Print

Tuscan Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Tuscan Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce

Tuscan Salmon with Garlic Butter Sauce is a quick and elegant dish featuring tender, flaky salmon topped with a rich, aromatic garlic butter sauce infused with sun-dried tomatoes, fresh spinach, parmesan, and herbs. This Mediterranean-inspired recipe balances indulgent flavors with wholesome ingredients, perfect for a healthy yet satisfying meal in under 30 minutes.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

  • 4 fresh skin-on salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil

Garlic Butter Sauce

  • 3 tablespoons unsalted butter (room temperature)
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1/4 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
  • 1/2 cup heavy cream
  • 2 cups fresh spinach leaves
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels, then season generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat until hot but not smoking. Place the salmon fillets skin-side down and sear for 4-5 minutes until the skin is crisp and releases easily from the pan.
  2. Flip and Finish Cooking: Carefully turn the salmon fillets over and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes until the fish is opaque and just cooked through. Remove the salmon from the skillet and place it on a warm plate to rest.
  3. Make the Garlic Butter Sauce: Lower heat to medium and add the butter to the same skillet. Once melted, stir in the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant but not browned. Add the chopped sun-dried tomatoes and cook briefly to release their flavor. Pour in the heavy cream and simmer gently, stirring frequently.
  4. Add Spinach and Parmesan: Fold fresh spinach into the sauce and cook until wilted. Sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese over the sauce and stir until melted and fully incorporated. Stir in the chopped basil, parsley, and lemon juice to brighten the sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return the salmon fillets to the pan and spoon some sauce over them. Warm through for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld. Serve immediately with extra sauce on the side for dipping.

Notes

  • Patting the salmon dry is key to achieving a crispy, golden crust.
  • Use room temperature butter for an even, creamy sauce.
  • Do not overcook the salmon; it will continue to cook slightly after removal from heat.
  • Cook garlic gently over medium or low heat to avoid burning and bitterness.
  • Add fresh herbs at the very end to preserve their bright flavors and colors.

Nutrition

Keywords: Tuscan salmon, garlic butter sauce, Mediterranean salmon, quick salmon recipe, healthy salmon dinner, garlic butter sauce, sun-dried tomato salmon