Citrus-Glazed Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Quinoa

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

Succulent salmon fillets seared to perfection and glazed with a bright citrus sauce, served over fluffy herbed quinoa for a refreshing meal. This american-inspired seafood (gluten-free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, lemon juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with rice, quinoa, or a quick salad. 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.

★ 4.5 (14 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper; set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then place salmon skin-side down and cook for 6-7 minutes until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and spoon 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp lime juice, and 1 tsp dijon mustard over the top; cook for 3-4 minutes until internal temperature reaches 125°F.
  4. Step 4: While salmon cooks, bring 2 cups chicken broth to a boil in a saucepan, add 1 cup quinoa, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until liquid is absorbed.
  5. Step 5: Fluff cooked quinoa with a fork, then stir in 2 tbsp fresh dill and 2 tbsp fresh parsley until evenly distributed.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Citrus-Glazed Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Quinoa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (20 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-Glazed Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Quinoa?

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 Citrus-Glazed Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Quinoa?

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-Glazed Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Quinoa 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-Glazed Pan-Seared Salmon with Herbed Quinoa gluten-free?

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

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