Pan-seared salmon served with a creamy spinach sauce made with garlic, white wine, and cream. This elegant seafood main course is perfect for Valentine’s Day, date nights, or refined home dining.
Pat salmon dry and season with salt and pepper.
Heat olive oil and butter in a pan over medium heat.
Place salmon skin-side down (if using skin) and cook for 4–5 minutes until crisp.
Flip and cook for 2–3 minutes until just cooked through.
Remove salmon from pan and keep warm.
In the same pan, lower heat to medium.
Add shallot and sauté for 2 minutes until soft.
Add garlic and cook for 30 seconds.
Deglaze with white wine and simmer for 3–4 minutes until reduced by half.
Stir in cream and simmer gently for 4–5 minutes.
Add spinach and cook until just wilted.
Stir in Parmesan and season with salt and white pepper.
Finish with lemon juice if desired.
Place salmon on plates and spoon spinach cream sauce over the top.
Serve immediately.
Wine
Chardonnay (lightly oaked)
Sauvignon Blanc
Pinot Grigio
Sides
Buttered rice or risotto
Roasted baby potatoes
Steamed asparagus
Green beans with lemon
Starters
Cream of Asparagus Soup
Champagne Cream Soup
Crab & Avocado Stack
Salmon is best when slightly translucent in the center
Don’t overcook spinach — it should stay vibrant
Garlic should be fragrant, not browned
Lemon juice brightens the cream sauce
Perfect Valentine’s main: elegant, comforting, and easy to prepare
2 servings