Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Fresh Herb Salad

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A bright and healthy seafood dish featuring pan-seared salmon paired with a fresh citrus and herb salad. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 22 minutes pairs tablespoons olive oil, teaspoon salt, teaspoon black pepper for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 360 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. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 12 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 360 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon black pepper on both sides. Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden.
  2. Step 2: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flesh flakes easily with a fork. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In a large bowl, combine 4 cups mixed salad greens with 1 segmented large orange, 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley, and 1 tablespoon chopped fresh mint. Toss gently to combine.
  4. Step 4: Serve the salmon fillets on plates topped with the citrus herb salad for a refreshing contrast.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Fresh Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (10 min prep + 12 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 Citrus and Fresh Herb Salad?

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 tablespoons olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Fresh Herb Salad?

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 Citrus and Fresh Herb Salad 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 Citrus and Fresh Herb Salad gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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