Looking for a salmon dinner that feels fancy but is easy? This Marry Me Salmon is creamy, comforting, and made healthier with coconut milk and simple ingredients.
Since you all loved my One Pan Marry Me Chicken Pasta, I knew I had to create another version. Marry Me Salmon another lighter, weeknight-friendly take on the viral "marry me" style dishes. It has all the cozy, creamy, flavour-packed vibes you expect, but made with salmon and a few simple tweaks that keep it feeling balanced and fresh.
The sauce is rich and savoury from garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and parmesan, but instead of heavy cream, this version uses coconut milk to keep things creamy without being overly heavy. Paired with flaky salmon and a handful of spinach, it turns into one of those dinners that feels special enough for date night but easy enough for a regular weeknight. Serve it over rice with some veggies on the side and you've got a comforting, feel-good meal that doesn't take all night to make!
Why This Recipe Is Dietitian Approved
- Comfort food made healthier. This recipe keeps all the creamy, cozy flavours of a classic "marry me" style dish, but uses lighter swaps thanks to the coconut milk.
- Source of omega-3 fats. Salmon is a great source of omega-3 fats, which support heart health!
- Perfect for Meatless Monday. This is a simple, flavourful way to build a balanced dinner around seafood instead of meat.
Marry Me Salmon Recipe
Ingredients
Salmon. I typically use boneless, skinless atlantic salmon. You can use coho or sockeye salmon if that is what you prefer however I do find they have much more of a fish-forward flavour!
Salmon rub. For this recipe I actually just used the Trader Joe's salmon rub,however I have provided a homemade version in the recipe below.
Oil. I recommend using olive oil or avocado oil.
Garlic. Freshly pressed garlic is always the best for optimal flavour.
Sun-dried tomatoes. look for julienned sun-dried tomatoes stored in oil (these are usually in the condiment/ jarred vegetable aisles).
Onion. Yellow or spanish onion will work great here.
Spices. Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, pepper.
Vegetable broth. For our marry me sauce we use low sodium vegetable broth.
Spinach. For veggies!
Parmesan cheese. For topping!
Coconut milk. To replace the heavy cream I've substituted the cream with coconut milk!
The complete ingredient list with measurements can be found in the recipe card below.
Instructions
- Season the salmon, by gently rubbing all sides with the spice rub.
- To a large pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sear the salmon on each side (about 5 minutes per side). Once cooked, remove the salmon and set aside.
- To the same pan add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Saute for about 2 minutes, until fragrant and the onions appear translucent.
- To the pan, add vegetable broth and coconut milk. Stir. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in spinach and parmesan cheese. Once the spinach has wilted. Add the salmon back into the pan.
- Serve salmon over rice with a side of vegetables and drizzle sauce over the dish Top with fresh parmesan and basil for serving.
Substitutions and Variations
To make gluten-free: This recipe is naturally gluten free!
To make vegan: If using coconut milk, the only thing that will need to be substituted is the parmesan cheese- there are dairy free parmesan options you can use instead!
To make nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut free!
Vegetable pairings: I recommend serving with a side of steamed broccoli, or sauteed zucchini + red peppers.
Costco also has a frozen bag of fire roasted primavera vegetable mix that works wonderfully with these flavors!
Equipment
Storage
This Marry Me Salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
If freezing: I recommend storing WITH the rice. To defrost, place in the fridge overnight. To reheat add to a pan and gently break up the salmon. This isn't the prettiest option but it will still taste amazing!
Top Tips for Success
Although there are vegetables in this dish such as spinach and tomatoes, I do recommend pairing this one with side of vegetables for a more balanced meal!
Frequently Asked Questions
I recommend using atlantic salmon or this recipe due to the thicker filet size and more mild flavour.
Yes of course! Please note this will increase the fat in the recipe.
More Staple Salmon Recipes
If you liked this Marry Me Salmon, try these recipes:
- Air Fryer Teriyaki Salmon Bites
- Sheet Pan Moroccan Salmon
- Miso Sheet Pan Salmon and Veggies
- Teriyaki Salmon and Veggies
See you in the kitchen!
PS. I love seeing my recipes in action! If you decide to make this Marry Me Salmon, don't forget to snap a photo and tag me on Instagram- @nourishedbynic or leave a comment and rating below letting me know how you liked it!
📖 Recipe
Marry Me Salmon
Ingredients
- 4 salmon filets (skinless)
- 1 tablespoon Trader Joe's salmon rub (or ½ tablespoon brown sugar, 1 teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon salt, ⅛ teaspoon black pepper, ⅛ teaspoon dried thyme)
- 2 tablespoon olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic
- ½ cup juliennned sun-dried tomatoes (stored in oil)
- ½ cup diced yellow onion (about 1 yellow onion)
- 1 tablespoon Italian seasoning
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup low sodium vegetable broth
- 1 cup full fat coconut milk (or full fat Greek yogurt* see notes if using yogurt)
- 2 cups spinach
- ½ cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
- basil, for topping
- cooked brown rice, for serving
- steamed vegetables, for serving
Instructions
- Season the salmon, by gently rubbing all sides with the spice rub.
- To a large pan over medium-high heat, add olive oil. Once hot, sear the salmon on each side (about 5 minutes per side). Once cooked, remove the salmon and set aside.
- To the same pan add the garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, onion, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Saute for about 2 minutes, until fragrant and the onions appear translucent.
- To the pan, add vegetable broth and coconut milk*see notes for Greek yogurt sub. Stir. Bring to a simmer.
- Reduce the heat to low, and stir in spinach and parmesan cheese. Once the spinach has wilted. Add the salmon back into the pan.
- Serve salmon over rice with a side of vegetables and drizzle sauce over the dish Top with fresh parmesan and basil for serving.
Sandy MacDonald says
This salmon dish was absolutely delicious! I served the salmon with jasmine rice and steamed vegetables for our Valentine dinner and we both loved it. Thank you for this wonderful recipe.
Nicole Addison says
The dinner EVERYONE will be falling in love with you over!! I hope you enjoy!