Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Lemon Zest

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

A tender pan-seared salmon fillet served atop a bed of garlic sautéed spinach, brightened with fresh lemon zest. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free, whole30) ready in about 20 minutes pairs salmon fillet, olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 1, 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.

★ 4.5 (15 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 1 Mediterranean cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 6 oz salmon fillet and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden. Flip and cook 3 more minutes until opaque throughout. Remove salmon and set aside.
  3. Step 3: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves, sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant but not browned.
  4. Step 4: Add 4 cups fresh spinach and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
  5. Step 5: Remove from heat, stir in zest and juice of 1 lemon, adjust seasoning with salt if needed.
  6. Step 6: Plate the garlic spinach and top with the salmon fillet, drizzle any pan juices over the top before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Lemon Zest take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Garlic Spinach and Lemon Zest?

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 Garlic Spinach and Lemon Zest?

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 Garlic Spinach and Lemon Zest for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Garlic Spinach and Lemon Zest gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged gluten free, whole30 based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

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