Honey Lime Salmon

(5.0)
By Judy Capodanno
Updated 7/31/2025
Dietitian Reviewed: Jane Schwartz, RDN, CLT
Approved for These Diets:
Heart Healthy | Gluten Free | Diabetic
Honey Lime Salmon
Photo Credit: Adobe Stock

This quick and easy Honey Lime Salmon recipe is ready in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights. The salmon is pan-seared to perfection to achieve beautifully crispy skin, then gently simmered in a sweet and savory glaze made with honey, fresh lime juice, and fragrant chopped rosemary. It’s served alongside sautéed turnips and onions, which add natural sweetness and soak up the citrusy honey garlic glaze while keeping the meal lower in carbs. With 24 grams of protein per serving and minimal saturated fat, this dish aligns with a GLP-1 diet and supports a heart-healthy lifestyle without skimping on flavor or satisfaction.

Explore more vibrant, nutritious meals with our collection of healthy salmon recipes and high protein dinner recipes. Whether you’re cooking for a particular diet, convenience, or taste, we’ve got healthy recipes that deliver on all three.

Total Time
30 minutes
Servings
2
Calories
396

A Healthy Salmon Lime Recipe That Works

Salmon is a heart healthy fish, rich in omega-3 fatty acids that support cardiovascular and overall wellness. This healthy salmon recipe highlights the fish with a bright, aromatic salmon honey glaze made from honey, lime juice, olive oil, and fresh herbs. Paired with tender turnips, it becomes a satisfying and flavorful salmon and turnips dish that’s easy to prepare any night of the week. Naturally gluten-free and diabetic-friendly, this recipe aligns with a variety of dietary needs. While salmon contains more fat than some white fish, it’s primarily unsaturated, making it a smart source of essential nutrients, even when managing weight. Thanks to its protein density, high protein salmon like this helps keep you full longer than leaner varieties. For a different flavor, feel free to swap in halibut or another mild white fish.

Not a fan of turnips?
Try thinly sliced radishes, parsnips, or even zucchini for a similar tender texture.

No fresh rosemary?
Use fresh parsley for brightness or dried rosemary in a pinch — just use half the amount.

Don’t have fresh limes to juice?
Lemon juice works fine. Add a little zest to boost flavor.

Want more sweetness?
Swap the honey with maple syrup for a different kind of glaze.

Want to use a different kind of fish?
Halibut or Arctic char both work beautifully in this pan seared recipe.

  • High protein salmon with 24g per serving

  • Heart-healthy fats from olive oil and fish

  • Low in saturated fat (only 4g) and sodium-conscious

  • Balanced meal with lean protein, fiber, and veggies

  • Made with simple, whole ingredients in 30 minutes
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days

  • Reheat gently in a skillet with a splash of water or citrus to revive the glaze

  • Great for meal prep — keep salmon and turnips separate for best texture

  • Pairs well with brown rice, quinoa, or a side salad if you need more protein and healthy carbs

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Calories: 396 per serving

Dietary Tags: Heart-Healthy, Gluten-Free, Diabetic, High Protein, Mediterranean

These heart-healthy salmon recipes use simple glazes that deliver flavor without excess salt, butter, or sugar.

  • Soy Ginger Salmon: This recipe uses low-sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, and scallions for a fast, flavorful glaze. It’s a lighter take on Asian-inspired salmon.

  • Brown Sugar Glazed Salmon: Made with a touch of brown sugar and reduced sodium soy sauce, this recipe balances sweet and tangy while keeping fat and sodium in check.

  • Orange Glazed Salmon: Bright citrus and ginger give this salmon a zesty, antioxidant-rich glaze that pairs perfectly with roasted veggies or rice.

Is salmon good for high cholesterol?
Yes. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which can help reduce triglycerides and support heart health when eaten regularly.

Does salmon lower cholesterol?
Eating salmon as part of a balanced diet may help lower LDL (“bad”) cholesterol and increase HDL (“good”) cholesterol, especially when replacing higher-fat meats.

Can salmon lower cholesterol?
It can contribute to cholesterol improvements over time, especially when paired with fiber-rich vegetables and healthy fats like olive oil.

Is salmon high in protein?
Yes. Each 4-ounce fillet provides about 24 grams of high-quality protein, which supports muscle health and satiety.

Is salmon heart healthy?
Absolutely. This recipe was built to meet our hospital's heart-health guidelines and includes olive oil, herbs, and omega-3-rich fish.

Is salmon low fat?
It’s low in saturated fat and high in healthy fats. This recipe has just 4 grams of saturated fat per serving.

Is salmon good for diabetics?
Yes. It’s naturally low in carbs, high in protein, and pairs well with non-starchy veggies like turnips for a balanced plate.

What’s the secret to crispy salmon skin?
Start with a hot skillet, cook the salmon skin side down without moving it, and don’t flip until the skin releases easily.

Can I make this with frozen salmon?
Yes, just thaw fully and pat dry before searing to get the skin crisp and avoid splatter.

If you liked this salmon lime recipe, we’ve got even more to explore, all developed for real life and real health goals. Whether you’re cooking for heart health, meal prep, or simple weeknight dinners, these collections have you covered.

Health eCooks Cookbook on Amazon

Ingredients

Recipe yields 2 servings

How to Make Honey Lime Salmon

  1. Step 1

    In a small skillet, heat 2 teaspoons oil over medium heat until hot. Add the onion and garlic and cook for 3 minutes, or until onion is softened. Add the turnips and continue to cook, covered, for 10 to 15 minutes, or until turnips are tender. Season turnips with pepper. Set aside.

  2. Step 2

    Season the salmon with salt and pepper. Lightly coat a medium skillet with nonstick cooking spray and heat over medium-high heat until hot. Add the salmon, skin side down, and sear it for about 3 minutes, or until crisp. With a spatula, flip the salmon. Add the remaining 2 tablespoons oil, honey, lime juice and herbs. Baste the fish until it is medium rare, about 3 minutes. Serve topped with honey sauce and vegetables.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size:
4 oz fish fillet, 1/2 cup vegetables

396
Calories
28
g
Fat
67
mg
Cholesterol
345
mg
Sodium
27
g
Carbs
4
g
Sat. Fat
2
g
Fiber
24
g
Protein

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