What to cook for Sunday lunch: a light and refined idea without pasta, based on fish

If you're wondering what to cook for Sunday lunch , but want a change from the usual first course, you're in the right place.
Today I propose a fresh and surprising alternative: a Sunday lunch without pasta , light but tasty, with an almost gourmet touch and ready in less than half an hour.

The protagonist? The fish.
With this recipe you will discover a perfect Sunday fish lunch , enriched by two sauces — one hot and one fresh — that you can easily make with an induction hob , an air fryer and a simple immersion blender .

A different idea for Sunday: tasty, quick and with an eye on savings.

Sunday doesn't have to be complicated. Just choose a recipe that combines flavor, presentation, and convenience.
This second fish course, accompanied by two colorful and tasty sauces, is the ideal alternative to the classic Sunday first course.
It is perfect for those looking for a light, elegant dish with a low energy impact.

Starring recipe: Salmon in a pistachio and lemon crust

with warm potato and leek cream + fresh yogurt and basil sauce

Why choose it:

• It's ready in less than 30 minutes

• It doesn't include pasta or cereals: Sunday lunch without pasta ✅

• It's healthy, nutritious and full of Omega 3

• It makes a great impression at the table even with guests

• It is prepared with simple and low-energy appliances

Ingredients for 2 people

For the salmon:

• 2 salmon fillets of 150-180 g

• 40 g of shelled pistachios

• Grated zest of 1 organic lemon

• 1 tablespoon breadcrumbs

• 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil

• Salt and pepper to taste

For the hot cream:

• 2 medium potatoes

• 1 leek

• Vegetable broth or water to taste

• EVO oil to taste

For the fresh sauce:

• 100 g of Greek yogurt

• A few leaves of fresh basil

• Juice of ½ lemon

• 1 teaspoon of EVO oil

• Salt to taste

Simple and efficient process

🔹 Step 1 – Hot cream (induction hob)

• Peel the potatoes and cut them into cubes.

• Slice the leek and sauté it with a drizzle of oil in a saucepan.

• Add the potatoes, cover with hot broth or water and cook for 15 minutes.

• Blend with an immersion blender until you obtain a creamy soup.

🔹 Step 2 – Crispy Salmon (Air Fryer)

• Coarsely chop the pistachios and combine them with the breadcrumbs, lemon zest, oil, salt, and pepper.

• Arrange the salmon fillets on baking paper and cover them with the breadcrumbs.

• Cook in an air fryer at 180°C for 12-14 minutes. (Oven: 20 minutes at 200°C)

🔹 Step 3 – Fresh Salsa (immersion blender)

• In a tall container, place yogurt, basil, lemon, oil and salt.

• Blend everything until you obtain a light green, fragrant and fresh sauce.

• Serve cold or at room temperature.

Impressive plating

1. Spread the hot cream on the bottom of the plate.

2. Place the crispy salmon in the center.

3. Complete with drops of yogurt sauce or as an accompaniment.

4. Lemon zest or basil leaves for garnish.

A complete, scenic, balanced dish—perfect for a Sunday fish-based lunch that breaks up the pasta routine.

Smart kitchen: energy savings and maximum results

The ideal appliances for this recipe:

• ✅ Air fryer : no preheating, low power and crispy cooking

• ✅ Induction hob : safe, fast, with precise temperature control

• ✅ Immersion blender : takes up little space and saves you sauces, soups and creams in an instant

👉 Discover the difference between a blender and an immersion blender

A modern, efficient and energy-efficient kitchen.

In summary

If you're tired of the usual first courses and want a change, this is the right idea for you:
✅ What to cook for Sunday lunch ?
✅ A refined and healthy Sunday lunch without pasta
✅ A simple but effective fish-based Sunday lunch
✅ Prepared in less than 30 minutes with few tools and great results