Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles
Perfectly seared salmon with a golden herbed crust served over zucchini noodles for a low-carb feast that's ready in 20 minutes. This seafood-inspired seafood (low-carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, avocado oil, medium lemon for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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
- 14 oz salmon fillets
- 1 tbsp avocado oil
- 1 medium lemon
- 2 tbsp fresh dill
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley
- 2 cloves garlic
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tsp olive oil
- 1/4 tsp sea salt
- 1/8 tsp black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels; season both sides with 1/4 tsp sea salt and 1/8 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp avocado oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering; place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5 minutes until skin is golden and crisp, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until opaque.
- Step 3: While salmon cooks, finely mince 2 garlic cloves and 2 tbsp each dill and parsley; squeeze 1 tbsp lemon juice and combine with herbs and garlic.
- Step 4: Squeeze remaining lemon half over cooked salmon, then spoon herb mixture over top and cook for 1 minute more until fragrant.
- Step 5: Meanwhile, spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles; heat 1 tsp olive oil in a pan over medium heat, add zucchini noodles, and cook for 2-3 minutes until tender-crisp, stirring occasionally.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles take to make?
Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles?
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 salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles?
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 Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles 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.
Is Lemon-Herb Crusted Salmon with Zucchini Noodles low-carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low-carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Enjoyable meal. Instructions could be a touch more detailed on the timing.
- ★★★☆☆
It was fine. Came out a bit bland for my taste.
- ★☆☆☆☆
The proportions seem off. Way too much of some ingredients.
