July 15, 2026 · 10 min

Paprika Salmon with Lemony Cream Sauce, Pistachio Rice &Amp; Roasted Green Beans

Side Dish10 min1746 cal / serving

This vibrant dish brings together the warmth of paprika and the brightness of lemon in a creamy sauce that coats tender salmon fillets. Paired with fluffy rice studded with pistachios and lemon zest, plus roasted green beans, every bite is a balance of flavors and textures.

Perfect for a weeknight dinner that feels special, this recipe comes together in about 35 minutes. The lemon-thyme pan sauce is quick to make and adds a luxurious finish to the salmon. Serve with extra lemon wedges for a fresh pop of citrus.

Recipe details

Side Dish10 min1746 cal / serving2 servings

Nutrition per serving

Calories1746 kcalProtein48.7 gFat157.8 gCarbs35.9 gSugar7.1 gFiber2.2 gSodium628 mg

Dietary labels

Gluten-free: yesLactose-free: noDairy-free: no

Allergen check

Gluten / wheat: not detectedMilk / dairy: containsEgg: not detectedFish: containsShellfish: not detectedPeanut: not detectedTree nuts: containsSoy: not detectedSesame: not detectedMustard: not detectedCelery: not detectedSulphites: not detectedLupin: not detectedMolluscs: not detected

Values are calculated per serving from ingredient amounts and the ingredient nutrition reference per 100g. Allergen and diet labels use available ingredient metadata and name matching; always check product labels for strict diets or allergies. Some ingredient amounts or nutrition values were incomplete, so this is marked as a partial estimate.

Ingredients

Sour Cream1.5 tablespoon Sour CreamView ingredient guide
Green Beans6 ounce Green BeansView ingredient guide
Thyme0.028 ounce ThymeView ingredient guide
Pistachios0.5 ounce PistachiosView ingredient guide
Lemon1 unit LemonView ingredient guide
Paprika1 teaspoon PaprikaView ingredient guide
Scallions2 unit ScallionsView ingredient guide
Basmati Rice0.5 cup Basmati RiceView ingredient guide
Salmon10 ounce SalmonView ingredient guide
Olive Oil2 teaspoon (tsp) Olive OilView ingredient guide
Saltteaspoon (tsp) SaltView ingredient guide
Black Pepperteaspoon (tsp) Black PepperView ingredient guide
Butter2 tablespoon (tbsp) ButterView ingredient guide

Instructions

  1. Adjust rack to top position and preheat oven to 425°F. Wash and dry produce. Trim green beans if needed. Trim and thinly slice scallions, separating whites from greens. Strip 1 tsp thyme leaves (2 tsp for 4 servings) from stems; finely chop. Zest and quarter lemon.
  2. Toss green beans on a baking sheet with a drizzle of olive oil, salt and pepper. Roast on top rack until golden brown and tender, 12-15 minutes.
  3. Meanwhile, melt 1 TBSP butter (2 TBSP for 4 servings) in a small pot over medium-high heat. Add scallion whites; cook, stirring occasionally, until softened, 1 minute. Stir in rice, ¾ cup water (1½ cups for 4) and a pinch of salt. Bring to a boil, cover and reduce to a low simmer. Cook until rice is tender, 15-18 minutes. Keep covered off heat until ready to serve.
  4. While rice cooks, pat salmon dry with paper towels and season all over with paprika, salt and pepper. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a large pan over medium-high heat. Add salmon and cook until browned and cooked through, 5-7 minutes per side. If browning too quickly, lower heat. Transfer to a plate; wipe out pan.
  5. Melt 1 TBSP butter in same pan over medium heat. Add chopped thyme; cook until fragrant, 30 seconds. Stir in stock concentrate and ¼ cup water (⅓ cup for 4 servings). Bring to a simmer, then immediately turn off heat. Stir in sour cream and a squeeze of lemon juice. Season with pepper.
  6. Fluff rice with a fork; stir in lemon zest and pistachios. Season with salt and pepper. Divide rice, green beans and salmon between plates. Top salmon with sauce and sprinkle with scallion greens. Serve with remaining lemon wedges on the side.

Recipe Tips

For even cooking, let the salmon come to room temperature for 10 minutes before seasoning.

If you prefer a thinner sauce, add an extra tablespoon of water when stirring in the stock concentrate.

To toast the pistachios, add them to the rice pot for the last 2 minutes of cooking.

FAQ

Can I use chicken instead of salmon?

Yes, you can substitute boneless skinless chicken breasts or thighs. Adjust cooking time as needed until chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F.

What can I use instead of sour cream?

Greek yogurt or crème fraîche work well as substitutes. For a dairy-free option, use coconut cream or a plant-based sour cream.

Can I make this dish ahead?

The rice and green beans can be prepared in advance and reheated. The salmon is best cooked fresh, but leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 2 days.

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