Name: One Pan Salmon with Mint Pea Puree & Caramelized Carrot Medallions Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: Modern American
Ingredients: 3 tbsp Butter (divided from total 6 oz); 1/2 medium Yellow Onion, diced fine; 10 oz Fresh English Peas (or frozen peas as alternative); 1/2 to 1 cup Chicken Stock, Vegetable Stock, or Water; 1 cup Full-Fat Cottage Cheese; 1/2 cup Fresh Mint Leaves; 3 tbsp Butter (divided from total 6 oz); 4 large Carrots, sliced into medallions; Kosher Salt and Pepper, to taste; 6 tbsp Butter (remaining from total 6 oz); 4 salmon fillets, 4 oz each, skin on; Kosher Salt and Pepper, to taste; 1/4 cup Roasted Salted Pistachios, chopped; Fresh Mint Sprigs

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 7 reviews

If you’re looking for a dish that bursts with freshness, vibrant colors, and a perfect balance of flavors, then the One Pan Salmon with Mint Pea Puree & Caramelized Carrot Medallions Recipe is your new go-to meal. It’s wonderfully simple yet elegant—a tender salmon fillet cooked right alongside sweet caramelized carrots, all paired with a silky mint-infused pea puree. This recipe delivers a blend of textures and tastes that feels gourmet but comes together with minimal fuss, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressing guests without stress.

Ingredients You'll Need

The image shows several cooking ingredients arranged neatly on a white marbled surface. At the top left, there is a white bowl with four pieces of reddish-pink fish fillets. To the right of it, there's a clear glass measuring cup with water inside. Below the fish, there are five bowls in a scattered arrangement: a white bowl with chopped white onions, a white bowl filled with green peas, a white bowl with orange carrot slices, a white bowl with white cottage cheese, and a small white bowl with crushed brown nuts or seeds. At the bottom center, there is a small white plate with two sticks of butter. Finally, to the right of the bowls and butter, there is a bunch of fresh green mint leaves. Two small wooden bowls at the bottom left contain black pepper and white salt. The layout is clean, simple, and well-lit, showing the fresh colors and textures clearly. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Every ingredient in this recipe plays a starring role, contributing layers of flavor, texture, and color. From the fresh sweetness of peas to the rich butter that brings everything together, these essentials are straightforward but powerful in their impact.

Butter (6 oz, divided): Adds richness and helps caramelize carrots while keeping the salmon moist and flavorful.
Yellow Onion (½ medium, diced fine): Builds a sweet base for the pea puree without overpowering its freshness.
Fresh English Peas (10 oz): The star ingredient in the pea puree, offering vibrant color and natural sweetness (frozen peas can be a handy substitute).
Chicken Stock, Vegetable Stock or Water (½–1 cup): Adjusts the texture of the puree while adding subtle flavor depth.
Cottage Cheese (1 cup, full fat): Blends into the puree for creaminess without heaviness, keeping the dish light and fresh.
Fresh Mint Leaves (½ cup): The mint elevates the pea puree with an herbal brightness that complements the salmon perfectly.
Carrots (4 large, sliced into medallions): Caramelize to bring natural sweetness and a pleasant texture contrast.
Salmon Fillets (4 × 4 oz): The flavorful centerpiece, cooked skin-side down and finished under the broiler for crispy skin with tender flesh.
Roasted Salted Pistachios (¼ cup, chopped): Adds a crunchy texture and nutty flavor as a garnish that ties all components together.
Kosher Salt and Pepper (to taste): Essential for seasoning each component beautifully without overshadowing the fresh ingredients.

How to Make One Pan Salmon with Mint Pea Puree & Caramelized Carrot Medallions Recipe

Step 1: Create the Pea Puree Magic

Start by melting a quarter of the butter in an oven-safe sauté pan over medium heat. Toss in the finely diced onions and cook gently until they begin softening, coaxing out their natural sweetness. Then add your peas along with the stock or water, bringing everything to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors. After about 90 seconds, transfer this mixture to a blender, adding the cottage cheese for that luscious creaminess. Blend until silky and smooth, adding more liquid if needed to perfect the texture. Finish by pulsing in the fresh mint leaves for a refreshing herbal note that makes the puree truly sing.

Step 2: Caramelize the Carrot Medallions

Using the same pan (no cleaning needed because those fond flavors are your friends), melt another quarter of the butter and add the carrot medallions. Season them generously with salt and pepper to balance their natural sweetness. Cook over medium heat until the carrots are tender yet still firm to bite and develop golden caramelized edges. This step not only softens the carrots but creates those irresistible browned spots that add complexity and depth.

