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Crisp, pan-seared salmon topped with fresh salsa verde. This salmon with salsa recipe is quick, easy and nutritious, requiring just 6 ingredients and 20 minutes! It’s perfect for busy weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough for entertaining this summer!

Overhead photo of a white platter topped with pan-seared Salmon garnished with Salsa Verde on a bed of greens with a ramekin of salsa, fresh cilantro and neutral linen arranged around the platter.

About salmon with salsa recipe 

This golden brown, luscious, pan-seared salmon is PERFECTION! Cumin and paprika rubbed salmon filets with perfectly crispy skin and a tender, moist, melt-in-your mouth flesh. Generously topped with tangy, cool and refreshing salsa verde, this salmon is ULTIMATE in both taste and texture!

Not only is this dish bursting with robust flavor, it is also insanely easy to make! This recipe only requires six ingredients and can be prepped, ready and on the table in 18 minutes or less! It’s fast, flavorful and perfect for both busy weeknight dinners and summer entertaining!

Overhead photo of salmon filets seasoned with paprika and cumin on a parchment paper covered wood board with a ramekin of seasonings next to the salmon - photo of step 1 and 2 of the salmon with salsa recipe.

How to cook salmon with salsa?

There are various ways to cook salmon when serving it with salsa – grill, bake (roast), broil or poach – but my favorite way it to pan sear the salmon. The crisp outside and flaky, tender inside of the salmon tastes amazing with fresh, vibrant salsa!

Overhead photo of pan-seared salmon filets in a cast iron skillet with a ramekin of salsa next to the skillet - photo of step 3 and 4 of the salmon with salsa recipe.

FAQ: stove-top salmon

What is pan seared salmon?

Pan-searing is a simple cooking technique in which the surface of food is cooked in a pan over high heat. The technique causes meat or fish to form a delicious, golden brown crust on the exterior.

How to pan sear salmon?

Pan seared salmon is incredibly quick and easy to make! This recipe ensures evenly cooked, moist and tender salmon every single time! Topped with fresh salsa, this is a dish you will want to make over and over again!

  1. Dry and Season Salmon.  Pat salmon thoroughly dry between sheets of paper towel. Season liberally with cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
  2. Preheat Oil.  Heat oil in a large cast iron skillet until shimmering. (The key to prevent salmon from sticking is a hot pan with enough oil in it!)
  3. Cook Salmon.  Add salmon to the pan, skin side down. Cook for 5-6 minutes, or until the salmon skin easily releases from the pan. Flip and continue to cook until desired doneness is achieved.
  4. Rest.  Allow the salmon to rest for 2 minutes.
  5. Serve.  Top the salmon with a heaping spoonful of salsa and enjoy!

Overhead photo of green salsa verde in a neutral colored bowl with a spoon inserted into the salsa and a neutral colored linen arranged next to the bowl.

When is salmon done?

The exact length of time salmon requires to cook depends on a couple of different factors – the thickness of the fish and the doneness desired.

Salmon is done cooking when the flesh is relatively opaque and firm, yet still moist and flakes fairly easily with a fork.

You want to avoid overcooking the salmon or it will become very dry and unappetizing. While the USDA recommends cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 145 degrees Fahrenheit, the fish will taste chalky and dry at that temperature. Most chefs or seasoned cooks recommend cooking salmon to an internal temperature of 125 degrees. Keep in mind the salmon needs to rest after being cooked (just like a steak), and the residual heat will continue to cook the salmon, even after it is off of the heat.

The exact temperature for salmon doneness:

  • 120 degrees – Rare
  • 130 degrees – Medium Rare
  • 140 degrees – Medium
  • 150 degrees – Medium Well
  • 160 – Well Done

Overhead, up-close photo of pan-seared Salmon garnished with Salsa Verde on a bed of greens. (Photo of how to serve salmon with salsa)

How to reheat salmon?

