National Pistachio Day is Thursday, February 26th and pays tribute to the delightful green nuts that have captivated taste buds for years. Pistachios have earned a special spot in both savory and sweet dishes across the world due to their distinct flavor and versatility.
Pistachios grow in clusters on large trees. Most of the pistachios in the US are grown in California’s San Joaquin Valley where the rich soils, warm days and cool nights create the prefect setting for heart-healthy pistachios to grow.
Pistachios are delicious and nutritious. A one ounce serving, the equivalent of 49 pistachios, provides 159 calories, 13 grams of fat with just 2 grams of saturated fat, 8 grams of carbohydrate, 3 grams of fiber and 6 grams of protein. They are also a good source of several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin B6, copper, phosphorus and potassium, not to mention antioxidants like lutein and zeaxanthin.
Pistachios are delightful to have as a snack. While the nuts are available shelled, cracking open the pistachio nut just adds to the experience. In addition, removing the pistachio shell helps to slow down eating, with the empty shells offering a visual cue that helps snackers eat more mindfully.
Pistachios are versatile and can be enjoyed in various ways, from simple seasoned snacks to key ingredients in elaborate sweet and savory dishes.
In Savory Dishes
- Pistachio Pesto: Substitute pine nuts with pistachios in your favorite pesto recipe for a flavorful twist that pairs well with pasta, salmon, or a salmon and sweet potato traybake.
- Crunchy Crusts: Use crushed pistachios to create a crunchy crust for chicken, fish (like halibut or salmon), or even lamb chops.
- Salads and Sauces: Sprinkle chopped, toasted pistachios over salads (like a fig, goat cheese, and pistachio salad), risottos, or incorporate them into a creamy yogurt or feta dip.
- Pistachio Rice: Sauté onions and rice, add a shawarma seasoning (a Midddle Eastern spice blend) and chopped pistachios, then simmer with water for a unique side dish.
In Sweet Treats
- Baklava and Cannoli: Use pistachios as a primary filling in classic Middle Eastern baklava or as a crunchy addition to Italian cannoli filling.
- Baked Goods: Incorporate them into cookies (like thumbprint or white chocolate chunk), cakes (such as a strawberry and pistachio olive oil cake), biscotti, or blondies.
- Pistachio Butter: Make your own pistachio butter for spreading on toast or using as a base for various desserts and no-bake energy balls.
- Ice Cream Topping/Mix-in: Top vanilla ice cream with honey-roasted pistachios or mix them into homemade or store-bought ice cream.
- Pistachio Tiramisu or Cheesecake: Add a unique nutty flavor to classic desserts like tiramisu or cheesecake with pistachio cream and chopped nuts.
Make a dip
- Skip the store-bought seasoning packets and make this incredible Homemade Ranch Seasoning featuring ground pistachios, nutritional yeast and a bold blend of spices. This recipe is perfect as a dip for fresh vegetables or for seasoning chicken or salmon.
Enjoy in Pasta
- This Fettuccini with Sugar Snap Peas offers a healthy pasta dish with arugula, sugar snap peas and spark of lemon for a fresh tasting pasta dinner. It is topped off with fresh parmesan and pistachios for a burst of flavor and texture.
Add in a Stir Fry
- Cauliflower Stir Fry never tasted so good. Seasoned with ginger, garlic, lime juice, hot sauce and scallions, pistachios add another dimension to this vegetarian dish, light in calories, but high in flavor.
As a topping
- We have all enjoyed Bruschetta with tomatoes and basil and with pesto, but what about with a pistachio topping? Combined with fresh cilantro and lemon juice, there is no going back!
Whether you’re savoring their unique flavors or experimenting with new recipes, pistachios are sure to make the day memorable. National Pistachio Day is a delightful excuse to explore the versatility of pistachios.
