Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Citrus Dressing

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

Tender salmon fillets seared to perfection and served atop garlicky sautéed spinach, finished with a bright citrus dressing that complements the rich fish. This american-inspired whole30 (gluten free) ready in about 25 minutes pairs salmon fillets, fresh spinach leaves, extra virgin olive oil 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.

Prep: 10 min Cook: 15 min Serves 4 American cuisine 350 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Season 4 salmon fillets with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper. Place fillets skin-side down in the skillet and cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crisp, then flip and cook another 3-4 minutes until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
  2. Step 2: Remove salmon from skillet and set aside covered to keep warm. In the same skillet, add 2 tablespoons olive oil and 4 thinly sliced garlic cloves. Sauté over medium heat for 1-2 minutes until fragrant but not browned.
  3. Step 3: Add 6 cups fresh spinach to the skillet and sauté with garlic, stirring frequently, until spinach is wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with 1/2 teaspoon sea salt and 1/4 teaspoon black pepper.
  4. Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk together 2 tablespoons orange juice and 1 tablespoon lemon juice. Drizzle this citrus dressing over the sautéed spinach and toss to combine.
  5. Step 5: Serve each salmon fillet on a bed of garlic spinach with a final drizzle of the citrus dressing. Enjoy immediately.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Citrus Dressing 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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Citrus Dressing?

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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Citrus Dressing?

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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Citrus Dressing 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 Skillet-Seared Salmon with Garlic Spinach and Citrus Dressing whole30?

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

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