Sometimes, the best meals are the ones that are both simple and classic. This Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli is a perfect example. It’s a healthy, balanced, and incredibly delicious dinner that you can have on the table in under 30 minutes. The salmon is pan-seared to a flaky, golden-brown perfection, the mashed potatoes are rich and velvety, and the broccoli is steamed to a vibrant, tender-crisp bite. This is a meal that feels elegant and satisfying, but is so easy to prepare that it’s perfect for a busy weeknight.
Why I Love This Recipe
I’m a firm believer that healthy eating doesn’t have to be boring or complicated. This recipe is a home run because it focuses on a few quality ingredients, prepared simply, to create a dish that’s full of flavor. The key to the salmon is a quick, hot sear that gives it a beautiful crust while keeping the inside moist and flaky. The mashed potatoes are pure comfort, and the steamed broccoli adds a fresh, green element that ties the whole plate together. It’s a meal that feels complete and nourishing, and it’s a go-to in my kitchen for a reason.
Ingredients
(Serves 1)
- 1 salmon fillet (approx. 6 oz)
- 1/2 teaspoon dried dill or Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- Mashed Potatoes:
- 2 medium potatoes, peeled and cubed
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1/4 cup milk (or cream)
- Salt, to taste
- Broccoli:
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- Salt, to taste
Swaps and Notes
- Salmon: This recipe works best with a high-quality salmon fillet. You can use other fish like cod or halibut, but the cooking times may need to be adjusted slightly.
- Herbs: Dried dill is a classic pairing for salmon. If you don’t have it, Italian herbs or a pinch of fresh parsley would also be delicious.
- Mashed Potatoes: For an even richer flavor, use heavy cream instead of milk. You can also add a pinch of garlic powder or grated Parmesan cheese for an extra kick.
- Broccoli: You can steam the broccoli, but roasting it with a little olive oil and a sprinkle of salt would also be fantastic and add a different texture.
- Salt: Seasoning at every step is key. Salt the water for the potatoes, the broccoli as it cooks, and the salmon before it goes into the pan.
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Prepare the Mashed Potatoes: Place the peeled and cubed potatoes in a pot of generously salted water. Bring to a boil and cook for about 12-15 minutes, or until the potatoes are fork-tender. Drain the potatoes well and return them to the pot. Add the butter and milk (or cream) and mash until they are smooth and creamy. Season with salt to taste.
- Steam the Broccoli: While the potatoes are cooking, you can steam the broccoli. Place a steamer basket in a pot with a little water and bring to a simmer. Add the broccoli florets to the basket, cover, and steam for 4-5 minutes, or until they are bright green and slightly tender. Season lightly with salt.
- Cook the Salmon: Pat the salmon fillet completely dry with a paper towel. Season it generously with salt, black pepper, and your choice of herbs. Heat the olive oil or butter in a non-stick skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon in the hot skillet, skin-side down if it has skin (or the presentation side down), and sear for 3-4 minutes until it’s golden and crispy. Flip the salmon and cook for another 2-3 minutes, or until it is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Assemble the Plate: Spoon the creamy mashed potatoes onto the center of your plate. Top with the perfectly cooked salmon fillet and place the steamed broccoli on the side. Optionally, you can garnish with a little extra dill or a squeeze of fresh lemon juice.
- Enjoy: Serve immediately and savor this simple yet delicious meal.
Tips for Success
- Pat the Salmon Dry: This is the most important step for getting a beautiful, golden-brown sear. Moisture will cause the salmon to steam instead of sear.
- Hot Pan: Make sure your skillet is hot before you add the salmon. This helps prevent sticking and gives you a better crust.
- Don’t Overcook: Salmon cooks very quickly. Watch it carefully and remove it from the heat as soon as it flakes easily.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
This meal is a complete plate on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a simple side. For a beverage, a glass of crisp white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc would be a perfect complement to the light, flaky salmon. For a non-alcoholic option, a glass of my favorite refreshing blueberry lemonade would be wonderful.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
Please note: This is an estimated nutritional breakdown and can vary based on specific ingredients and brands used.
- Calories: Approx. 650 kcal
- Protein: Approx. 40g
- Fat: Approx. 35g
- Carbohydrates: Approx. 45g
Storage and Leftover Tips
This meal is best served fresh. Leftover salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, but it’s likely to lose its delicate texture when reheated. The mashed potatoes and broccoli will store well, and can be reheated in the microwave.
More Recipes You Will Love
If you love a good, comforting chicken dish, you’ll love these other recipes from my kitchen:
- For a no-mayo option, my Light and Tangy Chicken Salad is a refreshing choice.
- For a fun, crunchy chicken appetizer, my Easy Cheese-Stuffed Chicken Wontons are a guaranteed hit.
- And when you’re craving a cozy, crowd-pleasing dinner, these Chicken Enchiladas are a true go-to.
- For a cozy, hearty bowl of southern comfort, you have to try my Cajun Chicken and Sausage Gumbo.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli is a perfect example of a simple, classic meal done right. It’s a healthy, delicious, and incredibly easy dinner that you’ll want to make again and again.
Let me know in the comments below if you tried this recipe and what your favorite side was! Happy cooking!
My Favorite Salmon with Creamy Mashed Potatoes and Broccoli
Ingredients
- 2 teaspoon dried dill or Italian herbs
- 1 teaspoon olive oil or butter
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 4 cup milk (or cream)
- 1 cup broccoli florets
- 2 medium salmon fillets
- 1 pound potatoes, peeled and cubed
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil and add the cubed potatoes. Cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- While the potatoes are cooking, heat olive oil or butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
- Season the salmon fillets with salt, pepper, and lemon juice, then place them skin-side down in the skillet. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side until golden brown and cooked through.
- Steam the broccoli florets until vibrant and tender-crisp, about 4-5 minutes.
- Once the potatoes are cooked, drain them and return them to the pot. Add butter and milk (or cream), then mash until creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Serve the salmon alongside the creamy mashed potatoes and steamed broccoli.
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