Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus Fennel Slaw

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

Tender pan-roasted salmon served alongside a crisp citrus fennel slaw for a fresh and satisfying Whole30 seafood dish. This Mediterranean-inspired Whole30 recipe (gluten free), ready in about 22 minutes, pairs salmon fillets with skin, fennel bulb, orange for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season with 1/2 tsp sea salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp and releases easily. Flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat.
  3. Step 3: In a mixing bowl, combine 1 thinly sliced fennel bulb, 1 large peeled orange segmented, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp sea salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve each salmon fillet with a generous portion of the citrus fennel slaw on the side while still warm.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus Fennel Slaw take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus Fennel Slaw?

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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus Fennel Slaw?

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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus Fennel Slaw 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Citrus Fennel Slaw whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free, dairy free, paleo based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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