Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic and Herb Zucchini Noodles

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-08-09 · Updated 2026-08-09

Fresh salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection served over lightly sautéed zucchini noodles with garlic and herbs, perfect for a Whole30 meal. This American-inspired seafood recipe (whole30, gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, zucchini, garlic cloves 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 Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

Ingredients

• 4 (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets
• 4 medium, spiralized into noodles zucchini
• 3 minced garlic cloves
• 4 tbsp, divided olive oil
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• 1 tsp, divided salt
• 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
• 1/4 tsp (optional) red pepper flakes

The pan we’d use for this → Best Nonstick Cookware for 2026: Top 5 Skillet Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Pat 4 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat and place salmon skin-side down; cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp, then flip and cook for 3-4 minutes until cooked through.
2. Step 2: Remove salmon and keep warm. In the same skillet, add 2 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
3. Step 3: Add 4 medium spiralized zucchini noodles, 1/2 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (if using). Toss and cook for 2-3 minutes until noodles are just tender but still firm.
4. Step 4: Remove from heat, stir in 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley and 1 tbsp lemon juice. Serve salmon fillets on a bed of zucchini noodles garnished with extra parsley if desired.