12+ Salmon Skillet Recipes December Quick Cozy Meals

There’s something about December that calls you into the kitchen to make quick, cozy meals—especially on those cold, dark evenings. Some of my favorite winter memories are of coming home after a busy day, thawing out by the stove while tossing together a simple fish dinner in my well-loved cast iron skillet. That’s when I started collecting trusty 12+ Salmon Skillet Recipes December Quick Cozy Meals for the nights when nothing but warm salmon, hearty veggies, and a fast cleanup would do. Whether it’s solo dinners, low-key family nights, or easy meals for friends, these salmon skillet recipes come through every time.

1. Garlic Butter Salmon Skillet with Baby Spinach

Why You’ll Love It:

If you crave something decadent yet light, this skillet is for you. Sautéed garlic melts into butter, hugging tender fillets of salmon, with baby spinach wilting at the very end. It’s a dinner that feels impressive but comes together in under half an hour—perfect for a quick weeknight meal that still feels special.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 22 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
• 2 tbsp unsalted butter
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 5 oz baby spinach
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Juice of 1/2 lemon
• Lemon wedges, for serving

How to Make It:

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry and season with salt and pepper.
2. Heat the olive oil and 1 tbsp butter in a skillet over medium-high heat.
3. Add salmon, skin-side down, and cook for 4–5 minutes until golden. Turn, add garlic, and cook 2–3 more minutes.
4. Lower heat, stir in remaining butter and spinach. Wilt spinach for 1 minutes.
5. Squeeze lemon over everything and serve straight from the skillet.

Flavor Boost: Add a sprinkle of red chili flakes for a gentle kick.

2. Creamy Tuscan Salmon Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This is your go-to when you want something comforting without spending all night cooking. The creamy sun-dried tomato and spinach sauce is pure luxury, and it’s loved by anyone who appreciates an Italian-inspired dinner that’s secretly quick and easy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup sun-dried tomatoes, chopped
• 2 cups baby spinach
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/3 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley

How to Make It:

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in a skillet and sear salmon for 3–4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
3. In the same skillet, sauté garlic and sun-dried tomatoes for 1 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and Parmesan, bring to a gentle simmer.
5. Add spinach until wilted, return salmon to skillet, and spoon sauce over to heat through.
6. Garnish with parsley to serve.

Meal Prep Tip: The creamy sauce keeps well—store leftovers and gently reheat with a splash of cream.

3. Maple Dijon Glazed Salmon and Brussels Sprouts

Why You’ll Love It:

Perfect for chilly nights when you want your meal to taste both sweet and earthy. The maple and Dijon glaze caramelizes beautifully on both the salmon and Brussels sprouts, and you only need one skillet, which is a huge plus during busy holidays.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cups Brussels sprouts, halved
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp maple syrup
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
• 1 tbsp soy sauce
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

How to Make It:

1. Whisk maple syrup, Dijon, and soy sauce in a small bowl.
2. Season salmon lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Heat olive oil in skillet, sauté Brussels sprouts cut-side down for 5–6 minutes until browned; move to edges of pan.
4. Place salmon in center, brush with glaze, and cook 4–5 minutes per side, glazing again after flipping.
5. Sprinkle parsley over everything before serving.

Budget-Friendly Tip: Sub in frozen Brussels sprouts—just thaw and pat dry for a more affordable option.

4. Salmon and Potato Skillet Hash

Why You’ll Love It:

This is a hearty, all-in-one comfort dish ideal for breakfast-for-dinner nights or a cozy brunch. The potatoes soak up the salmon juices, and it’s satisfying without being heavy.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 40 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 cups Yukon Gold potatoes, diced small
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• Salt and pepper
• 2 scallions, sliced
• Sour cream, for topping

How to Make It:

1. Heat olive oil in skillet over medium heat; add potatoes and onion, season with salt and paprika, cover and cook 15 minutes, stirring occasionally.
2. Uncover, cook potatoes until golden, about 8 minutes.
3. Stir in flaked salmon, heat through.
4. Top with sliced scallions and a dollop of sour cream.

