Honey-Lemon Glazed Salmon with Garlic Sautéed Spinach

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

Pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a bright honey-lemon sauce paired with tender garlic sautéed spinach for a balanced dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin-on salmon fillets, salt, black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Lower heat to medium and add 2 tbsp olive oil and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves to the skillet. Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant and golden.
  5. Step 5: Add 3 tbsp honey, 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, and 1 tsp lemon zest to the skillet. Stir and cook for 1 minute until sauce thickens slightly.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups baby spinach to the skillet, tossing with the sauce and garlic for 2-3 minutes until just wilted. Season with 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes if using.
  7. Step 7: Return salmon fillets to the pan briefly to coat with glaze and warm through. Serve salmon over the garlic spinach and drizzle with extra glaze.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Honey-Lemon Glazed Salmon with Garlic Sautéed Spinach 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 Honey-Lemon Glazed Salmon with Garlic Sautéed Spinach?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Honey-Lemon Glazed Salmon with Garlic Sautéed Spinach?

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 Honey-Lemon Glazed Salmon with Garlic Sautéed Spinach 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 Honey-Lemon Glazed Salmon with Garlic Sautéed Spinach 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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