31 Pistachio Recipes That Will Make You Go Nuts

Pistachios are delicious and versatile nuts used as an ingredient in various dishes. From appetizers to desserts, there are several ways to incorporate pistachios into your cooking.

In this article, we’ll discuss 31 pistachio recipes that are sure to impress your guests, family, and friends.

Jump to:

• 1. Pistachio Salad
• 2. Pistachio Pasta Sauce
• 3. Green Pepper and Pistachio Risotto
• 4. Pistachio Drop Cookies
• 5. No-Bake Pistachio Cheesecake
• 6. Pistachio Chicken
• 7. Pistachio Crème Brûlée
• 8. Easy Pistachio Muffins
• 9. Pistachio Salmon With Lemon
• 10. Pistachio Cake
• 11. Pistachio Buttercream Frosting
• 12. Cilantro Pistachio Pesto
• 13. Pistachio Custard Morning Buns
• 14. Dark Chocolate Pistachio Truffles
• 15. Pistachio Bread
• 16. Italian Pistachio Cream
• 17. Pistachio Scones
• 18. Nectarine and Pistachio Crumble
• 19. Pistachio Pesto
• 20. Pistachio Tiramisu
• 21. Pistachio Pudding Cookies
• 22. No-Bake Pistachio Fudge
• 23. Pistachio Mint Pesto
• 24. Pistachio Pudding
• 25. Fried Feta With Pistachios
• 26. Pistachio Tartlets
• 27. Pistachio-Crusted Bronzini
• 28. Honey Pistachio Biscotti
• 29. Spaghetti With Pistachio Pesto and Pancetta
• 30. Pistachio-Crusted Sea Scallops
• 31. Lemon Pistachio Ravioli
• Final Thoughts

1. Pistachio Salad

This fluffy and sweet pistachio salad combines the tanginess of pineapple, the sweetness of whipped cream, and the crunch of pistachios.

• 1 container of Cool Whip (8 oz)
• ½ cup sour cream
• 1 packet of Pistachio Instant Pudding Mix (3.4 oz)
• 2 cans of undrained crushed pineapple (8 oz)
• 1½ cups of mini marshmallows

2. Pistachio Pasta Sauce

This pistachio pasta sauce has creamy pistachios, garlic, and parmesan cheese. It has a rich and nutty flavor that compliments any pasta dish.

• 250 g pasta
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 1 finely chopped onion
• 2 finely chopped garlic cloves
• Juice from 1 lemon
• 5 oz of pistachio crushed in a food processor
• 1 cup double cream
• 6 roughly torn basil leaves
• ¼ cup grated parmesan cheese
• A handful of Rocket salad

3. Green Pepper and Pistachio Risotto

This green pepper and pistachio risotto is made with arborio rice, and sweet green peppers and crunchy pistachios create a flavorful and exciting combination.

• 500 g arborio rice
• Drizzle of olive oil
• 1 large piece of butter
• 1 finely chopped white onion
• 2 cloves of crushed garlic
• Sprinkle of sea salt
• 700-800 ml of vegetable stock
• 40 g grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• Ground black pepper

For the pesto:

• 2 roughly chopped and charred green peppers
• 2 garlic cloves
• 150 toasted pistachios
• 70 g of basil leaves
• 100 g of grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 3 to 4 drizzles of olive oil
• A sprinkle of salt

4. Pistachio Drop Cookies

These pistachio drop cookies feature chopped pistachios and butter, creating a delicious, nutty taste with a hint of sweetness. You can also make brown butter icing if you want something extra.

• 1 cup of pistachios
• 230 g of softened unsalted butter
• ¾ cup of sugar
• 1 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 2¼ leveled cups of all-purpose flour

5. No-Bake Pistachio Cheesecake

This no-bake pistachio cheesecake includes a creamy, fluffy filling infused with the nutty flavor of pistachios.

