Baked Salmon With Spinach
A quick and nutritious baked salmon with sautéed spinach dish that balances tender, flaky fish with fresh, garlicky greens. Perfect for busy weeknights or special dinners, this meal is loaded with omega-3s, vitamins, and vibrant flavors.
- Author: James
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Salmon and Seasonings
- 4 fresh salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, about 6 oz each)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 lemon (juice and wedges for serving)
- Optional fresh herbs such as dill or parsley, chopped
Spinach and Garlic
- 6 cups fresh spinach, washed and drained
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
Optional Variations
- Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne (for spice)
- Grated Parmesan or crumbled feta cheese
- Fresh thyme, rosemary, or basil as alternative herbs
- Chopped toasted almonds or pine nuts (for crunch)
- Prepare Your Ingredients: Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Rinse salmon fillets and pat dry with paper towels. Wash spinach thoroughly and mince garlic finely for even flavor distribution.
- Season the Salmon: Place salmon on a baking tray lined with parchment paper or greased foil. Drizzle with olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Squeeze lemon juice over the fillets and add any optional fresh herbs.
- Wilt the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Add fresh spinach and stir until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Season spinach lightly with salt.
- Bake the Salmon: Spread sautéed spinach evenly around or slightly under the salmon on the baking tray. Bake in the preheated oven for 12–15 minutes, until the salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains moist.
- Final Touches and Serving: Remove from oven and add a squeeze of fresh lemon on top. Sprinkle additional fresh herbs if desired. Serve immediately for best flavor and texture.
Notes
- Use fresh salmon fillets for best flavor and even cooking.
- Do not overcook the salmon to keep it moist and flaky.
- Allow salmon to rest at room temperature for 15 minutes before cooking for even heat distribution.
- Sauté garlic gently to avoid burning and maintain flavor.
- Let cooked salmon rest for a couple of minutes after baking to lock in juices.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 salmon fillet with spinach
- Calories: 350 kcal
- Sugar: 1 g
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 4 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 75 mg
Keywords: baked salmon, spinach, healthy dinner, quick recipe, gluten free, omega-3, seafood, weeknight meal