Sometimes the simplest meals are the most rewarding. This dish of pan-seared salmon paired with buttery herb potatoes and a light salad is the kind of wholesome meal you can turn to whether you’re cooking for yourself or someone you care about. Salmon cooks quickly and delivers a rich, flavorful bite with very little effort, especially when it’s pan-seared until crispy on the outside and tender in the middle. The herb potatoes add a comforting, earthy side, and the crisp, lemony greens balance it all out.
This meal brings together quality ingredients and lets them shine. With just a handful of pantry staples—like garlic powder, paprika, and olive oil—you get a plate that looks restaurant-worthy and tastes like comfort on a fork. It’s easy enough for a weeknight dinner but elegant enough for a casual dinner party. You can even prep the potatoes and salad ahead of time to save a few minutes. Whether you’re trying to eat better, cook more at home, or just want a delicious way to enjoy salmon, this recipe hits all the right notes.
Ingredients (Serves 1):
Main
– 1 salmon fillet
– Olive oil
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Garlic powder
– Paprika
– Fresh lemon juice
Side: Herb Potatoes
– 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
– Butter or olive oil
– Salt
– Black pepper
– Fresh parsley, chopped
Salad
– Fresh lamb’s lettuce or spinach
– Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar
– Salt
– Black pepper
Instructions:
Begin by boiling the potatoes in salted water until they are fork-tender. Once drained, toss them with butter, black pepper, salt, and chopped parsley for a herby finish.
Heat a nonstick skillet with olive oil over medium-high heat. Season the salmon on both sides with salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika. Sear the fillet skin-side down until golden, then flip and cook until just done. Drizzle with lemon juice just before removing from the heat.
For the salad, combine lamb’s lettuce or spinach with lemon juice or balsamic vinegar, a drizzle of olive oil, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
Plate everything together: the crisp salmon, the warm herb potatoes, and the refreshing salad. Serve immediately and enjoy.
Nutritional and Dietary Information:
This balanced dish provides heart-healthy fats from salmon and olive oil, fiber-rich potatoes, and essential vitamins from the leafy greens. It’s rich in protein and omega-3s, making it ideal for those following a Mediterranean or low-carb diet. Use olive oil instead of butter for a fully dairy-free option. Also gluten-free by default.
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