Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Yogurt and Cucumber Salad

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

Crisp-skinned salmon paired with a cooling spiced yogurt sauce and fresh cucumber salad for a balanced meal. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 20 minutes pairs (6 oz each), skin on salmon fillets, olive oil, Greek yogurt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Mediterranean cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 salmon fillets dry and season both sides with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper. Heat 2 tbsp olive oil in a nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking.
  2. Step 2: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes without moving until skin is crisp and golden. Flip carefully and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through. Remove from skillet and keep warm.
  3. Step 3: In a small bowl, combine 1/2 cup Greek yogurt, 1/2 tsp ground cumin, 1/2 tsp ground coriander, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 1 small minced garlic clove, and 1/4 tsp salt. Stir well to make spiced yogurt sauce.
  4. Step 4: In another bowl, toss 1 medium thinly sliced cucumber with 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper.
  5. Step 5: Plate salmon with dollops of spiced yogurt sauce and a side of cucumber salad. Serve immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Yogurt and Cucumber Salad take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 min prep + 10 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 Spiced Yogurt and Cucumber Salad?

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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Salmon with Spiced Yogurt and Cucumber 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 Spiced Yogurt and Cucumber Salad 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 Spiced Yogurt and Cucumber 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.

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