Brainerd Treasure Salmon Bowl
Pan-seared salmon with a zesty citrus-herb glaze, served over mixed greens and cherry tomatoes for a refreshing, ocean-inspired meal. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, cherry tomatoes, lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 2, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 2 (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1 lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp honey
- 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar
- 4 cups mixed greens
- 1 tsp balsamic vinegar
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) dry with paper towels and season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy and golden.
- Step 2: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 more minutes until opaque and easily flaked, then remove from pan and set aside.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk 1 tsp honey, 1/2 tsp apple cider vinegar, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, and 1/2 tbsp olive oil until smooth.
- Step 4: Toss 1 cup cherry tomatoes with 1 tsp balsamic vinegar and 1/4 tsp salt on a plate, then arrange 4 cups mixed greens on a serving platter.
- Step 5: Place salmon on greens, drizzle with the citrus-herb glaze, and serve immediately with roasted tomatoes.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Brainerd Treasure Salmon Bowl take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.
How do I store leftover Brainerd Treasure Salmon Bowl?
Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Brainerd Treasure Salmon Bowl?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Brainerd Treasure Salmon Bowl for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Brainerd Treasure Salmon Bowl?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★★☆
Good flavors but the sauce was a bit thin. I'd reduce it longer.
