Salmon and Spinach Recipe: How to Make It Creamy & Fast

Introduction

Looking for a quick yet impressive dinner option that’s ready in under 30 minutes? This salmon and spinach recipe is your answer. The combination of pan-seared salmon with creamy spinach creates a meal that feels like restaurant quality but is simple enough for busy weeknights.

Salmon paired with spinach has been a classic culinary match for generations. This pairing first gained popularity in Mediterranean coastal cuisines, where fresh seafood and leafy greens were staples. The rich, fatty salmon balances perfectly with the earthy, slightly bitter notes of spinach.

Beyond its amazing taste, this dish delivers exceptional nutritional benefits. Salmon provides essential omega-3 fatty acids and quality protein, while spinach adds iron, vitamins A and K, and numerous antioxidants. The combination makes for a nutritionally complete meal that boosts immune function, aids in tissue repair, and helps maintain optimal health.

What makes this recipe stand out is its creamy sauce that brings everything together without hours in the kitchen. A rich, velvety blend of garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan cheese elevates everyday ingredients into an unforgettable dish. Whether you’re cooking for a family dinner or a date night in, this salmon and spinach recipe is sure to impress.

Ingredients Salmon and Spinach Recipe

For the Salmon:

• 4 fillets of fresh salmon, each roughly 6 ounces
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/2 teaspoon paprika
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

For the Creamy Spinach Sauce:

• 2 tablespoons butter
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 8 ounces fresh spinach leaves
• 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (or coconut cream for a dairy-free option)
• 1/4 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 cup grated parmesan cheese
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped

Optional Garnishes:

• Lemon wedges
• Extra parmesan cheese
• Fresh herbs (basil, parsley, or dill)

Learn about the health benefits of salmon and how to select the best fillets from Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch.

This salmon and spinach recipe brings together perfectly seared salmon fillets with a luxurious, creamy spinach sauce that comes together quickly in one pan. Fresh salmon paired with tender wilted spinach makes for a wholesome and deeply satisfying meal.

The ingredient list strikes a perfect balance between simplicity and flavor. Each component plays an important role – from the rich heavy cream that forms the base of the sauce to the sun-dried tomatoes that add a sweet-tart punch. The recipe uses fresh spinach for the best texture and flavor, but you can substitute frozen spinach in a pinch (just be sure to thaw and drain it well).

For the salmon, try to select fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking. Wild salmon offers excellent flavor, but farm-raised works well too. Choose fillets that have a vibrant color and a clean, fresh scent. Make sure to pat them completely dry before seasoning to ensure a beautifully golden sear.

How to Make Salmon and Spinach Recipe

Step 1: Prepping Your Salmon

1. Allow salmon fillets to sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before cooking.
2. Blot excess moisture from salmon using paper towels until completely dry.
3. In a small bowl, mix salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika.
4. Rub this seasoning blend evenly across all sides of your salmon fillets.
5. Drizzle with a small amount of lemon juice.

Step 2: Searing the Salmon

1. Pour olive oil into a wide, heavy-bottomed skillet.
2. Heat oil over medium-high heat until it begins to shimmer but not smoke.
3. Gently lay salmon into the pan, placing skin-side down if your cuts include skin.
4. Let salmon cook undisturbed for 4 minutes to develop a golden crust.
5. Using a fish spatula, carefully turn salmon and cook opposite side for 2 minutes.
6. Test for doneness—salmon should flake with gentle pressure but remain slightly translucent in center.
7. Transfer cooked salmon to a clean plate and tent loosely with foil.

Step 3: Creating Your Spinach Cream Base

1. Reduce skillet heat to medium and add butter to the pan drippings.
2. Once butter melts, add diced onions and cook until translucent, about 2 minutes.
3. Add minced garlic and cook for 30 seconds until fragrant but not browned.
4. Stir in diced sun-dried tomatoes, allowing them to release flavor for 1 minute.
5. Pour chicken broth into pan, using wooden spoon to lift any browned bits from cooking surface.
6. Allow liquid to reduce by half, approximately 2 minutes.

Step 4: Finishing the Sauce and Assembly

1. Pour heavy cream into the reduction, stirring constantly.
2. When cream begins to bubble lightly around edges, add grated parmesan in small batches.
3. Stir continuously until cheese fully incorporates.
4. Add fresh spinach in three separate additions, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more.
5. Season sauce with crushed red pepper, additional salt and pepper if needed.
6. Stir in chopped fresh basil and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
7. Nestle salmon fillets back into the creamy spinach mixture.
8. Spoon sauce over fillets and allow everything to warm together for 1 minute.
9. Transfer to serving plates, spooning extra sauce over each portion.

This streamlined method ensures your salmon remains tender with perfectly crisp exterior while the spinach sauce achieves ideal consistency. The brief resting period for the salmon prevents overcooking, while building the sauce in the same pan captures all the flavorful compounds left behind. Fresh spinach wilts quickly when added gradually, maintaining its bright color and nutritional value. The entire dish comes together in approximately 25 minutes, offering weeknight convenience without sacrificing flavor complexity.

