Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa

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

A vibrant keto-friendly dish featuring tender salmon fillets paired with sweet and smoky charred pineapple salsa. This seafood-inspired keto (keto, low carb) ready in about 30 minutes blends fillets (6 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, pineapple chunks into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 15 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 420 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat a grill pan over medium-high heat. Toss 1 cup pineapple chunks with 1 tbsp olive oil and 1/2 tsp salt. Grill the pineapple for 3-4 minutes per side until caramelized and slightly charred, then chop coarsely.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Sear the salmon skin-side down for 4-5 minutes until crispy, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through.
  3. Step 3: In a bowl, combine the charred pineapple, 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper, 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion, 1 minced jalapeño, 2 tbsp chopped cilantro, and 2 tbsp lime juice. Stir gently and season with 1/2 tsp black pepper to taste.
  4. Step 4: Serve each salmon fillet topped with 1/4 of the pineapple salsa, enjoying the contrast of smoky, sweet, and fresh flavors.

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (15 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa?

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 Charred Pineapple Salsa 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-Seared Salmon with Charred Pineapple Salsa 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.

Related recipes