The Simple Slim Kitchen 30-day meal planning system
30 DAYS OF MEALS
🍴 MAKE DINNER EASIER
Tired of Figuring Out What to Cook Every Night?
Get 62 simple recipes, a complete 30-day meal plan, weekly shopping lists and easy meal-prep guidance.
Complete Digital System — Just $17
SEE THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN →
Instant digital access • One-time purchase
Japanese-style chef knife
UP TO 70% OFF
SMART KITCHEN UPGRADE
A Seriously Sharp Chef Knife Without the Premium Price.
Ice-hardened steel, a comfortable control grip, and a sharp edge made for slicing meat, vegetables, herbs and more.
SPECIAL ONLINE DEAL
FROM $24.99 EACH
with select bundle
SEE TODAY'S KNIFE DEAL →
60-day guarantee • Online offer

Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Pan-seared salmon paired with creamy mashed potatoes is a dinner delight that brings together flavor, texture, and a touch of elegance. This easy weeknight dinner creates a satisfying meal that feels indulgent without demanding hours in the kitchen. The crispy skin of the salmon complements the buttery smoothness of the mashed potatoes, while a side of green beans adds a fresh crunch.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This dish is not only delicious but also simple to prepare, making it perfect for busy evenings. The combination of salmon and creamy mashed potatoes is a classic that never disappoints.

🎁 TEMU $0 KITCHEN GIFTS

6 Kitchen Finds You May Be Able to Get for $0

Temu is currently showing these kitchen products as $0 gifts for eligible app users with qualifying orders. Tap any item below to check the current offer.

🎁 $0 gift availability may vary. Offers shown are for eligible Temu app users with qualifying orders. Tap a product to see current eligibility, pricing and terms.
Affiliate disclosure: We may earn a commission when you use links on this page.
  • Quick to prepare in under 30 minutes
  • Packed with flavor and nutrients
  • Perfectly crispy salmon skin
  • Comforting creamy mashed potatoes
  • Great for meal prep or entertaining

Ingredients

  • 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

How to Make Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes

  1. Start by cooking the potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
  2. Add the butter and heavy cream to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
  3. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked about halfway through.
  5. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat and squeeze a little lemon juice over the top.
  6. In the same skillet, add the green beans and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the beans are bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. To serve, place a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on each plate, top with a salmon fillet, and arrange the green beans alongside. Garnish with chopped chives.

Tips for the Best Results

  • Make sure the salmon is at room temperature before cooking for even cooking.
  • Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking the salmon; this helps get that perfect crispy skin.
  • Adjust the cream in the mashed potatoes to your preferred consistency.
  • Feel free to add other herbs or spices to the salmon for an extra flavor boost.

Easy Variations

  • Swap out the salmon for another fish like trout or tilapia.
  • For a twist on the mashed potatoes, try adding roasted garlic or cheese for extra flavor.
  • Incorporate seasonal veggies like asparagus or broccoli instead of green beans.

What to Serve With It

  • A fresh garden salad with a light vinaigrette
  • Crusty bread to soak up the creamy potatoes
  • A glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio
  • Roasted vegetables for a colorful side

Storage and Reheating

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a skillet or microwave, adding a splash of cream to the mashed potatoes to restore their creamy texture.

Recipe Card

Pan-Seared Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients:

  • 2 salmon fillets (6 ounces each), skin-on
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • Salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 pound russet potatoes, peeled and cubed
  • 4 tablespoons unsalted butter
  • ½ cup heavy cream
  • 1 tablespoon fresh chives, chopped (for garnish)
  • 8 ounces fresh green beans, trimmed
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 clove garlic, minced

Instructions:

  1. Start by cooking the potatoes. Place the cubed potatoes in a large pot and cover with cold water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 15-20 minutes, or until fork-tender. Drain and return to the pot.
  2. Add the butter and heavy cream to the potatoes. Mash until creamy and smooth. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Cover and set aside to keep warm.
  3. While the potatoes are cooking, prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
  4. In a large skillet, heat the olive oil over medium-high heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes, or until the skin is crispy and the salmon is cooked about halfway through.
  5. Carefully flip the salmon and cook for an additional 3-4 minutes, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Remove from heat and squeeze a little lemon juice over the top.
  6. In the same skillet, add the green beans and minced garlic. Sauté for about 3-4 minutes, or until the beans are bright green and tender-crisp. Season with salt and pepper.
  7. To serve, place a generous scoop of creamy mashed potatoes on each plate, top with a salmon fillet, and arrange the green beans alongside. Garnish with chopped chives.

Notes: Adjust the ingredients to suit your taste preferences. Enjoy your crave-worthy meal!

Related Posts

Your Next 30 Days of Meals — Already Planned
The Simple Slim Kitchen
Stop wondering what to cook every night. Get a complete 30-day meal system that makes meals, shopping & prep easier.
✓ 62 Recipes ✓ 30-Day Plan ✓ Shopping Lists ✓ Meal Prep
Get the complete digital system
$37 $17 TODAY
Instant Access  •  One-Time Purchase  •  60-Day Guarantee
GET THE 30-DAY MEAL PLAN — $17
No thanks, continue to CraveFinch.com
Scroll to Top