Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Arugula

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender salmon fillets pan-seared to golden perfection with a tangy honey-mustard glaze, served on a bed of peppery wilted arugula. This seafood-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each) salmon fillets, Dijon mustard, honey for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 370 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: 10 min Serves 4 Seafood cuisine 370 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp honey, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice until smooth.
  2. Step 2: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  3. Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crispy.
  4. Step 4: Flip the fillets and brush the honey-mustard glaze evenly on the cooked side. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  5. Step 5: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside. Add 4 cups fresh arugula to the skillet and sauté for 1-2 minutes until just wilted. Serve salmon on a bed of wilted arugula.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Arugula 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 Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Arugula?

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 (6 oz each) salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Arugula?

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 Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Arugula 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.

What goes well with Pan-Seared Salmon with Honey-Mustard Glaze and Wilted Arugula?

Seafood seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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