Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Cauliflower Rice
Tender pan-seared salmon fillets served on a bed of garlicky sautéed spinach with fluffy cauliflower rice for a low-carb, nutrient-packed dinner. This American-inspired seafood recipe (low-carb, high-protein), ready in about 30 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, salt, black pepper 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 low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 pieces (5 oz each) salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 6 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1 large (about 4 cups riced) cauliflower head, riced
- 1 tbsp unsalted butter
- 4 lemon wedges
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Equipment for this recipe
Tools this recipe's steps call for, with a link to each on Amazon.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
- Step 2: Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp and golden. Flip and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 3: Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside covered to keep warm. In the same skillet, add 4 minced garlic cloves and sauté over medium heat for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted, stirring occasionally. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper.
- Step 5: In a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 4 cups riced cauliflower and sauté for 5-6 minutes until tender but still slightly firm, stirring occasionally.
- Step 6: Plate the cauliflower rice topped with garlic spinach, then place the salmon fillets on top. Serve immediately with 4 lemon wedges for squeezing over the salmon.