For the crust:

• 4 tbsps melted butter
• 10 Graham Cracker Sheets

For the cheesecake filling:

• 16 oz softened cream cheese
• 1 tablespoon vanilla
• 1 box of pistachio pudding mix
• 2 oz milk
• ½ cup of powdered sugar
• 8 oz whipped cream

For the topping:

• 25 oz roasted and salted pistachios

6. Pistachio Chicken

This delicious gluten-free pistachio chicken involves coating chicken breasts in a crunchy and nutty pistachio crust, the perfect dish for all ages.

• 2 lb stripped chicken breasts
• Pure olive cooking spray
• ½ teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon black pepper
• 8 oz roasted pistachios

7. Pistachio Crème Brûlée

This pistachio crème brûlée is a unique twist on the classic French dessert, featuring a creamy and silky smooth custard infused with pistachios' rich and nutty flavor.

• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 3 egg yolks
• ⅓ cup granulated sugar
• ¼ cup pistachio cream
• ⅛ teaspoon sea salt
• Fine sugar as a topping

8. Easy Pistachio Muffins

These pistachio muffins are light and fluffy, with a soft and moist crumb that will satisfy any muffin lover.

• ½ cup melted salted butter
• ¾ cup granulated sugar
• 2 room-temperature eggs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 box of pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ cup room-temperature milk
• 1¾ cups of all-purpose flour

For the topping:

• ½ cup granulated sugar
• ½ cup melted butter
• ¼ cups chopped pistachios

9. Pistachio Salmon With Lemon

The pistachio salmon with lemon uses pistachios to make the crust for your salmon before baking it with plenty of lemon juice, and it pairs well with salad, rice, and risotto.

• 1½ 2 lb salmon filet
• 1 cup chopped pistachios
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 3 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoon dill weed
• 1½ teaspoon pepper
• Sea salt

10. Pistachio Cake

The combination of pistachio, almond, and vanilla in this pistachio cake is palpable in every bite. The cream cheese frosting perfectly aligns all the flavors together.

• 2 cups unsalted pistachios
• 2⅓ cups of cake flour
• 2 teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon baking soda
• 1 teaspoon salt
• ¾ cups softened unsalted butter
• 1¾ cups granulated sugar
• 5 room-temperature egg whites
• ½ cup sour cream
• 2 teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 1 cup whole milk
• Cream cheese frosting

11. Pistachio Buttercream Frosting

This pistachio buttercream frosting recipe incorporates finely ground pistachios and creamy buttercream frosting to give it a unique and nutty flavor.

• 1 cup pistachios
• 2 tbsps heavy cream
• 3 cups of softened butter
• 2 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups of confectioners’ sugar
• Green food coloring

12. Cilantro Pistachio Pesto

This cilantro pistachio pesto recipe is a flavorful twist on traditional pesto, made with fresh cilantro, crunchy pistachios, and a blend of spices.

• ¾ cup fresh cilantro
• ½ cup roasted pistachios
• 1 jalapeno
• 2 garlic cloves
• ½ juiced lime
• 3 tbsps olive oil
• 2 to 3 tbsps water
• ½ teaspoon salt
• Freshly crushed black pepper

13. Pistachio Custard Morning Buns

These pistachio custard morning buns are a decadent pastry. The rich and buttery brioche dough is filled with a luxurious pistachio custard that is creamy and nut-like.

For the pistachio crème patissiere:

• 350 ml whole milk
• 270 ml heavy cream
• 1 teaspoon orange blossom water
• 1 vanilla bean pod seeds
• 4 egg yolks
• 120 g granulated sugar
• 30 g cornstarch
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 50 g pistachio sauce

For the dough:

• 500 g all-purpose flour
• 140 g granulated sugar
• 2 tbsps baking powder
• 1 teaspoon crushed cardamom
• Zest from ½ an orange
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 170 g cold butter
• 280 ml cold whole milk

14. Dark Chocolate Pistachio Truffles

These dark chocolate pistachio truffles require minimal ingredients. They are perfect for any occasion with their rich, creamy dark chocolate coating and crunchy pistachio filling.