Serving Idea: Great topped with a fried egg for a weekend brunch.

5. Miso Ginger Salmon Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

Delivers big, umami-packed flavor with zero fuss. The miso and ginger make a bright, savory sauce that pairs well with fluffy rice, and it’s quick enough for a weeknight.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp white miso paste
• 2 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 2 tbsp honey
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 2 scallions, sliced
• 1 lime, cut into wedges

How to Make It:

1. Mix miso, ginger, soy sauce, and honey into a paste.
2. Spread on salmon fillets; let marinate 10 minutes.
3. Heat oil in skillet, cook salmon skin-side down for 5 minutes. Flip, cook 5 more minutes.
4. Add splash of water to deglaze, finish with scallions and lime to serve.

Flavor Boost: Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds for extra crunch.

6. Salmon and Mushroom Wild Rice Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

A beautiful choice for cozy nights or casual dinners with friends. The earthy wild rice and mushrooms balance the rich salmon perfectly. Plus, it reheats well for lunches.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 35 minutes

Total Time: 50 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 1 cup wild rice blend
• 2 1/2 cups chicken broth
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 lb mushrooms, sliced
• 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
• 1 small onion, diced
• 2 tsp fresh thyme leaves
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp pepper

How to Make It:

1. In a skillet, sauté onion and mushrooms in olive oil until soft.
2. Add wild rice, thyme, and broth. Bring to a boil, reduce heat, simmer covered 35 minutes until tender.
3. Stir in flaked salmon, salt, and pepper; heat through.
4. Garnish with thyme before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Make the wild rice ahead—just reheat with a splash of broth, then add salmon at the end.

7. Crispy Skin Salmon with Lemon Herb Couscous

Why You’ll Love It:

If you love a little crunch, this one’s for you. Quick-sautéed salmon with extra crispy skin, served over fluffy herbed couscous. Perfect for a solo dinner or impressing a guest on a busy December night.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 salmon fillets, skin on
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 3/4 cup couscous
• 1 cup chicken broth
• 1/2 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp chopped parsley
• 1 tbsp butter

How to Make It:

1. Dry salmon and season well. Heat olive oil in skillet, place salmon skin-side down; cook 4–5 minutes until crisp, flip and cook 2 minutes more.
2. Bring broth to boil in a separate pot. Add couscous, cover, let rest 5 minutes.
3. Toss coucous with butter, lemon, and parsley.
4. Serve salmon over couscous with lemon wedges.

Common Mistake to Avoid: Don’t flip salmon too soon—wait until the skin releases easily for maximum crispiness.

8. One-Skillet Salmon and Broccoli Alfredo

Why You’ll Love It:

On cold afternoons when you want cozy pasta but less cleanup, this creamy Alfredo salmon is a lifesaver. Everything cooks in one pan—salmon, broccoli, and noodles—making it easy and family-friendly.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 32 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 8 oz fettuccine
• 4 cups broccoli florets
• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp butter
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 cup heavy cream
• 1/2 cup grated Parmesan
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper

How to Make It:

1. Boil fettuccine to al dente and set aside.
2. In a skillet, melt butter and sauté garlic. Add salmon, cook until just opaque, then flake.
3. Add broccoli, a splash of water, and cover to steam 4 minutes.
4. Stir in cream and Parmesan, add pasta, toss everything and season.
5. Serve immediately.

Swap This With That: Sub spinach for broccoli, or try linguine instead of fettuccine for a twist.

9. Spicy Cajun Salmon Skillet with Peppers

Why You’ll Love It:

For nights that need a little extra warmth, the Cajun spices and colorful bell peppers bring serious flavor. Great for friends who love a bit of heat.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 16 minutes

Total Time: 26 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 each red, yellow, and green bell pepper, sliced
• 1/2 onion, sliced thin
• Salt
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro

How to Make It:

1. Rub salmon fillets with Cajun seasoning and a pinch of salt.
2. Heat olive oil in skillet; sear salmon for 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
3. Add peppers and onion to the pan, sauté until tender.
4. Return salmon, scatter cilantro, cook another minute, then serve.

