Pan-Seared Salmon with Jazz Citrus Glaze and Wilted Spinach

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

Delicate salmon fillets pan-seared to a golden finish and glazed with a sweet-tangy citrus sauce, served over vibrant wilted spinach for a soulful, fresh dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on 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 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: 15 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 380 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Season 4 salmon fillets evenly with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon skin side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until skin is crisp and golden, then flip and cook an additional 3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove salmon and keep warm.
  2. Step 2: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp olive oil and sauté 2 minced garlic cloves for 30 seconds until fragrant. Pour in 1/3 cup freshly squeezed orange juice, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp honey. Simmer the glaze over medium heat for 3-4 minutes until slightly thickened and syrupy.
  3. Step 3: Meanwhile, in a separate pan, melt 1 tbsp unsalted butter over medium heat. Add 6 cups baby spinach and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, sautéing for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted but still vibrant. Stir in 1 tbsp chopped fresh thyme leaves and season with a pinch of salt.
  4. Step 4: Plate the wilted spinach, place the salmon fillets on top, and drizzle generously with the citrus glaze. Serve immediately for a fresh, soulful meal.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Jazz Citrus Glaze and Wilted Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 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 Jazz Citrus Glaze and Wilted Spinach?

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 salt from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Jazz Citrus Glaze and Wilted Spinach?

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 Jazz Citrus Glaze and Wilted Spinach 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 Jazz Citrus Glaze and Wilted Spinach gluten free?

Yes — this recipe is tagged 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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