Pan-Roasted Salmon with Maple Dijon Glaze and Wilted Spinach
Crisp-skinned salmon finished with a sweet and tangy maple Dijon glaze, served atop garlicky wilted spinach for a balanced meal. This american-inspired seafood 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 410 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
- 2 pieces (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp maple syrup
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 4 cups baby spinach
- 2 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp.
- Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for 2-3 minutes more until just cooked through. Remove salmon and tent with foil.
- Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp maple syrup and 1 tbsp Dijon mustard.
- Step 5: Lower heat to medium, add 1 tbsp unsalted butter to the skillet, then 2 minced garlic cloves. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 6: Add 4 cups baby spinach to skillet and cook, stirring frequently, until wilted, about 2 minutes.
- Step 7: Return salmon to skillet and brush tops generously with maple Dijon glaze. Cook for 1 more minute to warm the glaze, then serve salmon over wilted spinach.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Roasted Salmon with Maple Dijon 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 Maple Dijon 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 salt from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Roasted Salmon with Maple Dijon 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 Maple Dijon Glaze and Wilted Spinach 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.
What goes well with Pan-Roasted Salmon with Maple Dijon 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.
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