Pan-Seared Salmon with Zucchini and Cheese Gratin
A rich pan-seared salmon fillet paired with a creamy, cheesy zucchini gratin that’s low in carbs but high in flavor and healthy fats. This mediterranean-inspired keto (low carb) ready in about 45 minutes pairs 6 oz each salmon fillets, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 550 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.
Ingredients
- 4 pieces, 6 oz each salmon fillets
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 3 medium, thinly sliced zucchini
- 1 cup heavy cream
- 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese
- 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 3, minced garlic cloves
- 2 tbsp butter
- 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tbsp butter with 3 minced garlic cloves until fragrant, about 1 minute. Add 3 thinly sliced medium zucchinis and sauté for 5 minutes until slightly softened.
- Step 2: Pour 1 cup heavy cream over the zucchini, sprinkle 1 cup grated sharp cheddar cheese and 1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese evenly, and stir to combine. Transfer the mixture to a baking dish and bake for 20 minutes until the top is golden and bubbling.
- Step 3: While the gratin bakes, pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Step 4: Place salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot skillet and sear for 5 minutes without moving, until the skin is crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
- Step 5: Remove gratin from oven and sprinkle 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves on top. Serve each salmon fillet alongside a generous portion of zucchini and cheese gratin.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Pan-Seared Salmon with Zucchini and Cheese Gratin take to make?
Total time is about 45 minutes (15 min prep + 30 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 Zucchini and Cheese Gratin?
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 Zucchini and Cheese Gratin?
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 Zucchini and Cheese Gratin 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 Zucchini and Cheese Gratin low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
