Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus and Herb Salad

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

A bright, fresh salmon dish featuring a zesty citrus-herb salad that complements the rich, pan-seared fish perfectly. This mediterranean-inspired father’s day (high protein) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and sear for 4-5 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and edges are golden brown. Flip and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  3. Step 3: While salmon cooks, combine 1/2 cup chopped mixed fresh herbs, 1 large segmented orange, 1 large segmented lemon, and 1/4 cup thinly sliced red onion in a bowl. Whisk together 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil, 1 tsp honey, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper, then drizzle over the salad and toss gently.
  4. Step 4: Serve the pan-seared salmon topped with the citrus-herb salad immediately, allowing the bright salad to balance the rich fish.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Citrus and Herb Salad?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

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

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

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