Pan-Seared Salmon with Warm Chickpea and Spinach Salad
A comforting, warm dinner featuring flaky pan-seared salmon served over fiber-rich chickpeas and wilted spinach. It is quick to prepare and provides deep nourishment for a restful evening.
Prep
10 min
Cook
12 min
Total
22 min
Makes
1 serving
Created together. Shared with you.
Made by SE + Lila
SE created this recipe with Lila and shared it with the perimenopause community.
The feel-good payoff
Why this meal can feel especially good in perimenopause
Think practical wins: steadier energy, comfortable fullness and one less food decision. Your response is personal, so use the prompts below to notice what works for you.
Perimenopause symptoms and relief · Office on Women’s HealthSteadier energy
Feel fueled, not flattened
A complete meal with protein, carbohydrates and fats is designed to offer more staying power than a quick carb-only fix.
Notice: energy 1–3 hours later
Well-nourished skin
Support from the whole plate
Regular meals with enough protein, plants and fats support overall nourishment. Think consistency, not one miracle ingredient.
Notice: consistency + hydration
Protein consistency
Make a nourishing habit easier
This is another practical opportunity to include protein and varied whole foods—small habits that are easier to repeat than a perfect diet.
Notice: protein across the day
Comfort before bed
Finish the evening satisfied, not stuffed
A well-portioned evening meal can help you avoid going to bed hungry. Notice which timing and portion feel most comfortable for you.
Notice: dinner timing + comfort
Setup
Get set up
Choose your servings, gather what you need, then cook along below.
Prep
10 min
Cook
12 min
Total
22 min
How many are you cooking for?
The ingredient amounts update automatically.
Equipment
Large skillet
Time saver
Prep the vegetables and measure pantry ingredients earlier in the day to shorten cook time.
Do these three things first
- 1Set out all ingredients before cooking
- 2Measure the pantry ingredients before heating the pan
- 3Read through the steps once before you begin
Ingredients
Gather as you go
Ingredients
Cook along
Instructions
0 of 9 steps complete
Next: Pat the salmon fillet dry
- 01
Pat the salmon fillet dry
Pat the salmon fillet dry with a paper towel and season both sides with a small pinch of salt.
Tap card to mark done - 02
Heat the olive oil in a medium…
Heat the olive oil in a medium non-stick skillet over medium-high heat until the oil shimmers.
Look for: the oil shimmers
Tap card to mark done - 03
Carefully place the salmon fillet in the…
Carefully place the salmon fillet in the pan, skin-side down. Cook undisturbed for 4 to 5 minutes until the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan.
Look for: the skin is crispy and releases easily from the pan
Tap card to mark done - 04
Flip the salmon fillet over and cook…
Flip the salmon fillet over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes, or until the thickest part of the fish registers an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside to rest.
Look for: the thickest part of the fish registers an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) and flakes easily with a fork
Tap card to mark done - 05
Turn the heat down to medium
Turn the heat down to medium. Add the minced garlic clove to the remaining oil in the skillet and stir constantly for 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to let it burn.
Look for: fragrant, taking care not to let it burn
Tap card to mark done - 06
Add the rinsed chickpea and ground cumin…
Add the rinsed chickpea and ground cumin to the skillet, stirring to coat. Cook for 2 minutes to heat through.
Allow: 2 minutes
Tap card to mark done - 07
Toss in the fresh baby spinach
Toss in the fresh baby spinach. Stir gently for 1 to 2 minutes until the leaves are completely wilted but still bright green.
Look for: the leaves are completely wilted but still bright green
Tap card to mark done - 08
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the…
Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the chickpea and spinach mixture, then taste and season with a tiny pinch of salt.
Tap card to mark done - 09
Transfer the warm chickpea and spinach salad…
Transfer the warm chickpea and spinach salad to a serving plate and top with the rested salmon fillet. Enjoy immediately.
Ready when: everything is assembled and ready to enjoy
Tap card to mark done
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