The Best Healthy Instant Pot Salmon & Lemon Garlic

Craving a Delicious, Effortless Dinner? Try Instant Pot Salmon with Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower!

Imagine tender, flaky salmon infused with bright lemon and garlic flavors, paired with creamy, naturally delicious mashed cauliflower. Now, imagine making it all in a fraction of the time with your Instant Pot! This recipe is not only incredibly easy but also naturally healthy and satisfying. Ready to transform your weeknight dinner routine?

Why You’ll Love It

It’s incredibly fast; the Instant Pot cooks salmon to perfection in minutes.
Naturally healthy meal with lean protein and plenty of vegetables.
The lemon and garlic flavors are bright, fresh, and naturally complement the salmon beautifully.
It’s naturally impressive enough for guests yet simple enough for a weeknight meal.
Naturally easy cleanup with minimal dishes thanks to the Instant Pot.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

This recipe combines the speed of the Instant Pot with a healthy, naturally delicious meal. The simultaneous cooking of the salmon and the cauliflower ensures that everything is ready at the same time and that the flavors are infused. It’s a method that makes a naturally sophisticated meal so achievable for anyone.

Ingredient List

1.5 pounds salmon fillets, skin on or off
1 large head of cauliflower, cut into florets (about 4-5 cups)
1/2 cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth)
3 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 tablespoons butter (or olive oil for dairy free option)
1/4 cup milk (or non dairy milk of choice)
1 teaspoon salt
1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Fresh parsley, chopped for garnish
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes, optional

Step-by-Step Instructions

Place the cauliflower florets and 1/2 cup of chicken broth into the Instant Pot.
Place the salmon fillets on a trivet over the cauliflower.
In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Pour the garlic lemon mixture over the salmon fillets.
Close the lid and set the Instant Pot to “Manual” or “Pressure Cook” for 2 minutes at high pressure.
Do a Quick Pressure Release when the cook time ends.
Carefully remove the salmon and set aside. Transfer the cooked cauliflower to a mixing bowl.
Add butter, milk, salt, and pepper to the cauliflower. Mash with a potato masher or use an electric mixer until your desired consistency is achieved. Add a little more milk if needed for a creamier texture.
Gently fold in half of the fresh chopped parsley and red pepper flakes if using into the mashed cauliflower.
Serve the salmon over a bed of mashed cauliflower, garnished with the remaining parsley and extra lemon wedges.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Elevate your dish with these simple additions:

Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkle over the mashed cauliflower for added cheesy goodness.
Fresh Dill: Add some fresh dill to the cauliflower along with the parsley for a different flavor profile.
Lemon Zest: Add a teaspoon of lemon zest for an extra burst of lemony flavor.
Roasted Garlic Cloves: For a deeper garlic taste, roast some garlic cloves and mix them into the cauliflower.

Expert Tips

Don’t overcook the salmon, 2 minutes at high pressure is perfect for tender and flaky fillets.
Use fresh lemon juice for the best flavor, it naturally makes a big difference.
Adjust the amount of milk to your desired consistency in your mashed cauliflower, a little more will make it smoother.
For a dairy-free option, use olive oil instead of butter and use a non-dairy milk such as almond or oat milk.
If you don’t have an Instant Pot, you can steam the salmon and cauliflower on the stovetop, or bake the salmon in the oven and prepare the mashed cauliflower on the stovetop.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Can I use frozen salmon fillets?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets. Add 1-2 minutes to the cooking time in the Instant Pot. Be sure to separate them if they are frozen together for even cooking.
How do I store leftover salmon and mashed cauliflower?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the microwave or on the stovetop.
Can I make the mashed cauliflower ahead of time?
Yes, the mashed cauliflower can be made a day ahead and stored in the refrigerator. Reheat on the stovetop with a little extra milk or broth to loosen it if necessary. Note that the texture might change slightly after storage.
Can I use a different type of fish?
Absolutely! This recipe would also naturally work with cod, tilapia, or other white fish. Be sure to adjust the cooking time, as different types of fish may cook faster.
Can I add other vegetables to the Instant Pot?
Yes, you can add other vegetables such as broccoli or asparagus to the Instant Pot with the cauliflower. Just make sure that there is enough broth to cook all the veggies.

Variations and Customization Options

Here are some creative twists to personalize this recipe:

Mediterranean Flavors: Add Kalamata olives, sun-dried tomatoes, and feta cheese to the mashed cauliflower for a Mediterranean flair.
Spicy Kick: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes in the garlic lemon mixture or add a pinch of cayenne pepper for more spice.
Herb Infusion: Experiment with different herbs, such as thyme, rosemary, or oregano, in the garlic lemon mixture for a unique flavor.
Creamy Mashed Cauliflower: Add cream cheese or sour cream to the mashed cauliflower to create a richer, creamier texture.
Asian-Inspired: Instead of lemon, use soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of sesame oil for an Asian twist. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions.

Serving Suggestions

This Instant Pot Salmon with Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is naturally great on its own for a healthy and complete meal. However, you can also serve it alongside a simple side salad, some roasted vegetables, or a slice of crusty bread to soak up the delicious sauce. It’s also great served over a bed of greens.

Conclusion

This Instant Pot Salmon with Lemon Garlic Mashed Cauliflower is not only naturally delicious, but also incredibly easy to prepare. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy a healthy, flavorful meal without spending hours in the kitchen. It’s naturally elegant enough for a dinner party and simple enough for a quick weeknight dinner. Give this recipe a try and make weeknight dinners easier and naturally tastier. Share your creations and happy cooking!

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