This One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon and Zucchini Noodles is light, vibrant, and deeply satisfying all at once. The buttery garlic sauce melts into the flaky salmon, while fresh zucchini noodles soak up every bit of that bright lemon flavor.
And here’s the best part, it all comes together in one pan in 30 minutes. Less cleanup, less stress, more flavor.
Whether you’re cooking dinner for a busy weeknight or want something healthy that doesn’t feel like a compromise, this recipe delivers every time.
Why You’ll Love This One Pan Salmon Recipe
This dish checks all the boxes for a modern, healthy meal without sacrificing flavor.
- It’s incredibly quick and easy, ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses simple, wholesome ingredients you likely already have
- Naturally low in carbs and perfect for keto or gluten-free diets
- Requires only one pan, making cleanup minimal
- Packed with healthy fats, lean protein, and fresh vegetables
- Offers a perfect balance of rich butter, zesty lemon, and savory garlic
Ingredients for Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon and Zoodles
To make this dish, you’ll need a handful of fresh, flavorful ingredients that work beautifully together.
- Salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, depending on preference)
- Fresh zucchini, spiralized into noodles (zoodles)
- Garlic cloves, finely minced
- Unsalted butter for richness
- Fresh lemon juice and zest for brightness
- Olive oil for searing
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper
- Optional: red pepper flakes for a hint of heat
- Optional: chopped parsley or grated parmesan for garnish
How to Make One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
This recipe comes together in a few simple steps, all in the same pan.
- Start by patting the salmon fillets dry and seasoning them with salt and pepper
- Heat olive oil and a bit of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat
- Place the salmon skin-side down and sear until golden and crispy
- Flip and cook until the salmon is just cooked through, then remove from the pan
- In the same pan, add more butter and sauté the garlic until fragrant
- Add the zucchini noodles and cook briefly, tossing gently
- Stir in fresh lemon juice and zest for a bright, fresh flavor
- Return the salmon to the pan and spoon the garlic butter sauce over the top
- Let everything warm together for a minute or two before serving
Tips for Perfect Salmon and Zucchini Noodles
A few simple techniques can take this dish from good to exceptional.
- Avoid overcooking the salmon; it should be tender and flaky, not dry
- Use fresh zucchini noodles instead of frozen for the best texture
- Don’t overcook the zoodles, they should remain slightly crisp
- If your zucchini releases too much water, lightly salt and drain it beforehand
- Use high-quality butter and fresh garlic for the most flavor
- Adjust the lemon juice and garlic levels to suit your taste
Variations and Substitutions
This recipe is flexible and easy to customize based on your preferences or dietary needs.
- Swap zucchini noodles for spaghetti squash or regular pasta
- Use ghee or dairy-free butter for a paleo or dairy-free version
- Add vegetables like cherry tomatoes, spinach, or mushrooms
- Replace salmon with shrimp, chicken, or even tofu
- Stir in a splash of cream for a richer, creamy sauce
- Experiment with herbs like dill, basil, or thyme for different flavor profiles
What to Serve with Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon
While this dish is satisfying on its own, you can pair it with a few sides to round out the meal.
- A crisp green salad with a light vinaigrette
- Roasted vegetables such as asparagus, broccoli, or carrots
- Garlic bread or crusty bread if you’re not following a low-carb diet
- Cauliflower rice for a keto-friendly option
- A glass of white wine like Sauvignon Blanc for a refreshing pairing
Storage and Reheating Tips
If you have leftovers, they store well with a few simple precautions.
- Keep leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days
- Reheat gently in a skillet over low heat to preserve texture
- Avoid overheating in the microwave, as salmon can become rubbery
- Zucchini noodles may release water during storage, so drain before reheating
Recipe FAQ’s
Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, but make sure to fully thaw it and pat it dry before cooking to ensure proper searing.
What other vegetables can I add?
Cherry tomatoes, spinach, mushrooms, or asparagus work well in this dish.
Can I meal prep this recipe?
Yes, but it’s best eaten fresh. If prepping ahead, store components separately for better texture.
One Pan Lemon Garlic Butter Salmon and Zucchini Noodles
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets about 150-180g each
- 2 medium zucchini spiralized
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon salt or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (optional)
- 2 tablespoons grated parmesan cheese optional
Instructions
Prepare the ingredients
- Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels and season both sides with salt and pepper. Spiralize the zucchini if not already prepared.
Sear the salmon
- Heat olive oil and 1 tablespoon of butter in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the salmon skin-side down and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden and crispy. Flip and cook another 2–3 minutes until just cooked through. Remove and set aside.
Make the garlic butter sauce
- In the same pan, reduce heat to medium. Add the remaining butter and minced garlic. Sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
Cook the zucchini noodles
- Add the zucchini noodles to the pan and toss gently. Cook for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp.
Add lemon flavor
- Stir in the lemon juice, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes (if using). Mix well to coat the noodles.
Combine and finish
- Return the salmon to the pan. Spoon the garlic butter sauce over the fillets and let everything heat together for 1–2 minutes.
Garnish and serve
- Sprinkle with fresh parsley and parmesan if desired. Serve immediately.