley
- Olive oil
How to cook the salmon
I love to air-fry salmon since I find it keeps the fish juicy, but you can bake or pan-fry the fish as well.
To air-fry
Place the seasoned salmon cubes on your air-fryer rack or tray and air-fry on 400 F for 8-10 minutes
Baked salmon
Add the seasoned salmon to a sheet-pan and bake it on 400 F for 10-12 minutes. I suggest setting the fish under the broiler for the last 2 minutes to brown
Pan-fried salmon
Heat a skillet with 2 tbsp of olive oil and pan-fry the salmon for about 10 minutes total, flipping every couple of minutes to brown each side.
This salmon is fresh & zesty, and truly melts in your mouth. It’s easy enough for weeknight dinners and a definite crowd please for your next little get-together. I can’t wait for you guys to try it!
Make it a meal:
Spring Couscous Salad with Feta Vinaigrette
Halloumi Kale Salad with Harissa Dressing
Honey Chipotle Baked Sweet Potatoes
Pistachio Pesto Salmon Bites
Ingredients
- 1.2 -1.5 lbs salmon, skin off
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Juice from 1/2 lemon, about 2-3 tbsp
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper
Pistachio Pesto
- 2 cups fresh basil
- 1/3 cup roasted pistachios
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp grated parmesan or nutritional yeast
- 2 cloves garlic
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
Directions
- If baking the salmon, preheat the oven to 400 F.
- Prepare the pistachio pesto by adding all of the pesto ingredients to a food processor or blender and blending until smooth. Add more olive oil, if needed, for a smoother pesto.
- Cut the salmon into 1″ cubes and add it to a bowl.
- Toss the salmon cubes with the chopped parsley, Italian seasoning, garlic powder, salt & pepper, olive oil and lemon juice, making sure everything is evenly coated
- To air-fry, add the salmon to your air-fryer rack or basket and air fry on 400 F for about 8-10 minutes. If baking, bake on a sheet-pan on 400 F for 10-12 minutes. You can set the salmon under the broiler for the last 2 minutes.
- Once the salmon is ready, spread some pesto over a plate and add the salmon cubes on top. Top with fresh squeezed lemon and extra spoonfuls of pesto.
- Leftover pesto will stay fresh in the fridge for up to 1 week, and can be used on sandwiches, wraps or pasta.
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