Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Lemon Spinach

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

A simple Whole30-compliant dish featuring crispy salmon fillets served with tender garlic-infused sautéed spinach and a bright lemon finish. This whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, extra virgin olive oil, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a Whole30 week and pairs well with roasted sweet potato or a simple olive-oil salad. 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.

★ 4.3 (9 ratings) Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 350 cal/serving
Build a week of meals around this recipe → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Cookware & pots → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets, then season each with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly on both sides.
  2. Step 2: Heat 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil in a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering, about 2 minutes.
  3. Step 3: Place salmon fillets skin side down into the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and edges turn opaque.
  4. Step 4: Flip the salmon and cook for another 3 minutes until the flesh is just cooked through but still moist; remove from pan and set aside.
  5. Step 5: In the same skillet, add 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil and 5 minced garlic cloves, sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  6. Step 6: Add 10 oz fresh baby spinach to the skillet, tossing continuously for 2-3 minutes until wilted and tender.
  7. Step 7: Remove from heat, drizzle 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice over the spinach, and toss to combine.
  8. Step 8: Plate the salmon over the lemon garlic spinach and serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Lemon 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 Roasted Garlic and Lemon Spinach?

Refrigerate in a covered airtight container for up to 3–4 days (FDA FoodKeeper guideline for cooked fish). Store any fresh salsa or citrus-based garnish in a separate container — it keeps for up to 2 days. Freeze cooked fish (without fresh garnishes) for up to 3 months; thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat gently at 275°F until just warmed through to preserve texture.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Roasted Garlic and Lemon 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 Roasted Garlic and Lemon 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 Roasted Garlic and Lemon Spinach whole30?

Yes — this recipe is tagged whole30, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.

What others are saying

Related recipes