• 2 cups premium dark chocolate
• 8 oz cream cheese
• 1 cup chopped pistachios

15. Pistachio Bread

The pistachio bread combines pistachio pudding mix, and chopped pistachios, resulting in a tender and moist crumb with a lovely pistachio flavor.

• ½ cup white sugar
• 2 tbsps cinnamon
• 1 yellow cake mix
• 2 boxes of instant pistachio pudding mix (3.5 oz)
• 4 eggs
• ¼ cup vegetable oil
• ⅛ cup water
• 1 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 teaspoon almond extract
• 3 tablespoon milk
• 1½ cups powdered sugar
• ½ cup chopped pistachios

16. Italian Pistachio Cream

This Italian pistachio cream has a smooth texture that's perfect for spreading on toast, croissants, and even pancakes.

• 4 egg yolks
• ⅔ cup granulated sugar
• 45 g cornstarch
• 5 oz blanched pistachios
• 2 cups whole milk
• ½ teaspoon vanilla extract

17. Pistachio Scones

If you love scones, add these pistachio scones to your rotation. They have a tender and crumbly texture with a unique nutty flavor. You can also have them with jam.

• 1½ cups flour
• ¼ cup sugar
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1½ teaspoon baking powder
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 4 tablespoon butter
• ⅓ cup chopped pistachios
• 1 lightly beaten egg
• 2 tablespoon milk

18. Nectarine and Pistachio Crumble

The nectarine and pistachio crumble combines sweet and juicy nectarines with a crunchy pistachio crumble topping.

For the nectarine filling:

• 6 cups quartered nectarines
• ½ cup granulated sugar
• 20 g cornstarch
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon zest
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt

For Pistachio Streusel:

• 1½ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅔ cup brown sugar
• ⅔ cup chopped pistachios
• ½ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• 10 tbsps unsalted butter cubes

19. Pistachio Pesto

This gluten-and-dairy-free pistachio pesto is smooth and creamy. It features fresh basil, garlic, and lemon juice combined with the rich flavor of pistachios.

• 1 cup fresh basil leaves
• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves
• 1 tablespoon nutritional yeast
• 1½ tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• ⅓ cup pistachios
• 2 cloves of garlic
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• ¼ teaspoon crushed black pepper
• ½ cup virgin olive oil

20. Pistachio Tiramisu

The recipe for pistachio tiramisu is easy to follow, and the pistachio and mascarpone cream filling in the moist sponge cake is a decadent treat.

• 8 tbsps milk
• 1 large egg
• 2 tbsps granulated sugar
• 1½ cups heavy cream
• 1½ cups mascarpone

21. Pistachio Pudding Cookies

These green pistachio pudding cookies are an excellent option if you want a unique cookie for a bake sale, potluck, or St. Patrick’s Day. They're chewy, nutty, and still perfectly sweet.

• 1 cup softened butter
• ½ cup powdered sugar
• 1 box of instant pistachio pudding mix (3.4 oz)
• 1⅔ cup of all-purpose flour
• 1½ teaspoon almond extract
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4-5 drops of green food coloring

22. No-Bake Pistachio Fudge

This green-colored no-bake pistachio fudge is a quick, simple recipe that is soft, chewy, and perfect for last-minute events.

• 450 g white chocolate
• 8 oz softened cream cheese
• 3 cups of confectioners’ sugar
• ½ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ teaspoon pure almond extract
• ⅛ teaspoon green food coloring
• ½ cup chopped pistachios

23. Pistachio Mint Pesto

This pistachio mint pesto pairs perfectly with dishes like pasta and steak. With a slightly chunky texture, it also works well as a spread on toast.

• ½ cup pistachios
• A handful of mint leaves
• Salt
• Olive oil

24. Pistachio Pudding

This rich, smooth pistachio pudding is entirely homemade and contains no artificial flavors. Although it requires much work, the creamy delight is well worth it.