Flavor Boost: Squeeze a little lime over everything for extra zing.

10. Cozy Salmon, Sweet Potato, and Kale Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

This one hits all the marks for nutrition and comfort. It’s packed with bright sweet potatoes and earthy kale, and the salmon ties it together. Loved by anyone who likes superfoods but isn’t in the mood for salad.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 1 large sweet potato, peeled and diced
• 2 cups chopped kale
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 1/4 tsp black pepper
• 1 tbsp balsamic vinegar

How to Make It:

1. Heat oven to 425°F. Toss sweet potatoes with 1 tbsp oil and paprika, bake in ovenproof skillet 10 minutes.
2. Add kale and another tbsp oil, stir, bake 5 minutes.
3. Nestle salmon on top, season, bake another 8–10 minutes until salmon is opaque.
4. Drizzle with balsamic before serving.

Meal Prep Tip: Leftovers make great grain bowl toppings or lunch wraps.

11. Lemon Dill Salmon with White Beans

Why You’ll Love It:

This recipe feels bright and fresh when winter gets dreary. The creamy white beans soak up the dill and lemon flavors, turning pantry basics into a special meal that doesn’t take much time.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Total Time: 25 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 can cannellini beans, drained and rinsed
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• 1 clove garlic, minced

How to Make It:

1. Season salmon with salt and pepper.
2. Heat oil in skillet, sear salmon 4 minutes per side. Remove to a plate.
3. Add garlic to pan, sauté 30 seconds, add beans, lemon juice, and half the dill, heat through.
4. Nestle salmon over beans, sprinkle with zest and remaining dill, then serve.

Best Pairings: Serve with simple salad, steamed asparagus, or toasted baguette.

12. Salmon Skillet Shakshuka

Why You’ll Love It:

For brunch or light dinners, shakshuka is a favorite. Adding salmon makes it even more filling. Eggs poach gently in a spiced tomato sauce alongside tender salmon, and you can scoop everything up with warm bread.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 22 minutes

Total Time: 37 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 salmon fillets, cooked and flaked
• 1 can crushed tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1/2 onion, sliced
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 red pepper, diced
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1/2 tsp cumin
• 1/2 tsp salt
• 4 eggs
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• Fresh parsley, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Sauté onion, red pepper, and garlic in olive oil in a deep skillet.
2. Add tomatoes and spices, simmer 10 minutes.
3. Add flaked salmon, stir, then make small wells and crack eggs into the sauce.
4. Cover and cook until eggs set to desired doneness.
5. Top with parsley and serve with bread.

Personal Note: My family always scoops this up with whatever crusty bread is on hand—it’s real comfort food.

13. Pesto Salmon and Cherry Tomato Skillet

Why You’ll Love It:

Great for when you have a jar of pesto to use up and want something fresh, not fussy. Roasted cherry tomatoes burst with flavor next to herby salmon, and it’s done in under 20 minutes.

Serving size: Serves 2

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 13 minutes

Total Time: 18 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 2 salmon fillets
• 2 tbsp pesto
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• Salt and pepper
• Extra basil, for garnish

How to Make It:

1. Toss tomatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
2. Brush salmon with pesto and season.
3. In skillet over medium-high, add tomatoes, cook 2 minutes. Push to the edge.
4. Sear salmon 3–4 minutes per side until cooked through.
5. Garnish with basil and serve with extra pesto.

Best Pairings: Try with herbed rice or simple buttered noodles.

