Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes

This delicious salmon dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Juicy salmon fillets are pan-seared until golden and served with a creamy garlic sauce made with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table.

Preparation Time:

  • Prep time: 10 minutes
  • Cook time: 15 minutes
  • Total time: 25 minutes

Ingredients:

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 tablespoon butter
  • 50g fresh spinach
  • 150ml cream (heavy cream or cooking cream)
  • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
  • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Directions:

1. Season the Salmon:

  • Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.

2. Sear the Salmon:

  • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
  • Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
  • Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

3. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes:

  • In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and butter, cooking for another minute until the tomatoes start to soften.

4. Add Spinach and Cream:

  • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it begins to wilt.
  • Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer, stirring to combine.

5. Add Parmesan and Cook:

  • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Combine and Serve:

  • Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top.
  • Let the salmon heat through for 1-2 minutes.
  • Garnish with fresh parsley and basil (optional).

7. Serve Warm:

  • Transfer the salmon and sauce to a serving plate. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.

    Tips for Success

    • Salmon Cooking Tips: Sear the salmon fillets until golden for extra flavor, and avoid overcooking by removing them from the heat just as they become opaque.
    • Cream Sauce Consistency: Allow the sauce to simmer until it slightly thickens; parmesan helps with this while adding a savory depth.
    • Add Fresh Herbs: Garnishing with fresh basil or parsley adds a pop of color and enhances the flavor.

    This creamy salmon dish pairs wonderfully with steamed rice, pasta, or crusty bread to soak up the sauce. Roasted or mashed potatoes are also excellent sides.

    Storage and Leftovers

    Enjoy this delicious Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes – a quick, satisfying meal that’s bound to impress!

Serving Suggestions:

  • Serve with a side of garlic mashed potatoes or steamed rice to soak up the creamy sauce.
  • Pair with a simple green salad or roasted vegetables for a light and balanced meal.
  • Garnish with lemon wedges for a fresh, zesty touch.

Cooking Tips:

  • Be careful not to overcook the salmon. It should be golden and crispy on the outside but tender and juicy on the inside.
  • If you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer to reduce. Add more Parmesan for a richer texture.
  • Use fresh spinach for the best flavor, but frozen spinach can be used if drained thoroughly.

Nutritional Benefits:

  • Salmon: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and vitamin D, promoting heart health and brain function.
  • Spinach: Provides iron, calcium, and vitamins A and C, supporting bone health and boosting the immune system.
  • Garlic: Contains antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory properties.
  • Tomatoes: Packed with vitamins and antioxidants like lycopene, beneficial for heart health.

Dietary Information:

  • Gluten-Free: This recipe is naturally gluten-free.
  • Low-Carb: The creamy sauce makes it suitable for low-carb and keto diets.
  • Nut-Free: Safe for those with nut allergies.

    Customization and Variations

    1. Add Mushrooms: Sliced mushrooms bring an earthy flavor and pair well with the cream sauce.
    2. Switch Up the Greens: Swap spinach for kale, Swiss chard, or arugula for a slightly different flavor profile.
    3. Dairy-Free Option: Use coconut cream for a dairy-free alternative, adding a unique flavor twist.

    Nutritional Benefits

    This Creamy Garlic Salmon dish is packed with nutrients:

    • Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health.
    • Spinach adds vitamins A, C, and K, along with fiber.
    • Tomatoes provide antioxidants like lycopene, supporting heart health and skin.

    Enjoy this Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes – a balanced meal that combines rich flavors, vibrant colors, and nutrients!

Nutritional Facts (per serving, based on 4 servings):

  • Calories: 450 kcal
  • Protein: 35g
  • Carbohydrates: 7g
  • Fat: 32g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Sugar: 2g

Storage:

  • Fridge: Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • Reheat: Reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat or in the microwave, adding a splash of cream if the sauce thickens too much.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe:

  1. Rich and Creamy: The Parmesan cream sauce is indulgent and packed with flavor.
  2. Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights.
  3. Healthy and Nutritious: Packed with omega-3s, vitamins, and minerals from the salmon and spinach.
  4. Versatile: Perfect for an elegant dinner or a simple weeknight meal.

Conclusion:

This creamy garlic salmon with spinach and cherry tomatoes is a perfect blend of healthy and indulgent flavors. The crispy salmon paired with the rich, cheesy sauce makes for a satisfying meal that’s easy to make yet impressive enough for guests. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite side, and savor the taste of a restaurant-quality meal made at home!

Frequently Asked Questions:

  1. Can I use a different type of fish?
    Yes, you can substitute salmon with other firm fish like trout, cod, or halibut.
  2. Can I make this dish dairy-free?
    For a dairy-free version, use coconut cream and omit the Parmesan cheese.
  3. Can I use frozen spinach?
    Yes, thaw frozen spinach and squeeze out the excess water before adding it to the pan.
  4. Can I make this dish ahead of time?
    While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can prepare the sauce ahead and reheat it before serving with the freshly cooked salmon.
  5. What can I serve with this dish?
    This salmon dish pairs well with mashed potatoes, rice, pasta, or even crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.Print
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    Creamy Garlic Salmon with Spinach and Cherry Tomatoes


    • Author: Olivia
    • Total Time: 25mins

    Description

    This delicious salmon dish is quick, easy, and packed with flavor. Juicy salmon fillets are pan-seared until golden and served with a creamy garlic sauce made with spinach, cherry tomatoes, and Parmesan cheese. Perfect for a special dinner or a weeknight meal, this recipe brings restaurant-quality flavors to your table.


    Ingredients

    Units Scale
    • 4 salmon fillets
    • Salt, to taste
    • Black pepper, to taste
    • 2 tablespoons vegetable oil (for frying)
    • 3 cloves garlic, minced
    • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
    • 1 tablespoon butter
    • 50g fresh spinach
    • 150ml cream (heavy cream or cooking cream)
    • 50g Parmesan cheese, grated
    • Fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
    • Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

    Instructions

    . Season the Salmon:

    • Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper on both sides.

    2. Sear the Salmon:

    • Heat the vegetable oil in a large pan over medium heat.
    • Place the salmon fillets in the pan, skin-side down if applicable. Cook for about 5 minutes on each side or until golden brown and cooked through.
    • Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside.

    3. Cook the Garlic and Tomatoes:

    • In the same pan, add the minced garlic and sauté for 1 minute until fragrant.
    • Add the halved cherry tomatoes and butter, cooking for another minute until the tomatoes start to soften.

    4. Add Spinach and Cream:

    • Stir in the fresh spinach and cook until it begins to wilt.
    • Pour in the cream and bring to a simmer, stirring to combine.

    5. Add Parmesan and Cook:

    • Stir in the grated Parmesan cheese and cook for about 2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.

    6. Combine and Serve:

    • Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over the top.
    • Let the salmon heat through for 1-2 minutes.
    • Garnish with fresh parsley and basil (optional).

    7. Serve Warm:

    • Transfer the salmon and sauce to a serving plate. Enjoy this delicious dish with your favorite side, such as mashed potatoes, rice, or crusty bread.
    • Prep Time: 10mins
    • Cook Time: 15mins