Pan-Roasted Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Spinach
Salmon fillets pan-roasted with a sweet and tangy honey-mustard glaze, served atop garlicky wilted spinach. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, divided olive oil, Dijon mustard for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (6 oz each) salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp divided olive oil
- 2 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 6 cups baby spinach
- 3 minced garlic cloves
- 1 tsp divided salt
- 1/2 tsp divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 2 tbsp honey, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth; set aside.
- Step 2: Season 4 salmon fillets evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5 minutes without moving to get a crisp skin. Flip the fillets and brush each with the honey-mustard glaze.
- Step 4: Continue cooking for another 3-4 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145°F and glaze caramelizes slightly.
- Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet and tent with foil to keep warm. Wipe out skillet and heat remaining 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat.
- Step 6: Add 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add 6 cups baby spinach and season with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 7: Cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted but still bright green. Serve salmon fillets over the wilted spinach immediately.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted 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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted 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 Pan-Roasted Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted 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.
What goes well with Pan-Roasted Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Spinach?
American seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.