14. Teriyaki Salmon Skillet Stir Fry

Why You’ll Love It:

This one is a winner for busy weeknights—you get the fast satisfaction of a stir-fry, plus the savory-sweet comfort of teriyaki salmon. A great way to sneak in extra veggies, too.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 12 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 24 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets, cut into cubes
• 1/3 cup teriyaki sauce
• 2 cups broccoli florets
• 1 cup snap peas
• 1 red bell pepper, sliced
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Toss salmon cubes in teriyaki sauce, set aside.
2. Heat oil in skillet, add broccoli and snap peas, cook 3 minutes.
3. Add bell pepper, cook another 2 minutes.
4. Add salmon and sauce, stir gently, cook 5–7 minutes until salmon is cooked and veggies are crisp-tender.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Meal Prep Tip: Cube salmon and chop veggies ahead—the rest comes together in a snap.

15. Mediterranean Salmon Skillet with Olives and Feta

Why You’ll Love It:

For those craving bold, briny flavors, this skillet is a classic. The salty bite of feta and olives turns everyday salmon into a Mediterranean feast—no fancy ingredients, just big flavor.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 17 minutes

Total Time: 27 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 1 can diced tomatoes (14 oz)
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, sliced
• 1/3 cup crumbled feta
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tsp dried oregano
• Salt and black pepper to taste

How to Make It:

1. Heat oil in skillet, add tomatoes, olives, and oregano, simmer 5 minutes.
2. Nestle salmon fillets into sauce, season. Cover, cook 8–10 minutes until just done.
3. Sprinkle feta and broil skillet for 2 minutes if ovenproof.
4. Finish with more oregano before serving.

Flavor Boost: Add roasted red peppers or artichoke hearts for extra flair.

16. Honey Garlic Salmon Skillet with Green Beans

Why You’ll Love It:

A classic sweet-savory-salty combo for when you need a foolproof, crowd-pleasing dinner. One pan does it all, and it’s light but cozy, ideal for December weeknights.

Serving size: Serves 4

Prep Time: 8 minutes

Cook Time: 12 minutes

Total Time: 20 minutes

Ingredients Needed:

• 4 salmon fillets
• 2 cups green beans, trimmed
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp honey
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tbsp soy sauce
• 1 lemon, thinly sliced
• Salt and pepper
• 1 tbsp sesame seeds

How to Make It:

1. Whisk honey, soy sauce, and garlic.
2. Heat oil in skillet, add green beans, cook until bright and just tender, about 4 minutes.
3. Push beans aside, add salmon, cook 3 minutes per side.
4. Pour over honey sauce, add lemon slices, simmer 2 minutes.
5. Sprinkle with sesame seeds and serve.

Swap This With That: Use asparagus in place of green beans when in season.

FAQ

How do I know when salmon is cooked through in a skillet?

Salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should read 145°F. Be careful not to overcook—err on the side of a little under, as it will continue to cook once off the heat.

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for these recipes?

Yes, frozen salmon works great. Make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge and pat them dry before cooking for the best texture and flavor.

What kind of skillet works best for salmon?

A heavy, nonstick or cast iron skillet is excellent for salmon. Cast iron gives a great sear, and nonstick is helpful for easy cleanup. Make sure the pan is preheated so the fish doesn’t stick.

Are these salmon skillet recipes good for meal prep?

Many of these recipes reheat well for meal prep, especially the ones with rice, pasta, or veggies. Store leftovers in airtight containers and enjoy for up to 2 days.

Conclusion

There’s something deeply comforting about making a salmon skillet dinner on a chilly December night—it fills your kitchen with warmth and your table with color. These 12+ Salmon Skillet Recipes December Quick Cozy Meals are proof that cozy comfort food doesn’t have to be complicated. Whether you’re feeding a crowd, prepping for the week, or just want a nourishing meal after a long day, you’ve got options here that fit real life and real appetites. As you cook through these, feel free to swap ingredients, adjust flavors, and make them your own. Cooking at home is about feeding yourself and those you love with care—let these skillet recipes inspire more confidence and more cozy nights in your kitchen.