Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon-Herb Salmon
A low-bloat, skin-healthy meal featuring delicate salmon and zucchini noodles, rich in omega-3s to support clear skin during Whole30. This mediterranean-inspired whole30 ready in about 29 minutes pairs salmon fillet, medium zucchini, olive oil for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 380 calories and feeds 1, 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
- 6 oz salmon fillet
- 2 medium zucchini
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1/2 lemon
- 1 tbsp fresh dill
Instructions
- Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Place 6 oz salmon fillet on a parchment-lined baking sheet, drizzle with 1 tbsp olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.
- Step 2: Spiralize 2 medium zucchinis into noodles, then toss with 1/2 lemon juice and 1 tbsp fresh dill; set aside.
- Step 3: Bake salmon for 12-14 minutes until the edges are crispy and the fish flakes easily with a fork.
- Step 4: Toss the zucchini noodles with remaining dill and lemon zest, then serve immediately with the salmon.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon-Herb Salmon take to make?
Total time is about 29 minutes (15 min prep + 14 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 Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon-Herb Salmon?
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 salmon fillet from drying out.
Can I substitute ingredients in Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon-Herb Salmon?
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 Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon-Herb Salmon for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 1 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 1). 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 Zucchini Noodle Salad with Lemon-Herb Salmon?
Mediterranean whole30 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.
What others are saying
- ★★★★☆
Really good but took about 10 minutes longer than stated.
- ★★★★☆
Tasty recipe. I'd add a bit more seasoning next time.
- ★★★★☆
Solid recipe. Not groundbreaking but definitely making it again.
