Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze and Herb Quinoa

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

Juicy pan-seared salmon fillets glazed with a tangy citrus sauce, paired with fluffy quinoa tossed with fresh herbs for a light, healthy dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, freshly squeezed orange juice for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water. In a medium saucepan, bring 2 cups water to a boil. Add the quinoa and 1/2 tsp salt, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Remove from heat and fluff with a fork.
  2. Step 2: While quinoa cooks, in a small bowl whisk together 1/4 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, 1 tbsp honey, and 2 minced garlic cloves to create the citrus glaze.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Season 4 salmon fillets evenly with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  4. Step 4: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 4 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy.
  5. Step 5: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 minutes until just cooked through.
  6. Step 6: Pour the citrus glaze over the salmon in the last minute of cooking, spooning it over the fillets to create a shiny glaze.
  7. Step 7: Remove the salmon from the pan and let rest for 2 minutes.
  8. Step 8: Stir 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill into the cooked quinoa.
  9. Step 9: Serve the glazed salmon fillets atop the herb quinoa for a vibrant, nourishing meal.

Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 30 minutes (10 min prep + 20 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 Glaze and Herb Quinoa?

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 Citrus Glaze and Herb Quinoa?

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 Glaze and Herb Quinoa 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus Glaze and Herb Quinoa?

Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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