Always reheat salmon gently over low heat. Since salmon has an abundance of fatty acids, high heat will cause the acids to oxidize rapidly and produce a very fishy smell.

To reheat salmon, place the filets on a wire rack inserted into a rimmed baking sheet. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 275 degrees until fish is warmed throughout and reaches an internal temperature or 125 degrees Fahrenheit, about 15 minutes per inch of thickness.

Angled photo of pan-seared Salmon garnished with Salsa Verde on a bed of greens.

What to serve with salmon and salsa?

  • Fresh, crisp coleslaw
  • Cooked rice or any cooked grain, such as quinoa
  • Grilled vegetables – corn on the cob, zucchini, summer squash
  • Avocado salad
  • Warm tortillas (you can turn the dish into tacos!)

Is salmon salsa healthy?

Salmon with salsa is not only delicious, it is also extremely healthy and nutritionally dense as both the salmon and the salsa have numerous health benefits!

Salmon is an excellent source of protein, vitamins and minerals. As well, it’s rich with heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids which contributes to healthy brain function, heart health and general well-being.

Salsa Verde is low in calories, plus high in vitamin c and fiber.

Overhead photo of a white platter topped with pan-seared Salmon garnished with Salsa Verde on a bed of greens with on of the salmon filets cut open to show the inside of the salmon.

Insanely easy to make and packed with flavor, this salmon with salsa is sure to become a family favorite!

Until next week, friends, cheers – to succulent salmon!

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More simple, one pan salmon dinner recipes!

Are you looking for more delicious recipes for salmon? Try these family favorites next:

The best Salmon with Salsa recipe 👇

Overhead photo of a white platter topped with pan-seared Salmon garnished with Salsa Verde on a bed of greens.

Salmon with Salsa Verde

5 from 5 votes
Total Time: 18 minutes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 8 minutes
Servings: 4 people
Crisp, golden, pan-seared salmon topped with fresh salsa verde.  This dish is quick, easy and nutritious!  It's perfect for busy weeknight dinners, yet elegant enough for entertaining this summer!

Equipment

  • skillet

Ingredients 

Optional for Serving: Diced Avocado, Finely Diced Red Onion, Chopped Cilantro, Lime Wedges, Sliced Radishes, Spring Mix Lettuce

    Instructions

    • Dry & Season salmon filets: Pat salmon thoroughly dry between sheets of paper towels. Season both sides of salmon with cumin, paprika, salt and pepper.
    • Pan-sear salmon: Heat oil in a large cast iron or stainless skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering. Reduce heat to medium and add salmon, skin side down. Use the back of a fish spatula to gently press down on the fish for 5-10 seconds to prevent the skin from curling.
    • Cook for 5-6 minutes*, or until the salmon skin easily releases from the pan. Flip and continue to cook an additional 3-5 minutes or until desired doneness is achieved. Remove salmon and allow to rest 2 minutes.
    • To serve: Transfer salmon to serving platter and top heaping spoonful with salsa verde and optional toppings. Serve with lime wedges on the side. Enjoy!

    Notes

    1. If the salmon skin is resisting when you attempt to lift a corner to flip the fish, allow it to continue to cook until it lifts easily. DO NOT force the fish.
    2. Doneness for salmon: 120 degrees F for rare, 130 degrees for medium-rare, 140 for medium.
    3. To reheat salmon, place the filets on a wire rack inserted into a rimmed baking sheet.  Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and reheat in an oven preheated to 275 degrees until fish is warmed throughout and reaches an internal temperature or 125 degrees Fahrenheit, about 15 minutes per inch of thickness.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 126kcal    Carbohydrates: 1g    Protein: 9g    Fat: 10g    Saturated Fat: 1g    Cholesterol: 23mg    Sodium: 21mg    Potassium: 222mg    Fiber: 1g    Sugar: 1g    Vitamin A: 140IU    Calcium: 12mg    Iron: 0.9mg

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