Brainerd Treasure Salmon Bowl

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

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 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. 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.
  2. Step 2: Flip salmon and cook for 3-4 more minutes until opaque and easily flaked, then remove from pan and set aside.
  3. 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.
  4. 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.
  5. Step 5: Place salmon on greens, drizzle with the citrus-herb glaze, and serve immediately with roasted tomatoes.

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?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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.

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