Pan-Seared Salmon with Calabrian Chili Gremolata & Garlicky Zucchini Noodles

Pan-Seared Salmon with Calabrian Chili Gremolata & Garlicky Zucchini Noodles is built to be delicious and practical while aligning with healthy eating principles. Serve with a big side of vegetables and a whole‑grain or legume base for extra fiber, and taste as you go—layering herbs and acids can make low‑salt cooking sing. Always follow your clinician’s guidance for personalized targets.

Prep
15m
Cook
25m
Total
40m
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Ingredients

  • 2 each Salmon Fillets
  • 2 medium Zucchini
  • 2 cups Fresh Spinach
  • 3 cloves Garlic
  • 0.5 cup Fresh Flat-Leaf Parsley
  • 1 whole Lemon
  • 1 teaspoon Calabrian Chili in Oil
  • 2 tablespoons Pine Nuts
  • 3 tablespoons Extra Virgin Olive Oil
  • 0.25 teaspoon Sea Salt
  • 0.125 teaspoon Freshly Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Calabrian Chili Gremolata: In a small bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, zest of one lemon, 2 minced garlic cloves, and minced Calabrian chili. Stir in 1 tablespoon of extra virgin olive oil. Season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Set aside.
  2. Toast the Pine Nuts: In a dry skillet over medium heat, toast the pine nuts for 2-3 minutes, stirring frequently, until lightly golden and fragrant. Be careful not to burn them. Remove from heat and set aside.
  3. Cook the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides generously with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a non-stick or cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down (if applicable). Sear for 4-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily. Flip and cook for another 3-5 minutes, or until cooked to your desired doneness (internal temperature of 145°F / 63°C). Remove salmon from the skillet and set aside on a plate, tented with foil to keep warm.
  4. Sauté the Zucchini Noodles and Spinach: In the same skillet (add the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil if needed), add the remaining 1 minced garlic clove and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add the zucchini noodles and cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until slightly tender but still firm. Add the fresh spinach and cook for another 1-2 minutes until wilted. Squeeze the juice of half a lemon over the vegetables and season with a pinch of sea salt and freshly ground black pepper.
  5. Assemble and Serve: Divide the garlicky zucchini noodles and spinach evenly between two plates. Top each serving with a pan-seared salmon fillet. Spoon a generous amount of the Calabrian Chili Gremolata over the salmon. Sprinkle with toasted pine nuts and serve immediately.

Nutrition (per serving)

Calories: 687
Carbs: 15
Protein: 42
Fat: 51
Sodium: 380
Fiber: 6

Servings: 2 · Author: RecipeRX