Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Sweet Potato Mash

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

A simple Whole30-compliant seafood dish featuring tender salmon fillets paired with garlicky sautéed spinach and creamy sweet potato mash. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 35 minutes pairs salmon fillets, olive oil, fresh baby spinach 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 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 (8 ratings) Prep: 15 min Cook: 20 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Place 2 medium peeled and cubed sweet potatoes into a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil over high heat and cook for 15 minutes until tender when pierced with a fork. Drain and return to the pot.
  2. Step 2: Add 2 tablespoons ghee and 1/2 teaspoon sea salt to the sweet potatoes and mash with a potato masher until smooth and creamy. Cover to keep warm.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tablespoons olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place the fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the edges are crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 1 tablespoon olive oil and 3 minced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 1 minute until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 6 cups fresh baby spinach to the garlic oil and cook, stirring frequently, for 2-3 minutes until wilted but still bright green. Season with remaining 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  7. Step 7: Plate the salmon fillets alongside a generous scoop of sweet potato mash and garlic spinach. Drizzle 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice over the salmon before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Sweet Potato Mash take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (15 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 Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Sweet Potato Mash?

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 Sweet Potato Mash 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 Sweet Potato Mash whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, 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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