Mediterranean Salmon Spinach Recipe

Why You Will Love This Mediterranean Salmon Spinach

A Mediterranean-Inspired Culinary Escape

Imagine a salmon spinach recipe that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean, where fresh ingredients dance together in perfect harmony. This exquisite salmon spinach recipe combines the rich, buttery texture of perfectly seared salmon with the earthy, vibrant notes of tender spinach, creating a dish that’s both nutritionally powerful and utterly irresistible.

For Every Occasion

This salmon spinach recipe is designed for those moments that demand more than just sustenance; for romantic dates that linger into starlit conversations, for family gatherings where food becomes the language of love, and for solo culinary adventures that remind us of the pure joy of mindful cooking. Whether you’re a seasoned home chef or a curious kitchen novice, salmon spinach recipe promises to transport you to the warmth of Mediterranean coastlines, one exquisite bite at a time.

Elevate Your Cooking

Perfect for an elegant weekday lunch or an impressive weekend gathering, this salmon spinach recipe promises to elevate your culinary repertoire with its sophisticated flavors and stunning presentation, transforming an ordinary meal preparation into a celebration of fresh ingredients, sophisticated techniques, and the joy of mindful cooking.

Overhead view of fresh salmon, spinach, pine nuts, and Mediterranean ingredients on a marble surface for salmon spinach recipe
The Building Blocks of Flavor Ingredients

Equipment

  • Large cast-iron skillet or non-stick heavy-bottom pan
  • Wooden spatula or fish turner
  • Meat thermometer
  • Sharp chef’s knife
  • Cutting board

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

  • 4 (6-ounce) wild-caught salmon fillets
  • 2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Spinach Base:

  • 6 cups fresh baby spinach
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • 1/4 cup toasted pine nuts
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Bonus Flavor Enhancers:

  • 1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
  • Drizzle of honey-dijon glaze (optional)

Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Bas

In a large skillet, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 to 45 seconds until fragrant. Add the spinach and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, stirring gently, until just wilted. Sprinkle with lemon zest, pine nuts, and a pinch of salt, then transfer the spinach mixture to a serving platter.

Step 2: Perfecting the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season them with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper. Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets and cook for an additional 2 to 3 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through.

Step 3: Final Composition

Gently place the seared salmon atop the prepared spinach base. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh dill, then drizzle with the optional honey-Dijon glaze for a touch of sweetness and tang.

Chef searing salmon in skillet with fresh spinach leaves nearby for the salmon spinach recipe
The Art of Perfectly Seared Salmon

Making Ahead & Storage

  • Salmon is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.
  • Prepare spinach base just before serving to maintain optimal texture.
  • Store salmon and spinach separately to prevent sogginess.

Expert Tips

  • Always choose wild-caught salmon for superior flavor and nutrition.
  • Use a cast-iron skillet for the most even, crispy salmon skin.
  • Let salmon rest for 2-3 minutes after cooking to retain moisture.

Presentation Ideas

  • Swap pine nuts with sliced almonds
  • Use rainbow chard instead of spinach
  • Add a Mediterranean twist with kalamata olives

Nutritional Insights

This Mediterranean salmon spinach recipe isn’t just delicious, it’s a true nutritional powerhouse. Packed with the goodness of salmon, which provides essential omega 3 fatty acids that support heart health and reduce inflammation, the salmon spinach recipe is the perfect choice for a balanced meal. Meanwhile, spinach adds its own array of benefits, offering a rich source of iron, vitamins A, C, and K, as well as powerful antioxidants that promote overall wellness. Together, these ingredients create a vibrant, nutrient-dense dish that not only satisfies your taste buds but also fuels your body with the essential nutrients it needs to thrive.

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FAQ Section

Can I use frozen salmon for this Mediterranean salmon spinach recipe?

Fresh is best, but high-quality thawed salmon works wonderfully.

Is this salmon spinach recipe kid-friendly?

Absolutely! The mild flavors and crispy texture of salmon spinach recipe appeal to most children.

How can I ensure my salmon isn’t overcooked?

Use a meat thermometer. Salmon is perfect at 145°F internal temperature.

Can I substitute spinach with another leafy green?

Yes! Try Swiss chard, kale, or arugula for different flavor profiles. Adjust cooking time accordingly, as some greens cook faster than spinach.

Can I grill this salmon instead of pan-searing?

Absolutely! Use a clean, well-oiled grill grate. Grill for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on fillet thickness.

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Crispy-skinned salmon spinach recipe served with pine nuts and feta cheese

Mediterranean Salmon Spinach Recipe


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  • Author: Callie’s Recipes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Description

Perfect for an elegant weekday lunch or an impressive weekend gathering, this Salmon Spinach recipe promises to elevate your culinary repertoire!


Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon:

4 (6-ounce) wild-caught salmon fillets

2 tablespoons extra-virgin olive oil

1 teaspoon smoked paprika

1 teaspoon dried oregano

Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper to taste

For the Spinach Base:

6 cups fresh baby spinach

3 cloves garlic, minced

2 tablespoons unsalted butter

1/4 cup toasted pine nuts

Zest of 1 lemon

2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice

Bonus Flavor Enhancers:

1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

Drizzle of honey-dijon glaze (optional)


Instructions

Prepare the Spinach Base:

  1. In a large skillet, melt butter over medium heat.
  2. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30-45 seconds until fragrant.
  3. Add spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until just wilted.
  4. Sprinkle with lemon zest, pine nuts, and a pinch of salt.
  5. Transfer spinach mixture to a serving platter.

Perfecting the Salmon:

  1. Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels.
  2. Season salmon with smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and pepper.
  3. Heat olive oil in the same skillet over medium-high heat.
  4. Place salmon skin-side down, cooking for 4-5 minutes until crispy.
  5. Flip and cook an additional 2-3 minutes until salmon is just cooked through.

Final Composition:

  1. Gently place seared salmon atop the prepared spinach base.
  2. Sprinkle with crumbled feta and fresh dill.
  3. Drizzle with optional honey-dijon glaze.

Notes

Salmon is best enjoyed fresh but can be refrigerated for up to 2 days.

Prepare spinach base just before serving to maintain optimal texture.

Store salmon and spinach separately to prevent sogginess.

  • Prep Time: 20 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Lunch
  • Method: Searing
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Calories: 375
  • Sugar: 2g
  • Sodium: 300 mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Carbohydrates: 10g
  • Fiber: 4g
  • Protein: 30g
  • Cholesterol: 70 mg

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