The days are getting lighter and longer (hallelujah!) and I find myself wanting to spend less time in the kitchen and more of it outside with my family.

But while I’m craving more simple and easy meals to put together, I’m also not looking to sacrifice nutrient-density or flavor, both important for your hormones, physical and mental health.

Enter in this salmon pesto pasta, which is bright and flavorful, filling without being heavy, a major crowd-pleaser and takes less than 30 minutes to come together, making it the perfect weeknight meal to whip up without a ton of stress or hassle. Bonus if you make the pesto ahead and store it in your fridge for an extra time-saving hack.

Snag all of the details and recipe below.

HORMONE BALANCING SALMON PESTO PASTA INGREDIENTS

+ SALMON

Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which is highly effective at reducing inflammation, a common culprit of menstrual cramping and pain, fertility challenges and hormonal imbalances. Make sure to opt for wild-caught salmon from Alaskan or Norwegian waters if possible, which has the highest nutrient-density profile.

+ PISTACHIOS

Pistachios are rich in fiber that converts to short-chain fatty acids like butyrate in your gut. This has several benefits including a reduced risk of developing digestive disorders, including intestinal permeability (aka leaky gut) which is a common root cause of hormone imbalance.

+ EXTRA VIRGIN OLIVE OIL

While there are a ton of health benefits linked to consumption of extra virgin olive oil, the latest research is also showing that due to the high level of polyphenols it may help to balance the bacteria in our digestive tract, slowing the growth of unwanted bacteria. To make sure you’re getting all of its amazing benefits, opt for extra virgin, single origin cold-pressed olive oil, which ensures the oil hasn’t been heated or cut with other lesser quality oils.

SALMON PESTO PASTA RECIPE SWAPS

+ TO MAKE DAIRY-FREE SALMON PESTO PASTA

To make this recipe dairy-free, simply leave off the optional goat or feta cheese (it’ll still have a ton of flavor) or try swapping it for a dairy-free version made of nuts.

+ TO MAKE PALEO SALMON PESTO PASTA

To make this salmon pesto pasta recipe paleo-friendly, you’ll need to use a grain-free pasta, such as this brand.

+ TO MAKE GLUTEN-FREE SALMON PESTO PASTA

This recipe is easily made gluten-free by selecting a gluten-free pasta of your choice. I love this brand, which is rich in protein as well as fiber (and naturally grain-free too!)

SALMON PESTO PASTA HORMONE HEALTH TIPS

+ USE HIGH QUALITY EXTRA VIRGIN COLD-PRESSED OLIVE OIL 

As mentioned above, extra virgin olive oil has a TON of health benefits, however many brands available in the US have been extracted using high heat or cut with other inflammatory oils to lessen the production cost, which negates any of it’s anti-inflammatory process. I like this brand.

+ ADD FRESH ARUGULA OR ROASTED VEGGIES

Arugula is seriously underrated IMHO, especially when it comes to elevating the taste and hormone-health benefits of this recipe (thanks to it’s sulphur containing compounds that support your liver in detoxification, especially important if you experience pms or heavy, painful periods). I love to toss a couple large handfuls in with the pasta, or if I have time add some hormone-healthy vegetables like roasted asparagus or broccoli.

+ OPT FOR WILD-CAUGHT SALMON

Opting for wild-caught salmon from Alaskan or Norwegian waters ensures you’re getting the highest nutrient-density profile (omega-3 fatty acids, selenium, b-vitamins, etc.) as well as limiting your exposure to antibiotics or other chemicals that could harm your hormonal health.

MORE SALMON & PESTO RECIPES 

+ SWEET POTATO PESTO QUINOA BOWL

+ PESTO + GOAT CHEESE SWEET POTATO PIZZA

+ GLAZED TERIYAKI SALMON

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Salmon Pesto Pasta (GF/DF)

DF

GF

This healthy salmon pesto pasta is full of flavor, loaded with hormone balancing nutrients & comes together in less than 30 minutes.

PREP TIME:	TOTAL TIME:
00:00 Mins	00:25 Mins

• Author: Lauren Chambers

• Servings: 2-4

• Recipe Type: Entree, dinner, meal

• Cuisine: American

Ingredients

• For the pistachio pesto:
• 2 cups basil
• optional ¼ cup arugula
• 1/2 cup pistachio nuts, de-shelled (can swap for cashews, pine nuts, walnuts etc.)
• juice of 1 lemon
• 1 tsp sea salt
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• cracked black pepper
• ½ cup organic extra virgin olive oil

• For the salmon pasta:
• 2-4 wild-caught salmon fillets
• 1 package gluten-free pasta
• Optional 1-2 cups fresh arugula, organic cherry tomatoes, or roasted vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus
• Optional sprinkle of organic, full-fat goat or feta cheese (would no longer be dairy-free)
• Sea salt + pepper to taste

Instructions

1. First preheat your oven to 400 F, line a pan with parchment paper for the salmon and start boiling a large pot of water on the stove for the pasta.
2. Make your pistachio pesto by adding all ingredients to a food processor and mixing until well-combined (the texture should still be slightly chunky).
3. Cover each salmon fillet with a spoonful of pesto and optional salt, pepper, olive oil or grass-fed ghee. Place in the oven and bake for 12-17 minutes until the internal temp reaches 145 F. Timing will depending on thickness and size of the salmon, I’ve found 12 minutes works well for individual portions, while 16 is better for one whole fillet.
4. While salmon is baking, add pasta to the large pot of boiling water and cook according to instructions.
5. Assemble any toppings or add-in’s (arugula, tomatoes, veggies, etc.).
6. Once pasta and salmon are done cooking, set salmon briefly aside and toss pasta together with the remaining pesto, optional add-in’s and salt, pepper and olive oil to test. Dish onto individual plates/bowls and serve with the baked salmon filet on top.

Notes

*To save time, try making the pesto ahead of time and keeping in the fridge (it’ll last for over a week)

**If looking for an additional time saver, you can also swap the cooked salmon fillet for smoked salmon.

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