This Creamy Lemon Salmon with Spinach is a rich, flavorful, and healthy dish that’s easy to prepare. The tender, flaky salmon is cooked in a creamy lemon garlic sauce with wilted spinach, creating a perfect balance of zest and creaminess. Serve it with rice, pasta, or roasted vegetables for a quick yet elegant meal.
Preparation Time
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets: 4 pieces, skinless
- Salt: ½ tsp (or to taste)
- Black Pepper: ¼ tsp
- Garlic Powder: ½ tsp
- Olive Oil: 1 tbsp
- Butter: 1 tbsp
- Garlic: 3 cloves, minced
- Heavy Cream: 1 cup (240 ml)
- Chicken or Vegetable Broth: ½ cup (120 ml)
- Lemon Juice: 2 tbsp (freshly squeezed)
- Lemon Zest: 1 tsp
- Spinach: 2 cups (fresh, washed)
- Parmesan Cheese: ⅓ cup, grated (optional)
- Red Pepper Flakes: ¼ tsp (optional)
Directions
1. Season & Sear the Salmon
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with a paper towel.
- Season both sides with salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
- Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear the salmon for 3–4 minutes per side, until golden brown and cooked through.
- Remove from the skillet and set aside.
2. Make the Creamy Lemon Sauce
- Reduce heat to medium and add butter to the same pan.
- Sauté the minced garlic for 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Pour in the chicken/vegetable broth, scraping up any browned bits from the pan.
- Stir in heavy cream, lemon juice, and lemon zest. Let simmer for 2 minutes.
- Add grated Parmesan and red pepper flakes (if using), stirring until smooth.
3. Wilt the Spinach & Return the Salmon
- Add the spinach and cook for 1–2 minutes, until wilted.
- Return the salmon fillets to the pan, spooning the sauce over them.
- Simmer for 2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld.
4. Serve & Enjoy
- Garnish with extra lemon slices and fresh herbs.
- Serve warm over rice, pasta, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables.
Serving Suggestions
- Over Pasta: Toss with cooked fettuccine or linguine.
- With Rice: Serve over fluffy white or brown rice.
- With Mashed Potatoes: Pair with creamy garlic mashed potatoes.
- Low-Carb Option: Serve with cauliflower rice or roasted veggies.
- Side Dish: Enjoy with a side of garlic bread or a fresh salad.
Cooking Tips
- Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor.
- Don’t overcook the salmon—it should be flaky and tender.
- For extra creaminess, stir in 1 tbsp of cream cheese.
- Want a thicker sauce? Let it simmer for a few extra minutes.
- Prefer dairy-free? Use coconut cream instead of heavy cream.
Nutritional Benefits
- Salmon: High in omega-3 fatty acids for heart health.
- Spinach: Packed with iron, vitamins A & C, and fiber.
- Lemon: Supports immune health with vitamin C.
- Garlic: Provides anti-inflammatory benefits.
Dietary Information
- Gluten-Free
- Keto & Low-Carb Friendly
- Can be made Dairy-Free (use coconut cream instead of heavy cream).
Nutritional Facts (Per Serving, Approx.):
- Calories: 400 kcal
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fat: 28g
Storage & Reheating
- Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Freezer: Freeze for up to 2 months (without spinach, as it becomes soggy).
- Reheat: Warm on low heat in a skillet, adding a splash of cream if needed.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in just 25 minutes.
- Healthy & Nutritious – Packed with protein and healthy fats.
- One-Pan Meal – Easy cleanup!
- Rich & Creamy – Perfect balance of lemon and garlic flavors.
- Customizable – Adjust spice level, add mushrooms, or swap spinach for kale.
Conclusion
This Creamy Lemon Salmon with Spinach is a luxurious yet simple meal that’s bursting with fresh flavors. It’s perfect for weeknight dinners, date nights, or meal prep. Try this restaurant-quality dish at home and enjoy a satisfying, nutrient-rich meal in no time!
Frequently Asked Questions
- Can I use frozen salmon? Yes, just thaw it completely before cooking.
- Can I use milk instead of heavy cream? You can, but the sauce will be thinner. For a thicker sauce, add ½ tsp cornstarch mixed with water.
- Can I substitute spinach? Yes! Use kale, arugula, or Swiss chard instead.
- How do I make it dairy-free? Replace heavy cream with coconut cream and butter with olive oil.
- What’s the best way to store leftovers? Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Can I make this spicy? Yes! Add 1 tsp chili flakes or cayenne pepper for extra heat.
- What if I don’t have fresh lemon juice? Use bottled lemon juice, but fresh is always better for flavor.
- Can I use skin-on salmon? Yes! Just sear the skin side first for a crispy texture.
- Can I add mushrooms? Absolutely! Sauté sliced mushrooms with the garlic for extra flavor.
- How do I make this lower in fat? Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream.