Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach in Garlic Butter
A rich keto-friendly dish combining buttery salmon with creamy avocado and sautéed spinach, perfect for a low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillet, unsalted butter, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 6 oz salmon fillet
- 2 tbsp unsalted butter
- 2, minced garlic cloves
- 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
- 1/2, sliced ripe avocado
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp olive oil
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 6 oz salmon fillet and season both sides with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, then add the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the edges turn crispy and golden.
- Step 3: Flip the salmon and add 2 tbsp unsalted butter and 2 minced garlic cloves to the pan. Spoon the melted garlic butter over the salmon as it cooks for another 3 minutes until cooked through and fragrant.
- Step 4: Remove salmon from the pan and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 2 cups fresh spinach leaves and sauté in the remaining garlic butter for 1-2 minutes until wilted and bright green.
- Step 5: Plate the spinach, top with 1/2 sliced ripe avocado, drizzle with 1 tsp lemon juice, and place the salmon on top. Serve immediately.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach in Garlic Butter take to make?
Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach in Garlic Butter?
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 fillet from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach in Garlic Butter?
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-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach in Garlic Butter for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach in Garlic Butter keto?
Yes — this recipe is tagged keto, low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
