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Delicious Salmon with Herb Butter A Fresh, Flavorful Skillet Dinner in Under 30 Minutes

Delicious Salmon with Herb Butter

Czarryy
Perfectly seared salmon fillets topped with a fragrant herb butter and served alongside sautéed zucchini, squash, and tomatoes. A bright, flavorful dish that feels gourmet but comes together in under 30 minutes.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Main Course, Seafood
Cuisine Mediterranean-inspired
Servings 4
Calories 420 kcal

Equipment

  • Large nonstick skillet
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Spatula or fish turner
  • Serving platter

Ingredients
  

  • 6 tablespoons unsalted butter, divided and at room temperature
  • ½ teaspoon dried oregano
  • ½ teaspoon dried thyme
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder, divided
  • 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil, divided
  • 4 (4-ounce) wild-caught salmon fillets, skin on
  • Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
  • 1–2 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1 small zucchini (or ½ large), thinly sliced into half rounds
  • 1 small yellow squash (or ½ large), thinly sliced into half rounds
  • 1 cup cherry or grape tomatoes, halved
  • 1 large lemon, cut into wedges
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

Instructions
 

  • Prepare the Herb Butter
    In a small bowl, combine 4 tablespoons butter with oregano, thyme, and half the garlic powder. Mix well and set aside to soften.
  • Cook the Salmon
    Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil and the remaining 2 tablespoons butter in a large nonstick skillet over medium-high heat.
    Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season with the remaining garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
    Place salmon skin side down in the skillet. Cook 4–5 minutes until the skin is crisp and golden. Carefully flip and cook another 3–4 minutes, until the fish flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F.
    Transfer salmon to a plate and cover loosely to keep warm.
  • Sauté the Vegetables
    Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil to the same skillet. Add garlic, zucchini, yellow squash, and tomatoes. Season with salt and pepper. Cook 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until tender and lightly browned.
  • Finish and Serve
    Return salmon fillets to the skillet. Top each with a spoonful of the prepared herb butter and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice. Sprinkle with chopped parsley and serve immediately.

Notes

Pro Tips & Variations

  • For even cooking: Bring salmon and butter to room temperature 15–20 minutes before cooking.
  • Crispier skin: Press down gently on the fillets with a spatula during the first minute of cooking.
  • Alternate herbs: Swap oregano and thyme for dill, basil, or rosemary for a fresh twist.
  • Add greens: Stir in baby spinach or kale during the last minute of sautéing the vegetables.
  • Make it dairy-free: Replace butter with olive oil or plant-based margarine.
Keyword healthy seafood dinner, herb butter salmon, lemon butter salmon, sautéed vegetables, skillet salmon recipe