Elevate your dinner game with this deliciously balanced recipe for **Buttery Lemon Zest Salmon with Spinach Salad and Fries.** Perfectly pan-seared salmon fillets with crispy skin are drizzled with a luxurious garlic-infused lemon butter sauce, creating a vibrant, citrusy centerpiece. This dish is complemented by a refreshingly simple spinach salad tossed with cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and a tangy balsamic vinaigrette. To round out the meal, golden, paprika-seasoned fries—baked or fried to perfection—add a satisfying crunch. Ready in just 45 minutes, this recipe is a harmonious blend of comforting textures and flavors, offering a gourmet yet approachable way to treat your family or guests. Perfect for weeknights or special occasions!
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) for the fries.
Wash and cut the potatoes into fry-sized pieces. Toss them in a bowl with vegetable oil, paprika, and a pinch of salt. Spread them on a baking sheet in a single layer and bake for 25-30 minutes, flipping halfway through, until crispy and golden. Alternatively, deep fry them in vegetable oil until golden brown. Set aside.
Season the salmon fillets with salt and black pepper. Heat 2 tablespoons of butter in a large skillet over medium heat. Once melted, add the minced garlic and let it sauté for about 30 seconds.
Place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for 4-5 minutes on one side until the skin is crispy. Flip the fillets carefully and cook for another 2-3 minutes until the salmon is cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set aside.
In the same skillet, reduce the heat to low and add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Stir in the lemon zest and juice, letting the mixture melt together to form a buttery lemon sauce. Drizzle this sauce over the cooked salmon.
For the salad, combine the spinach leaves, cherry tomatoes, and cucumber in a large bowl. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, balsamic vinegar, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper. Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to combine.
Assemble the dish by plating each salmon fillet alongside a portion of spinach salad and a serving of fries. Garnish with fresh parsley, if desired.
Serve immediately and enjoy your buttery lemon zest salmon with the fresh, crunchy spinach salad and crispy fries.
Calories |
6270 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 638.1 g | 818% | |
| Saturated Fat | 115.6 g | 578% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 2.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 404 mg | 135% | |
| Sodium | 2993 mg | 130% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 67.5 g | 25% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 11.5 g | 41% | |
| Total Sugars | 10.3 g | ||
| Protein | 111.0 g | 222% | |
| Vitamin D | 57.0 mcg | 285% | |
| Calcium | 298 mg | 23% | |
| Iron | 8.2 mg | 46% | |
| Potassium | 3934 mg | 84% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.