Pan-Seared Salmon with Herb Potatoes

This simple yet elegant pan-seared salmon with herb potatoes and fresh green salad brings restaurant-quality dining to your home table without the fuss. The combination of crispy-skinned salmon, fragrant herbed potatoes, and bright, fresh greens creates a perfectly balanced meal that feels special enough for weekend dinners but easy enough for weeknights.

I developed this recipe during a busy work week when I wanted something that felt special without requiring hours in the kitchen. Now it's become my go-to impressive dinner when friends come over—everyone thinks I spent much longer preparing it than I actually did.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillet: Choose wild-caught when possible for better flavor and nutrition. The skin provides essential fat and creates wonderful texture when properly crisped
• Olive oil: Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor profile
• Salt and black pepper: Kosher salt works best for seasoning the salmon. Freshly ground pepper makes a noticeable difference
• Garlic powder: Provides convenience and even distribution of flavor compared to fresh garlic which can burn during high-heat cooking
• Paprika: Adds subtle warmth and beautiful color to the salmon crust
• Lemon juice: Fresh is essential here. The bright acidity cuts through the richness of the salmon perfectly
• Potatoes: Yukon golds or red potatoes work wonderfully. Their waxy texture holds up well after boiling
• Butter: Adds richness and glossiness to the finished potatoes
• Fresh parsley: Brightens the potatoes with color and fresh herbaceous notes
• Lamb's lettuce or spinach: These delicate greens provide the perfect light counterpoint to the richer salmon and potatoes
• Lemon juice or balsamic vinegar: For dressing the greens with just the right amount of acidity

Pin it

Step-by-Step Instructions

Start with the potatoes:

Cut potatoes into even, bite-sized cubes about 3/4 inch in size to ensure they cook evenly. Starting them first is essential as they take the longest to cook.

Boil with care:

Add potatoes to already salted boiling water rather than starting in cold water. This helps maintain their texture and prevents them from becoming waterlogged. The water should taste like the sea.

Prepare the salmon while potatoes cook:

Pat the salmon completely dry with paper towels before seasoning. This is crucial for achieving a proper sear and crispy skin. The seasonings should be evenly distributed across the entire surface.

Master the sear:

Use a heavy-bottomed nonstick or well-seasoned cast iron pan. It must be properly preheated until you can feel the heat radiating when your hand hovers above. Place the salmon skin-side down and resist the urge to move it for the full 4 minutes.

Perfect the flip:

Use a thin spatula to gently loosen and flip the salmon. The skin should release fairly easily if properly seared. Be decisive with the flip to avoid breaking the fillet.

Dress the greens:

Just before serving, dress the greens lightly. The dressing should coat the leaves with a gossamer touch, not pool at the bottom of the bowl.

Final assembly:

Arrange components with intention. I prefer the salmon leaning against a small mound of potatoes, with the greens placed alongside rather than underneath to maintain their texture and temperature contrast.

Paprika is my secret weapon in this recipe. I discovered its transformative power when I accidentally doubled the amount one evening and found it created an almost bacon-like depth to the salmon's crust. My partner now insists I make it this way every time, calling it my "signature salmon." Sometimes the best culinary discoveries truly happen by chance.

Perfect Timing Secrets

Synchronizing the components of this meal takes a bit of practice, but becomes second nature once you've made it a few times. Start the potatoes first, then prepare and season the salmon while they cook. About five minutes before the potatoes are done, begin cooking the salmon. This ensures everything finishes at roughly the same time. The greens should always be dressed last minute for maximum freshness.

Ingredient Substitutions

Don't feel limited by the exact ingredients listed. This recipe framework welcomes adaptation. Any firm white fish works beautifully in place of salmon, though cooking times may vary slightly. Sweet potatoes offer a nutritious alternative to regular potatoes, requiring about the same cooking time but delivering a different flavor profile. For the greens, arugula adds a peppery kick, while mixed baby greens provide mellow flavor with varied textures. The dressing components can shift according to what you have—a splash of white wine vinegar or even a squeeze of orange can replace lemon juice.

Pin it

Pairing Suggestions

This meal pairs wonderfully with a crisp Sauvignon Blanc or light Pinot Noir. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a splash of elderflower cordial complements the flavors beautifully. If serving for guests, consider starting with a small appetizer like marinated olives or a simple crostini to set the stage for this elegant main course. The meal feels complete on its own, but for larger appetites, crusty bread makes a welcome addition for soaking up any remaining juices on the plate.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do I cook the salmon perfectly?

Heat a nonstick pan with olive oil over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4 minutes without moving it to allow a crispy skin to form. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until golden and cooked through, then drizzle with fresh lemon juice before serving.

→ What’s the best way to prepare the potatoes?

Boil peeled and cubed potatoes in salted water for 12-15 minutes until fork-tender. Drain, then toss with butter or olive oil, fresh parsley, salt, and black pepper for added flavor.

→ Can I substitute lamb’s lettuce in the salad?

Absolutely! You can use spinach, arugula, or any fresh leafy greens of your choice to prepare a similar salad. Adjust the dressing and seasonings to suit your preference.

→ What seasoning works best for the salmon?

A combination of salt, black pepper, garlic powder, and paprika enhances the natural flavor of the salmon. Adjust the seasoning based on your taste.

→ How do I make the salad dressing more flavorful?

For a more intense flavor, you can use a mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and a hint of honey or lemon juice. Whisk together until emulsified.