Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Dijon Glaze and Garlic Spinach

By AislePrompt Test Kitchen · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A quick pan-seared salmon dish glazed with a sweet and tangy maple-Dijon sauce, served with sautéed garlic spinach for a nutritious dinner in under 30 minutes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, maple syrup, Dijon mustard 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: 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 1 tbsp olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving until the edges are crispy.
  3. Step 3: Flip salmon and cook for an additional 3 minutes until just cooked through.
  4. Step 4: Remove salmon and set aside. In the same skillet, combine 3 tbsp maple syrup and 2 tbsp Dijon mustard, stirring over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until the glaze thickens and becomes shiny.
  5. Step 5: Return salmon to the skillet and spoon the glaze over each fillet, cooking for 1 more minute to coat.
  6. Step 6: Meanwhile, in a separate pan, heat 1 tbsp olive oil over medium heat, add 4 minced garlic cloves, and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
  7. Step 7: Add 8 cups fresh spinach and cook, stirring, for 2-3 minutes until wilted. Season with a pinch of salt.
  8. Step 8: Serve salmon fillets topped with extra glaze alongside the garlic spinach.

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Dijon Glaze and Garlic 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 Maple-Dijon Glaze and Garlic 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 6 oz each salmon fillets from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Maple-Dijon Glaze and Garlic 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 Maple-Dijon Glaze and Garlic 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 Maple-Dijon Glaze and Garlic 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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