Step 3: Cook the Salmon to Perfection

Now, crank your broiler on high to preheat, because the final salmon cooking is about that perfect crispy skin and juicy center. Melt half of the total butter in the same sauté pan once more and place the salmon fillets skin-side down. Season well, and once the butter is bubbly, baste the salmon repeatedly with that flavorful butter. This method ensures the fish stays moist and takes on all those rich buttery notes. When the bottom half of the fillet looks cooked through (you can see this from the side), pop the whole pan under the broiler for 4 to 6 minutes, just enough to finish cooking while crisping the skin beautifully.

Step 4: Plate with Panache

Divide the mint pea puree evenly among your serving bowls, creating a gorgeous green base. Nestle a perfectly cooked salmon fillet on top of each bed of puree, then add a generous helping of caramelized carrot medallions around the plate. Sprinkle the chopped roasted pistachios on each dish to introduce delightful crunch and a nutty accent. A fresh mint sprig on the side adds just the right finishing touch. And there you have it—dinner that looks restaurant-worthy and tastes even better.

How to Serve One Pan Salmon with Mint Pea Puree & Caramelized Carrot Medallions Recipe

A white scalloped plate holds a pink piece of cooked salmon with a light sear on top, sitting on a bright green sauce spread under and around the fish. There are small chopped pistachio nuts scattered on the salmon and sauce, adding a rough, crunchy texture. On the right side, there are a few round cooked orange carrots partially covered by the sauce and nuts. A silver fork is holding a small piece of salmon dipped in the green sauce on the left side of the plate. The plate is placed on a white marbled surface with a white cloth napkin visible nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

Simple garnishes such as chopped pistachios and mint sprigs amp up both the flavor and presentation. The crunch from pistachios introduces texture, while fresh mint reinforces the pea puree’s herbal notes and adds a bright pop of green that’s so inviting on the plate.

Side Dishes

This dish shines on its own but pairs wonderfully with light sides like a crisp mixed greens salad with lemon vinaigrette or a small serving of fluffy couscous to soak up extra pea puree. Avoid anything too heavy so the delicate salmon and vibrant vegetables stay front and center.

Creative Ways to Present

Try serving this dish family-style by spreading the pea puree on a large platter and layering the salmon fillets on top with carrots arranged artfully around the edges. Alternatively, use shallow white bowls to showcase the beautiful colors, allowing guests to mix their bites and enjoy every flavor combination.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

To keep leftovers fresh, store the salmon, pea puree, and carrots separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator. This prevents the puree from absorbing fish flavors and keeps the textures intact. Consume within 2 days for best quality.

Freezing

While the pea puree and carrots freeze well, salmon is best eaten fresh for optimal texture. If you do freeze the salmon, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap then foil before freezing, but expect some loss of moisture and texture upon thawing.

Reheating

Reheat the pea puree gently on the stove over low heat with a splash of water or stock to loosen it up. Warm the carrots in a skillet to retain their caramelized exterior. For salmon, it’s best to reheat slowly in the oven at low temperature or enjoy it cold in salads to preserve its delicate texture.

FAQs

Can I use frozen peas for the pea puree?

Absolutely! Frozen peas work wonderfully and are a convenient alternative to fresh peas. Just thaw them before cooking so they blend smoothly.

What other herbs can I use instead of mint?

If mint isn’t your favorite, fresh basil or parsley can offer a bright, fresh twist to the pea puree, though mint’s unique coolness pairs best with salmon.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

The salmon is cooked when it easily flakes with a fork and the flesh looks opaque throughout. The broiler finish ensures a crisp skin and juicy interior, usually needing 4 to 6 minutes under high heat.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

You can swap butter for olive oil or a dairy-free spread and substitute cottage cheese with a smooth plant-based yogurt or silken tofu to keep the pea puree creamy.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prepping?

Definitely. Just prepare all components as instructed and store them separately. Assemble right before eating to maintain freshness and texture.

Final Thoughts

This One Pan Salmon with Mint Pea Puree & Caramelized Carrot Medallions Recipe is one of those dishes that feels like a special treat but fits perfectly into busy weeknight cooking. It’s bright, fresh, and so satisfying in every bite. Give it a try—you might just find yourself reaching for this stunning combination again and again!

One Pan Salmon with Mint Pea Puree & Caramelized Carrot Medallions Recipe

Ingredients You'll Need