Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter and Garlic Sautéed Spinach
A quick pan-seared salmon topped with a bright lemon-dill butter served alongside tender garlic sautéed spinach for a light, elegant dish. This mediterranean-inspired seafood 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 480 calories and feeds 2, 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.
Ingredients
- 2 pieces (6 oz each, skin on) salmon fillets
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter
- 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves
- 5 cups fresh baby spinach
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 2 salmon fillets and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, mix 3 tbsp unsalted butter with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1 tsp lemon zest, and 1 tbsp lemon juice until combined.
- Step 3: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until the skin is crisp.
- Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
- Step 5: Remove salmon and set aside; lower heat to medium and add the lemon-dill butter to the pan. Let it melt and bubble slightly.
- Step 6: Add 3 thinly sliced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant, then add 5 cups fresh baby spinach and 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes. Stir frequently for 2-3 minutes until spinach is wilted but still bright green.
- Step 7: Serve salmon topped with the melted lemon-dill butter and garlic spinach on the side.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Butter and Garlic Sautéed 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 Lemon-Dill Butter and Garlic Sautéed 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 Lemon-Dill Butter and Garlic Sautéed 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 Lemon-Dill Butter and Garlic Sautéed Spinach for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Lemon-Dill Butter and Garlic Sautéed Spinach?
Mediterranean 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.
