Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach Sauté
A rich, keto-friendly pan-seared salmon served with creamy avocado and garlic spinach sauté for a nutritious low-carb meal. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, medium, peeled and sliced avocado, washed fresh spinach for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 540 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 salmon fillets
- 1 medium, peeled and sliced avocado
- 4 cups, washed fresh spinach
- 3 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
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. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until edges are crispy and the flesh is golden. Flip and cook the other side for 3-4 minutes until cooked through but still moist.
- Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 3 minced garlic cloves over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and stir continuously for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender. Season with a pinch of salt.
- Step 5: Serve salmon atop the garlic spinach and arrange 1 sliced medium avocado on the side. Drizzle everything with 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach Sauté 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-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach Sauté?
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-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach Sauté?
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 Sauté 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 Pan-Seared Salmon with Avocado and Spinach Sauté 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.
Related recipes
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
