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Salmon with Creamy Spinach

Category: Satisfying Main Courses for Every Occasion

This elegant dish features perfectly seared salmon fillets complemented by a velvety spinach cream sauce. The salmon is seasoned and seared until golden, while the luxurious sauce combines sautéed shallots, garlic, wilted spinach, and cream with optional Parmesan for richness. A hint of nutmeg enhances the flavors beautifully. The dish comes together quickly - ideal for weeknight dinners yet impressive enough for special occasions. Serve with rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes for a complete meal that balances protein and greens in one stunning presentation.

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Loura is a chef and she is standing in front of a table full of fruits and vegetables.
Updated on Thu, 08 May 2025 15:23:05 GMT
Two pieces of fish with sauce on a white plate. Save
Two pieces of fish with sauce on a white plate. | recipesfoodyummy.com

Recipe FAQs

→ What can I substitute for heavy cream in this salmon dish?

You can substitute heavy cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter version. Half-and-half also works well if you want to reduce fat content while maintaining creaminess. For dairy-free options, unsweetened cashew cream or full-fat coconut milk provide excellent alternatives that complement the salmon and spinach flavors.

→ How do I know when the salmon is perfectly cooked?

Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork but is still slightly translucent in the center. For medium doneness, the internal temperature should reach 125-130°F (52-54°C). The fish should change from translucent to opaque but still be moist. Avoid overcooking, as salmon can quickly become dry. The cooking time varies based on thickness - generally 4-5 minutes per side for average fillets.

→ Can I prepare this salmon dish in advance?

While best served fresh, you can prep components ahead of time. Prepare the spinach cream sauce up to 24 hours in advance and refrigerate. When ready to serve, gently reheat the sauce while cooking fresh salmon. Another option is cooking the salmon slightly underdone, then reheating it briefly in the sauce just before serving. This maintains moisture while allowing the flavors to meld together.

→ What sides pair well with salmon and creamy spinach sauce?

This salmon dish pairs beautifully with starches like buttered rice pilaf, roasted fingerling potatoes, or al dente pasta. For a lighter meal, serve alongside roasted asparagus, steamed green beans, or a simple mixed greens salad. Crusty bread makes an excellent addition for soaking up the delicious sauce. For wine pairing, consider a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or lightly oaked Chardonnay.

→ How can I make this salmon dish more flavorful?

To enhance flavors, add sun-dried tomatoes or sautéed mushrooms to the spinach sauce. Fresh herbs like dill, tarragon or chives make excellent additions. A splash of white wine or lemon juice in the sauce adds brightness, while capers provide a tangy contrast. For depth, include a teaspoon of Dijon mustard or a few drops of Worcestershire sauce. Finishing with fresh lemon zest just before serving will elevate the entire dish.

→ Is this salmon dish suitable for special diets?

This dish is naturally gluten-free and can be adapted for various dietary needs. For keto or low-carb diets, it's perfect as is. Make it dairy-free by using coconut cream instead of heavy cream and omitting the Parmesan. For paleo diets, use ghee instead of butter and coconut cream instead of heavy cream. The dish is rich in protein and healthy omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon, making it nutritionally balanced.

Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce

Seared salmon fillets topped with a rich garlic-spinach cream sauce - an elegant dish for any occasion.

Prep Time
10 mins
Cooking Time
15 mins
Total Duration
25 mins
By: Loura

Recipe Type: Main Dishes

Skill Level: Intermediate

Cuisine: Contemporary American

Portions Yielded: 4 Serving Size

Dietary Preferences: Low Carb, Gluten-Free

What You'll Need

→ For the Salmon

01 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
02 2 tablespoons olive oil
03 Salt and pepper, to taste

→ For the Creamy Spinach Sauce

04 1 shallot, minced
05 2 cloves garlic, minced
06 4 cups fresh spinach, roughly chopped
07 ½ cup heavy cream (or half-and-half)
08 ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese (optional)
09 1 tablespoon butter
10 Pinch of nutmeg (optional)
11 Salt and pepper to taste

Steps To Follow

Step 01

Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper. In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium-high heat. Sear salmon, skin-side down (if using), for 4–5 minutes until golden. Flip and cook for another 3–4 minutes or until cooked through. Remove and set aside.

Step 02

In the same skillet, lower heat to medium. Add butter and sauté the shallot for 1 minute. Add garlic and cook for another 30 seconds. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted (about 2 minutes). Pour in the cream, add Parmesan (if using), and a pinch of nutmeg. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

Step 03

Return salmon to the skillet or plate individually. Spoon the creamy spinach sauce over each fillet. Serve hot with rice, pasta, or roasted potatoes.

Notes and Tips

  1. Substitute cream with Greek yogurt or coconut cream for a lighter version.
  2. Add sun-dried tomatoes or mushrooms for more flavor depth.
  3. Fresh lemon zest or juice before serving adds brightness.

Required Equipment

  • Large skillet

Allergy Info

Double-check every ingredient for possible allergens and consult a health professional if you're unsure.
  • Fish (salmon)
  • Dairy (cream, butter, Parmesan cheese)