Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Garlic Sautéed Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Crispy-skinned salmon fillets topped with a tangy lemon-dill sauce, served alongside garlicky sautéed spinach for a light, nutritious dinner. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free, low carb) ready in about 25 minutes blends (6 oz each) salmon fillets, skin on, salt, black pepper into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook an additional 3-4 minutes until opaque and flaky; remove from skillet and keep warm.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 3 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill; season with a pinch of salt and set aside.
  5. Step 5: Lower heat to medium and add 1 tbsp unsalted butter and 1 tbsp olive oil to the skillet. Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  6. Step 6: Add 8 cups fresh baby spinach and cook, stirring often, until wilted and tender, about 2-3 minutes.
  7. Step 7: Serve each salmon fillet topped with the lemon-dill sauce alongside the garlic sautéed spinach.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Garlic Sautéed Spinach take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (10 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce and Garlic Sautéed Spinach?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Lemon-Dill Sauce 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 Sauce and Garlic Sautéed 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 Lemon-Dill Sauce and Garlic Sautéed Spinach gluten free?

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

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