See this guide to pan-searing fish like a pro from Bon Appétit for more expert tips.

Serving Suggestions

This salmon and spinach recipe shines as a standalone dish, but several accompaniments can elevate your meal to new heights. For a complete dinner experience, consider these serving options:

Complementary Starches

• Buttered rice pilaf absorbs the creamy sauce beautifully
• Crusty sourdough bread for mopping up extra sauce
• Roasted baby potatoes with herbs
• Cauliflower mash for a lower-carb alternative

Fresh Side Options

• Simple green salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Steamed asparagus spears
• Roasted cherry tomatoes
• Quick-pickled cucumber slices for acidity

Beverage Pairings

• Crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay
• Light Pinot Noir if you prefer red wine
• Try sparkling water with lemon as a crisp, alcohol-free option

For an impressive presentation, serve the salmon and creamy spinach on warmed plates. Place the salmon in the center, spoon the spinach and sauce around it, and garnish with a lemon wedge and fresh herbs. This not only enhances visual appeal but keeps everything at the perfect temperature.

This dish works equally well for casual family dinners and special occasions. For more formal settings, consider individual serving dishes or white plates to showcase the vibrant colors of the salmon and spinach against the creamy sauce.

Tips & Variations

Pro Tips for Perfect Results

• Select salmon fillets of similar thickness to ensure even cooking
• For the crispiest skin, make sure your pan is properly heated before adding salmon
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when searing fish—cook in batches if needed
• Allow cream to come to room temperature before adding to the sauce to prevent separation
• If spinach releases too much water, simmer the sauce a bit longer to reduce

Smart Substitutions

• Replace heavy cream with half-and-half or coconut cream for different fat content options
• Swap parmesan for gruyère or fontina for varied cheese profiles
• Use frozen spinach in a pinch—just thaw and squeeze out excess moisture first
• Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach for different textures and flavors
• Wild salmon offers a stronger flavor while farm-raised tends to be milder and fattier

Creative Variations

• Add mushrooms to the sauce for an earthy dimension
• Combine spinach with artichoke hearts to add a Mediterranean touch.
• Include a splash of white wine before adding cream for depth
• Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts or sliced almonds before serving
• For heat lovers, increase the red pepper flakes or add a diced jalapeño

Make-Ahead Tips

• Prepare the sauce up to one day ahead, reheat gently, and cook fresh salmon
• For meal prep, portion cooled leftovers into airtight containers—they’ll keep for 2-3 days
• Refresh leftover portions with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when reheating

Nutritional Information Salmon and Spinach Recipe

Understanding the nutritional profile of this salmon and spinach dish helps you appreciate not just its flavor but its role in a balanced diet. A typical serving of this creamy salmon and spinach recipe contains about 325 calories, perfect for a filling yet moderate main course.

The pan-seared salmon fillet serves as the protein powerhouse in this dish, offering roughly 23 grams of complete protein per serving. Salmon stands out from other protein sources because of its impressive omega-3 fatty acid content – particularly EPA and DHA – which research links to reduced inflammation and better heart health. The skin adds extra nutrients when crisped up properly during the searing process.

Fresh spinach contributes a wealth of micronutrients while adding minimal calories. A serving of this recipe delivers approximately 80% of your daily vitamin K needs from the spinach alone, supporting bone health and proper blood clotting. The iron content helps transport oxygen throughout your body, while its folate supports cell division.

The creamy component, whether made with heavy cream or coconut cream for dairy-free diets, contributes about 20 grams of fat. This fat helps your body absorb the fat-soluble vitamins from the spinach.

For those tracking macros, each serving provides approximately:

• Protein: 24-26g
• Carbohydrates: 6-8g (mostly from the spinach and any added sun-dried tomatoes)
• Fat: 19-22g
• Fiber: 2-3g

When prepared with moderate salt, each serving contains approximately 480mg of sodium, about 20% of the recommended daily intake.

Read more on the role of omega-3s in heart health from the American Heart Association.

FAQs

Conclusion & Call to Action

This creamy salmon and spinach recipe brings together two nutritional powerhouses in a dish that’s as simple to prepare as it is delicious to enjoy. The contrast between the crispy-skinned, tender salmon and the silky wilted spinach creates a meal that feels special enough for company yet quick enough for busy weeknights.

By mastering this basic technique of pan-searing salmon and creating a creamy spinach sauce, you’ve added a versatile cooking method to your repertoire. The skills you’ve practiced here—properly seasoning fish, achieving the perfect sear, and building a flavorful sauce—transfer to countless other dishes.

What makes this recipe truly special is its adaptability. Whether you’re cooking for a romantic dinner for two or scaling up for family meals, the core technique remains the same. The variations we’ve suggested allow you to keep this dish in regular rotation without it ever feeling repetitive.

Have you tried this salmon and spinach recipe? We’d love to hear how it turned out for you! Share your experience in the comments section below, including any personal touches or variations you added. Did you serve it with rice, pasta, or another side? Your feedback and creative spins help our cooking community grow.

Bookmark this recipe for those evenings when you need a quick yet impressive meal that delivers on both nutrition and flavor.