• 1 ½ cups of whole milk
• ½ cup roasted pistachios

For the pudding:

• ½ cup white granulated sugar
• ½ cup all-purpose flour
• 2 tbsps cornstarch
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup heavy cream
• 2 egg yolks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Mix in:

• ¼ cup chopped pistachios

25. Fried Feta With Pistachios

Fried feta with pistachios might be our new favorite appetizer. The feta cheese is breaded with pistachios and several spices, then fried until crispy and golden brown.

• ½ cup pistachios
• ¼ teaspoon dried oregano
• ¼ teaspoon dried thyme
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• ¼ teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper
• 1 egg
• 1 block of feta (8 oz)
• 2 tbsps olive oil
• 1 teaspoon hot honey
• 2¼ teaspoon fresh lemon juice

26. Pistachio Tartlets

Every bite of these aesthetically pleasing pistachio tartlets bursts with sweet and nutty flavors. The buttery, flaky crust is the perfect base for the creamy pistachio filling.

For the mini tart shells:

• 1¾ cups all-purpose flour
• ⅓ cup icing sugar
• 5 oz cold, unsalted butter cubes
• 1 cold egg

For the cheese filling:

• 250 g softened full-fat cream cheese
• ½ cup caster sugar
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• ⅓ cup cold heavy cream
• ¾ cup pistachio paste
• 30 g melted dark chocolate

27. Pistachio-Crusted Bronzini

Bronzini, also known as the Mediterranean sea bass, is even more delectable when you use a pistachio crust, which complements the mild, buttery taste of the Bronzini perfectly.

• 1 cup chopped pistachios
• ¼ cup panko bread crumbs
• Salt
• Pepper
• 1 to 2 eggs
• Water
• 3 to 4 fillets bronzini fish
• 3 to 4 tbsps butter
• 1½ tbsps olive oil
• Juice from ½ lemon

28. Honey Pistachio Biscotti

Next time you want to make biscotti, try this honey pistachio version. With the perfect balance of sweetness, these biscottis are the perfect treat to enjoy with a hot cup of coffee or tea.

• 1¼ cups all-purpose flour
• 1¼ cups whole-wheat flour
• 1½ teaspoon baking powder
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ½ cup sugar
• 2 tbsps honey
• 2 eggs
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 1 cup unsalted pistachios

29. Spaghetti With Pistachio Pesto and Pancetta

This spaghetti with pistachio pesto and pancetta is rich and filling. It combines the richness of pancetta, the nut-like flavor of pistachios, and the freshness of basil leaves

• 2 cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup olive oil
• ½ cup grated parmesan cheese
• 4 garlic cloves
• ¼ cup salted pistachios
• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
• ½ teaspoon ground pepper
• ¼ teaspoon salt
• 1 cup pasta water
• Pancetta
• Spaghetti

30. Pistachio-Crusted Sea Scallops

Pistachio-crusted sea scallops are the perfect appetizer or addition to a main dish. The fresh, plump scallops are coated in a crunchy pistachio crust and perfectly cooked.

• ½ cup pistachios
• Zest from 1 lemon
• ¾ teaspoon coarse salt
• 2 tbsps extra virgin olive oil
• 1 lb cleaned and dried sea scallops
• ½ teaspoon freshly crushed black pepper

31. Lemon Pistachio Ravioli

The lemon pistachio ravioli is filled with spinach and ricotta cheese, while the sauce incorporates lemon and pistachio. The acidity of the lemon and the nuttiness of the pistachios create a rich and flavorful sauce.

• 8 oz spinach and cheese-filled ravioli
• 2 tbsps butter
• Zest and juice of 1 lemon
• ½ cup grated Parmigiano Reggiano cheese
• 2 tbsps chopped pistachios
• Kosher salt
• Crushed black pepper

Final Thoughts

Whether you're cooking for a crowd, looking to impress a date or want to try something new, these pistachio recipes will surely impress. Be sure to try one of these next time you buy a bag of pistachios.