Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Olive Oil and Summer Herb Salad

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

A light, bright seafood dish featuring tender sea bass fillets pan-seared to golden perfection, served alongside a fresh herb salad dressed with citrus-infused olive oil. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 25 minutes pairs about 6 oz each sea bass fillets, extra virgin olive oil, lemon zest for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 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: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mediterranean cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 4 sea bass fillets (about 6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp sea salt and 1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, combine 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil with 1 tsp lemon zest, 1 tsp orange zest, and 1 tsp finely chopped fresh rosemary; whisk gently to infuse.
  3. Step 3: Heat a large non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then add the sea bass fillets skin-side down. Cook for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden, then carefully flip and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the fish flakes easily.
  4. Step 4: While the fish cooks, toss 4 cups mixed salad greens, 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley, and 1/4 cup chopped fresh basil in a large bowl.
  5. Step 5: Dress the salad with 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice and 2 tbsp of the citrus olive oil mixture prepared earlier, tossing gently to coat.
  6. Step 6: Plate the cooked sea bass fillets and serve immediately with the fresh herb salad drizzled with the remaining citrus olive oil.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Olive Oil and Summer Herb Salad take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 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 Sea Bass with Citrus Olive Oil and Summer Herb 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 extra virgin olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Sea Bass with Citrus Olive Oil and Summer Herb 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 Sea Bass with Citrus Olive Oil and Summer Herb 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 Sea Bass with Citrus Olive Oil and Summer Herb 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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