Pan-Seared Salmon with Mustard-Dill Sauce and Quinoa Salad
Tender pan-seared salmon fillets served with a tangy mustard-dill sauce, accompanied by a refreshing quinoa salad with cucumbers and cherry tomatoes. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 35 minutes blends (5 oz each) salmon fillets, olive oil, Dijon mustard 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 420 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces (5 oz each) salmon fillets
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 2 tbsp, chopped fresh dill
- 1/3 cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 cup, rinsed quinoa
- 2 cups water
- 1 medium, diced cucumber
- 1 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 cup, finely chopped red onion
- 2 tbsp olive oil (for salad)
- 1 tsp, divided salt
- 1/2 tsp, divided black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: Rinse 1 cup quinoa under cold water, then combine with 2 cups water in a medium saucepan. Bring to a boil, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until water is absorbed. Fluff with fork and let cool.
- Step 2: While quinoa cooks, whisk together 3 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1/3 cup Greek yogurt, 2 tbsp lemon juice, and 2 tbsp chopped fresh dill in a small bowl. Season with 1/4 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper; refrigerate until serving.
- Step 3: Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Place salmon skin-side down and cook for 4-5 minutes until edges are crispy and golden.
- Step 4: Flip salmon fillets carefully and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until cooked through and opaque.
- Step 5: In a large bowl, combine cooled quinoa, 1 diced cucumber, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, and 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion. Drizzle with 2 tbsp olive oil, 3/4 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Toss gently to combine.
- Step 6: Serve each salmon fillet topped with 2 tbsp mustard-dill sauce alongside a generous scoop of quinoa salad.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Mustard-Dill Sauce and Quinoa Salad take to make?
Total time is about 35 minutes (15 min prep + 20 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 Mustard-Dill Sauce and Quinoa Salad?
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 Mustard-Dill Sauce and Quinoa Salad?
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 Mustard-Dill Sauce and Quinoa Salad 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 Mustard-Dill Sauce and Quinoa Salad?
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.
