Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Wilted Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, topped with a bright citrus-honey glaze and served over garlicky wilted spinach. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs fresh orange juice, honey, garlic cloves, minced for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup fresh orange juice and 2 tbsp honey. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crispy and golden.
  4. Step 4: Flip salmon and cook for 2 minutes on the other side. Pour the orange-honey mixture over the salmon and cook for another 1-2 minutes, spooning glaze over the fillets until thickened and shiny.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet and keep warm. Add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves to the skillet over medium heat.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still vibrant green. Season spinach with a pinch of salt and optional 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes.
  7. Step 7: Serve each salmon fillet atop a bed of wilted spinach, spooning extra glaze from the pan over the top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Wilted Spinach 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 Citrus-Honey Glaze and Wilted Spinach?

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 fresh orange juice from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Citrus-Honey Glaze and Wilted Spinach?

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-Honey Glaze and Wilted Spinach 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-Honey Glaze and Wilted Spinach 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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