Pan-Seared Lemon-Herb Salmon

Flaky salmon fillets with a golden, crispy crust, seasoned with fresh lemon and herbs, served with a vibrant quinoa pilaf and tender roasted asparagus.
- Prep: 15 min
- Cook: 25 min
- Total: 40 min
- Servings: 4
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Difficulty: Medium
- Cost: $4.72/serving
Dietary
- Gluten-Free
- Dairy-Free
- Nut-Free
- Soy-Free
- Egg-Free
- Low-Sugar
- High-Protein
- High-Fiber
Tags
- healthy
- quick
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (skin on or off)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil (extra virgin)
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill (chopped)
- 1.5 cup quinoa
- 3 cup chicken broth
- 1 bunch asparagus (woody ends trimmed)
Instructions
- Rinse quinoa under cold water and drain well. In a medium saucepan, combine rinsed quinoa and chicken broth. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes, or until liquid is absorbed and quinoa is fluffy. Fluff with a fork and set aside.
- Preheat oven to 400°F. On a baking sheet, toss asparagus with 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1/4 teaspoon salt, and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper. Roast for 10-12 minutes, until tender-crisp.
- Pat salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season with remaining 1/4 teaspoon salt and 1/8 teaspoon black pepper.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a large oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable) and sear for 4-5 minutes, until skin is crispy and golden.
- Flip salmon, then transfer the skillet to the preheated oven. Bake for 5-8 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Remove salmon from oven, squeeze fresh lemon juice over each fillet, and sprinkle with chopped fresh dill.
- Serve immediately with the quinoa pilaf and roasted asparagus.
Notes
For even cooking, ensure your salmon fillets are roughly the same thickness. Don't overcrowd the pan when searing the salmon, cook in batches if necessary.
Nutrition (per serving)
- Calories: 620
- Protein: 53.8 g
- Carbohydrates: 45.2 g
- Fat: 25.1 g
- Fiber: 8.7 g
- Sodium: 1280 mg
- Saturated Fat: 5.2 g
- Sugar: 3.1 g
- Cholesterol: 125 mg