Salmon with Garlicky Spinach & Pumpkin Seeds
Crispy-skinned salmon fillets nestled on a bed of garlicky wilted spinach, finished with a generous sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds. This quick, nutritious dinner comes together in under 25 minutes and feels elegant enough for guests while being simple enough for a weeknight. The nutty crunch of pumpkin seeds pairs beautifully with the rich, flaky fish.
For 4 servings
- prep · ~2 min
Season the salmon and prep the aromatics.
1.Pat the salmon fillets completely dry with paper towels.2.Season the flesh side generously with salt and black pepper.3.Thinly slice the garlic cloves and set aside.TIPDry skin is the secret to crispy salmon — don't skip the paper towels. - fry · ~6 min
Sear the salmon skin-side down.
1.Place the skillet over medium-high heat and add the olive oil.2.When the oil shimmers, lay the salmon fillets in the pan skin-side down.3.Press gently with a fish spatula for 10 seconds so the skin makes full contact.4.Cook undisturbed for 5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy.TIPDon't move the fish around — let the skin render and crisp on its own. - fry · ~2 min
Flip and finish the salmon.
1.Flip the fillets carefully and cook flesh-side down for 2 minutes for medium doneness.2.The fish should reach an internal temperature of 125-130°F and flake easily.3.Transfer the salmon to a plate and tent loosely with foil.TIPSalmon carries over cooking — pull it off the heat just before it looks fully done. - saute · ~3 min
Sauté the garlic and wilt the spinach.
1.Reduce the heat to medium and add the sliced garlic to the same pan.2.Stir for 30 seconds until fragrant and just beginning to turn golden.3.Add the spinach in handfuls, tossing with tongs until fully wilted (1-2 minutes).TIPWork in batches, adding more spinach as it wilts — it shrinks dramatically. - mix · ~1 min
Finish the spinach with lemon.
1.Remove the pan from the heat.2.Squeeze the lemon juice over the wilted spinach and toss to combine. - assemble · ~1 min
Plate the dish and scatter pumpkin seeds.
1.Divide the garlicky spinach among four plates.2.Place a salmon fillet on top of each bed of spinach.3.Sprinkle the toasted pumpkin seeds generously over the salmon. - serve
Serve immediately.
Serve the plates while the salmon is still warm and the skin is crispy.
What to keep in mind.
7 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1Pat the salmon fillets very dry with paper towels to ensure a crackling-crisp skin.
- 2Use a fish spatula to gently press the fillets into the pan for even skin contact.
- 3Resist moving the salmon once it hits the pan; let the skin render undisturbed.
- 4Pull the salmon off the heat at 125-130°F; carryover cooking will finish it perfectly.
- 5Toast pumpkin seeds in a dry pan for 1-2 minutes until they pop and smell nutty.
- 6Wilt the spinach in batches; it shrinks drastically and wilts more evenly.
- 7Store leftover spinach and salmon separately to keep the spinach from getting soggy.
Adapt it for your goals.
Low-carb/keto
Replace pumpkin seeds with crushed macadamia nuts or slivered almonds for a lower-carb crunch that fits a keto-friendly plate.
dairy freeDairy-free
This dish is naturally dairy-free; stick to olive oil and skip any butter additions to keep it lactose-intolerant friendly.
spicy kickSpicy kick
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes with the garlic for a subtle heat that complements the salmon and spinach.
nut free alternativeNut-free alternative
Substitute pumpkin seeds with sunflower seeds or toasted sesame seeds for a similarly crunchy, nut-free topping.
swap greensSwap greens
Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach; blanch or sauté them a few minutes longer until tender.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Rich in Omega-3s
Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health.
High in Vitamin K
Spinach provides a substantial amount of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Good Source of Zinc
Pumpkin seeds add zinc, a mineral that supports immune function and skin health.
Antioxidant-Rich Garlic
Garlic contains allicin and other antioxidants that may help reduce inflammation.
Frequently asked questions
Yes, but thaw them completely in the fridge overnight and pat them very dry before cooking to get crispy skin.
