Zucchini Noodles with Salmon

Name: Zucchini Noodles with Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Yield: 2 servings
Ingredients: 2 medium zucchinis; 2 salmon fillets; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper, to taste; Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Highlighted under: Quick Healthy Recipes

I absolutely love making Zucchini Noodles with Salmon for a quick and nutritious meal. The fresh, crisp zucchini combined with tender salmon gives this dish a delightful balance of flavors and textures. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights when I want something light yet satisfying. Plus, it's an excellent way to sneak in some vegetables without sacrificing taste. I often serve it with a sprinkle of parmesan cheese and a drizzle of olive oil to enhance the flavor even more. Trust me, you’ll love this dish as much as I do!

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-07T20:50:28.230Z

Preparing Zucchini Noodles with Salmon has become a go-to meal in my kitchen because it's not only healthy but also incredibly satisfying. I discovered that spiralizing zucchini gives the dish volume without the carbs, making it a perfect alternative to traditional pasta. Every time I make it, I take special care to sear the salmon skin until crispy, which adds a delightful textural contrast to the tender noodles.

Additionally, I like to pack the dish with flavor by sautéing garlic and cherry tomatoes, creating a light sauce that beautifully complements the salmon. I recommend adjusting the seasoning according to your taste, as a little lemon zest or fresh herbs can elevate the whole experience!

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh flavors that awaken your taste buds
Healthy, low-carb alternative to pasta
Quick and easy preparation for busy nights

Ingredient Spotlight: Zucchini

Zucchini is a fantastic base for this dish, providing not only a vibrant green color but also a satisfying crunch. When spiralizing, choose firm zucchinis without any soft spots to ensure you get perfectly shaped noodles. A good size is typically 6-8 inches long, which allows for a nice balance of texture in the dish. If you're pressed for time, you can find pre-spiralized zucchini in most grocery stores, which makes preparation even quicker.

One of the great things about zucchini is its adaptability—it can absorb flavors beautifully. Be sure to avoid overcooking the zoodles, as they can become mushy quickly. Aim for a light sauté until they are just tender, which usually takes only about 2-3 minutes after adding to the skillet with garlic and tomatoes. This will ensure they maintain a pleasant bite.

Perfecting Your Salmon

Cooking salmon to the right level of doneness can be tricky. I suggest using an instant-read thermometer; the salmon is perfectly done when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. If you prefer a more medium texture, take it off the heat at about 130°F and let it rest—carryover cooking will finish it perfectly without over-drying.

Seasoning is essential for enhancing the salmon's natural flavor. I like to keep it simple with salt and pepper, but feel free to experiment with other spices such as paprika or dill for an extra flavor boost. When searing, watch for the skin to get crispy and golden brown, which usually takes about 4-5 minutes. This step adds texture and richness to the dish.

Serving and Storing Tips

For a delightful presentation, serve your zucchini noodles in a shallow bowl topped with the salmon, and a drizzle of extra virgin olive oil. Adding a sprinkle of freshly grated Parmesan not only enhances the flavor but also provides a lovely creamy texture that complements the dish. You could also add a squeeze of lemon juice for a bright, zesty finish.

If you have leftovers, store the salmon and zoodles separately to maintain freshness. This dish is best enjoyed fresh, but you can refrigerate the components for 1-2 days. To reheat, gently sauté the zoodles in a pan to warm them through without overcooking, while the salmon can be reheated in the oven at a low temperature to keep it juicy.

Ingredients

Gather these ingredients to make your delicious Zucchini Noodles with Salmon:

Ingredients

2 medium zucchinis
2 salmon fillets
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
Parmesan cheese, for serving (optional)

Make sure to have all these ingredients ready for a seamless cooking experience!

Instructions

Follow these simple steps to create your Zucchini Noodles with Salmon:

Spiralize the Zucchini

Using a spiralizer, create spiral strands from the zucchinis. Set aside.

Cook the Salmon

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Sear the salmon skin-side down for about 4-5 minutes, then flip and cook for an additional 2-3 minutes until cooked through. Remove from the skillet and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In the same skillet, heat the remaining olive oil. Add minced garlic and cherry tomatoes, and cook until the tomatoes are soft and fragrant, about 3-4 minutes.

Combine the Zoodles

Add the spiralized zucchini to the skillet, tossing everything together for about 2-3 minutes until just tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Serve

Plate the zucchini noodles and top with the seared salmon. Sprinkle with parmesan cheese if desired, and enjoy!

Enjoy your delicious and healthy meal!

Pro Tips

For an extra kick of flavor, try adding red pepper flakes or fresh basil to the dish before serving.

Variations to Try

If you're looking to switch things up, try adding other vegetables like bell peppers or spinach to the sauté. Both would complement the dish beautifully and provide additional nutrients. Carrots can also be spiralized and added for a pop of color and sweetness. If you prefer a protein swap, grilled chicken or shrimp could be lovely alternatives to the salmon.

For a heartier version, consider tossing in some cooked quinoa or lentils along with the zucchini for a wholesome boost. Not only will this make the dish more filling, but it also adds a textural contrast that enhances the overall experience of the meal.

Troubleshooting Tips

A common issue with zucchini noodles is their tendency to release water during cooking, which can lead to a watery dish. To combat this, you could sprinkle the spiralized zucchini with a little salt before cooking, allowing it to sit for about 10-15 minutes to draw out excess moisture. Pat them dry before sautéing to achieve a better texture.

If your salmon fillets are not cooking evenly, consider using thicker cuts, which will hold their moisture better. Also, avoid overcrowding the pan. This can lower the heat and lead to steaming instead of searing. Give the salmon enough space to develop that perfect crispy crust while cooking.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use other types of fish?

Absolutely! You can substitute the salmon with trout or even shrimp for a different flavor.

→ How can I store leftovers?

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat on the stovetop until warmed through.

→ Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, this dish is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those with gluten sensitivities.

→ Can I make this ahead of time?

While the zucchini noodles are best when freshly prepared, you can spiralize the zucchini and cook the salmon ahead of time, then combine before serving.