Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Cabbage

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

Delicate salmon fillets gently braised in a bright citrus broth with tender fennel and cabbage, perfect for a light Whole30 dinner. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free, dairy free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, medium, thinly sliced fennel bulb, shredded green cabbage for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large skillet, heat 2 tbsp olive oil over medium heat. Add 1 medium thinly sliced fennel bulb and 3 cups shredded green cabbage, sautéing for 5-6 minutes until softened.
  2. Step 2: Stir in 3 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp sea salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper, cooking for 1 minute until fragrant.
  3. Step 3: Pour in the juice and zest of 1 large orange plus the juice of 1 large lemon; bring to a gentle simmer.
  4. Step 4: Nestle 4 salmon fillets, skin side down, into the skillet atop the vegetables and citrus broth.
  5. Step 5: Cover and braise over low heat for 8-10 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
  6. Step 6: Sprinkle 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill over the salmon and vegetables before serving.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Cabbage take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Cabbage?

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 Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Cabbage?

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 Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Cabbage for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). 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.

Is Citrus-Braised Salmon with Fennel and Cabbage gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, dairy free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

Related recipes