Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Lemon Zest
Tender salmon fillets pan-seared in garlic butter, served atop wilted spinach with a bright hint of lemon zest. This Mediterranean-inspired keto recipe (low carb, gluten free), ready in about 25 minutes, pairs salmon fillets, unsalted butter, garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 420 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a low-carb week and pairs well with cauliflower rice or roasted green vegetables. 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 unsalted butter
- 4 cloves, minced garlic cloves
- 6 cups fresh spinach
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
Affiliate disclosure: AislePrompt may earn a commission on qualifying purchases made through Amazon links, at no additional cost to you. See our policy →
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Pat dry 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside.
- Step 2: Heat 1 tbsp olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add the salmon fillets skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes until the edges are crispy and golden, then flip and cook for 3 more minutes until just cooked through.
- Step 3: Remove salmon from skillet and set on a plate. Reduce heat to medium, add 3 tbsp unsalted butter and 4 minced garlic cloves to the same skillet, sautéing for 1 minute until fragrant.
- Step 4: Add 6 cups fresh spinach to the skillet, tossing gently in the garlic butter for 2 minutes until wilted and tender.
- Step 5: Return salmon to the skillet on top of the spinach, sprinkle 1 tsp lemon zest over the salmon and spinach, and cook for 1 more minute to meld flavors before serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Lemon Zest?
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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Lemon Zest?
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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Lemon Zest 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 Sautéed Garlic Butter Salmon with Spinach and Lemon Zest low carb?
Yes — this recipe is tagged low carb, gluten free based on its ingredient list. Always cross-check labels for packaged ingredients (sauces, broths, condiments) since formulations vary by brand.
