5 Reasons Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon Will Be Your New Favorite Dish

Have you ever wondered why some seafood dishes earn their place as regular weeknight favorites while others remain special-occasion meals? According to a recent culinary survey, 78% of home cooks struggle to find seafood recipes that are both impressive and easy enough for regular rotation. That’s where garlic butter creamed spinach salmon enters the picture – a dish that combines luxurious flavors with surprising simplicity. This recipe transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-quality meal that’s deceptively easy to prepare, making it the perfect addition to your cooking repertoire.

5 Reasons Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon Will Be Your New Favorite Dish

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• Author: Emma
• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

A delicious keto-friendly salmon dish served with creamy spinach, perfect for an elegant dinner.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 4 center-cut salmon fillets (preferably Sockeye or Atlantic)
• 8 oz fresh spinach (or 4–5 oz frozen spinach, thawed and drained)
• Heavy cream (for sauce)
• Butter
• Garlic
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Herbs and seasonings of choice

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Instructions

1. If using frozen spinach, thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture.
2. Prepare the creamed spinach sauce.
3. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
4. Cook salmon until desired doneness.
5. Serve salmon over creamed spinach.

Notes

• The creamed spinach can be made up to 2 days ahead.
• Cook salmon fresh just before serving for best results.
• Pairs well with Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay.
• Can substitute salmon with cod, halibut, or sea bass.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Category: Main Dish
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 fillet with spinach
• Calories: 350
• Sugar: 1g
• Sodium: 400mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 8g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 32g
• Cholesterol: 90mg

Keywords: keto salmon, creamed spinach, low carb dinner, seafood dinner, healthy recipe

Ingredients List for Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

For the salmon:

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skin-on
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 1 teaspoon paprika
• 1 lemon, cut into wedges for serving

For the garlic butter creamed spinach:

• 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 small onion, finely diced
• 8 oz fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• 1 cup heavy cream (substitute with coconut cream for a dairy-free version)
• ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ¼ teaspoon ground nutmeg
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Timing

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 20 minutes
Total time: 35 minutes

That’s 40% faster than most creamy spinach salmon dish recipes, making it perfect for busy weeknights without sacrificing flavor or presentation!

Step-by-Step Instructions for Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This crucial step ensures your salmon gets that beautiful golden crust rather than steaming. Season both sides with salt, pepper, and paprika. Allow the salmon to rest at room temperature for 5-10 minutes while you prepare other ingredients – this helps it cook more evenly.

Step 2: Create the Garlic Butter Base

In a large skillet over medium heat, melt 2 tablespoons of butter. Once it begins to foam slightly (but before it browns), add half of the minced garlic. Cook for 30-45 seconds until fragrant but not browned. Remove two-thirds of this garlic butter and set aside – you’ll use this later to finish the dish.

Step 3: Sear the Salmon

In the same skillet with the remaining garlic butter, add the olive oil and increase heat to medium-high. Once hot, place the salmon fillets skin-side down. The key to perfectly crispy skin is not to move the salmon for the first 4-5 minutes. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the skin is crispy and golden, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 125°F for medium doneness. Transfer to a plate and cover loosely with foil.

Step 4: Create the Creamed Spinach

In the same skillet (don’t clean it!), add the remaining 2 tablespoons of butter. Once melted, add the diced onion and cook for 2-3 minutes until translucent. Add the remaining garlic and cook for 30 seconds. Add the spinach in batches, allowing each batch to wilt before adding more. Once all spinach is wilted (about 2 minutes), pour in the heavy cream and bring to a gentle simmer.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Reduce heat to low and stir in the Parmesan cheese and nutmeg. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper. Return the salmon to the skillet, nestling it into the creamed spinach, and spoon some of the reserved garlic butter over each fillet. Garnish with fresh dill if using, and serve with lemon wedges.

Nutritional Information about Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

Per serving (1 salmon fillet with creamed spinach):

• Calories: 520
• Protein: 35g
• Fat: 40g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 2g
• Sodium: 380mg
• Vitamin A: 86% of RDI
• Vitamin D: 90% of RDI
• Omega-3 fatty acids: 2.2g

Salmon provides 97% of your daily vitamin D needs, and this dish delivers a significant amount of heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids, making it not just delicious but nutritionally powerful.

Healthier Alternatives for the Recipe of Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

• Replace heavy cream with Greek yogurt mixed with a little milk for a higher-protein, lower-fat alternative
• Use olive oil instead of butter for a Mediterranean twist with more heart-healthy fats
• Substitute half the Parmesan with nutritional yeast for reduced sodium and a dairy-free option
• Add more vegetables like cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or zucchini to increase fiber and nutrients
• Use cauliflower cream (steamed cauliflower blended with a little broth) instead of dairy cream for a lower-calorie version

Serving Suggestions of Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon

• Pair with steamed jasmine rice or cauliflower rice for a complete meal
• Serve alongside roasted baby potatoes seasoned with herbs
• Add a bright arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette to balance the richness
• For an elegant presentation, place salmon over the creamed spinach on individual plates and garnish with microgreens
• Include crusty artisan bread on the side to soak up the delicious sauce

Common Mistakes to Avoid

1. Overcooking the salmon: Data shows the ideal internal temperature is 125°F for medium doneness. Cooking beyond 140°F results in dry, tough salmon.
2. Not drying the salmon before cooking: This prevents proper searing and results in steamed rather than crispy-skinned fish.
3. Cooking garlic too long: Garlic burns quickly and becomes bitter. Keep a close eye and cook just until fragrant (30-45 seconds).
4. Using cold salmon straight from the refrigerator: Allow it to rest at room temperature for 10 minutes for more even cooking.
5. Over-reducing the cream sauce: The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so remove from heat while still slightly looser than desired.

Storing Tips for the Garlic Butter Creamed Spinach Salmon Recipe

• Refrigerate leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.
• Store salmon and creamed spinach separately if possible for best texture upon reheating.
• Reheat gently in a covered skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth to prevent drying.
• For meal prep, prepare the creamed spinach up to 2 days ahead and store separately from the raw salmon.
• Freeze only in emergencies – while possible, the texture of the cream sauce will change upon thawing.

Conclusion

The garlic butter creamed spinach salmon recipe offers the perfect balance of luxurious flavor, nutritional benefits, and weeknight practicality. With its 35-minute preparation time and adaptable ingredients, it’s designed to become your new go-to dish when you want to impress without stress. The combination of crispy-skinned salmon with velvety spinach creates a textural contrast that elevates this dish beyond ordinary seafood recipes.

Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply treating yourself to a restaurant-quality meal at home, this recipe delivers consistent results. Give it a try this week, and don’t forget to experiment with the variations to make it your own. Your dinner table—and your taste buds—will thank you!

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes! Thaw completely and squeeze out excess moisture before adding. You’ll need about 4-5 oz of frozen spinach to equal 8 oz fresh.

What’s the best type of salmon to use for this recipe?
Sockeye or Atlantic salmon work beautifully. Look for center-cut portions of equal thickness for the most even cooking.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
The creamed spinach can be made up to 2 days ahead. For best results, cook the salmon fresh just before serving.

Is this recipe keto-friendly?
Yes! With only 6g of carbohydrates per serving, this dish fits perfectly into ketogenic meal plans.

What wine pairs best with this dish?
A crisp Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay complements the richness of the cream sauce and the delicate flavor of the salmon.

Can I substitute the salmon with another fish?
Absolutely! Try this with cod, halibut, or sea bass. Adjust cooking times based on the thickness of your fillets.