Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A Whole30-compliant dish combining crispy-skinned salmon, garlic sautéed spinach, and sweet roasted cherry tomatoes for a nutrient-rich dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (whole30, gluten free) ready in about 30 minutes pairs divided olive oil, halved cherry tomatoes, minced garlic 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

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Toss 2 cups halved cherry tomatoes with 1 tbsp olive oil, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper on a baking sheet. Roast for 15 minutes until softened and slightly caramelized.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until skin is crisp.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon from skillet and add remaining 1 tbsp olive oil and 4 minced garlic cloves. Sauté garlic for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 6 cups baby spinach and 1/2 tsp salt. Cook, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Step 5: Serve each salmon fillet atop a bed of garlic spinach with roasted cherry tomatoes on the side and a lemon wedge for squeezing over.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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 Garlic Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

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 divided olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes?

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 Roasted Cherry Tomatoes 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 Garlic Spinach and Roasted Cherry Tomatoes whole30?

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

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