Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Salmon is not only one of the most nutritious fish to include in your diet, but it’s also versatile and flavorful. A delicious way to elevate this already tasty fish is by stuffing it with a creamy spinach filling, turning it into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. Spinach-stuffed salmon is a delightful combination of rich salmon fillets, a cheesy spinach stuffing, and aromatic seasonings that come together to create a dish that’s both impressive and satisfying.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Spinach Filling

1. Sauté the Spinach: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté for 2-3 minutes until wilted. If you’re using frozen spinach, make sure it’s completely thawed and well-drained before adding it to the pan. Once the spinach is wilted, remove it from the heat and set it aside to cool slightly.
2. Mix the Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, grated Parmesan cheese, mozzarella cheese, minced garlic, onion powder, red pepper flakes (if using), and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir until the mixture is smooth and well combined.
3. Incorporate the Spinach: Once the spinach has cooled enough to handle, chop it finely and fold it into the cheese mixture. This forms the creamy, cheesy filling that will complement the rich salmon.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures the oven is hot and ready when you finish preparing the salmon.
2. Slice the Pockets: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice a pocket into each salmon fillet. Make sure not to cut all the way through the fillet. The pocket should be deep enough to hold a generous amount of stuffing, but the sides of the salmon should remain intact to keep the filling in place.
3. Season the Salmon: Season the salmon fillets on both sides with salt and black pepper. This will enhance the flavor of the fish as it cooks.

Step 3: Stuff the Salmon

1. Fill the Pockets: Using a spoon, stuff each salmon fillet with the spinach and cheese mixture. Be generous with the filling, but don’t overstuff to the point where the filling is spilling out. Press the filling firmly into the pocket to ensure it stays in place during cooking.
2. Secure with Toothpicks (Optional): If you’re concerned about the filling coming out, you can use toothpicks to close the pockets. Insert a toothpick through the edges of the salmon to keep the filling secure.

Step 4: Sear the Salmon

1. Heat the Olive Oil: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. You’ll want the pan to be hot before adding the salmon to get a nice sear on the fillets.
2. Sear the Salmon: Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet, flesh-side down. Sear the salmon for 2-3 minutes, or until a golden-brown crust forms on the outside. Be careful when flipping the fillets to avoid spilling the filling.
3. Transfer to Baking Dish: After searing, transfer the salmon fillets to a baking dish, arranging them in a single layer.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

1. Bake in the Oven: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature of the salmon should reach 145°F (63°C).
2. Check for Doneness: Be sure to monitor the salmon closely as it bakes. Overcooked salmon can become dry, so it’s important to remove it from the oven as soon as it’s done.

Step 6: Serve and Garnish

1. Garnish the Salmon: Once the salmon is done baking, transfer it to a serving platter. Garnish with freshly chopped parsley and serve with lemon wedges on the side. The lemon juice adds brightness to the rich, creamy filling.
2. Serve Hot: Serve the spinach-stuffed salmon hot, accompanied by your choice of side dishes.

Tips for Success

• Choose Thick Salmon Fillets: It’s important to choose thicker fillets so that they can hold the stuffing without falling apart. The fillets should be at least 1-1.5 inches thick.
• Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will give the dish a brighter color and fresher taste, but frozen spinach can be used if necessary. Just make sure to drain it well to avoid excess moisture in the filling.
• Sear for Extra Flavor: Searing the salmon before baking gives the fillets a beautiful golden-brown crust and adds flavor. Don’t skip this step!
• Watch the Cooking Time: Salmon cooks quickly, so keep an eye on it as it bakes. Overcooking the salmon will dry it out, so aim for the perfect flakiness without going too far.

Variations

1. Keto-Friendly Spinach-Stuffed Salmon

To make this recipe keto-friendly, use a higher fat cheese like ricotta or mascarpone in place of cream cheese. You can also add more healthy fats by drizzling the salmon with olive oil or serving it with avocado slices.

2. Spinach-Stuffed Salmon with Sun-Dried Tomatoes

For an extra layer of flavor, mix in finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes with the spinach filling. The sweet and tangy flavor of the tomatoes pairs beautifully with the creamy filling and rich salmon.

3. Mediterranean Spinach-Stuffed Salmon

Add a Mediterranean twist by incorporating crumbled feta cheese, chopped Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice into the spinach filling. This gives the dish a bright, briny flavor profile that’s perfect for summer.

4. Spinach-Stuffed Salmon with Goat Cheese

For a tangy, creamy alternative, replace the cream cheese with goat cheese. The goat cheese adds a unique flavor that complements the spinach and salmon.

5. Spinach-Stuffed Salmon with Mushrooms

For an earthy variation, sauté mushrooms along with the spinach before mixing it into the filling. The mushrooms add a savory, umami flavor that works well with the richness of the salmon and cheese.

Pairing Suggestions

Side Dishes:

• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes complement the richness of the salmon and add a hearty component to the meal.
• Roasted Vegetables: Serve the salmon with a side of roasted vegetables such as asparagus, zucchini, or carrots for a balanced, nutritious plate.
• Cauliflower Rice: For a low-carb option, pair the spinach-stuffed salmon with cauliflower rice.

Wine Pairings:

• Chardonnay: A buttery Chardonnay pairs well with the creamy filling and rich salmon.
• Sauvignon Blanc: If you prefer a crisper, lighter wine, a Sauvignon Blanc complements the fresh spinach and lemony finish.

Salad Pairing:

• Mixed Greens with Lemon Vinaigrette: A light, fresh salad with a lemon vinaigrette dressing balances out the richness of the salmon.

Conclusion

Spinach Stuffed Salmon is an elegant, flavorful dish that’s simple enough to make at home, yet impressive enough to serve to guests. The creamy spinach and cheese filling pairs perfectly with the tender, flaky salmon, creating a meal that’s both indulgent and nutritious. By following the steps outlined in this guide, you’ll be able to create a delicious, restaurant-quality meal in your own kitchen. Enjoy!

Yield: 4

Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe

Print

Salmon is not only one of the most nutritious fish to include in your diet, but it's also versatile and flavorful. A delicious way to elevate this already tasty fish is by stuffing it with a creamy spinach filling, turning it into a restaurant-quality meal you can easily make at home. Spinach-stuffed salmon is a delightful combination of rich salmon fillets, a cheesy spinach stuffing, and aromatic seasonings that come together to create a dish that's both impressive and satisfying.

Prep Time 15 minutes

Cook Time 20 minutes

Total Time 35 minutes

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each), skinless
• 2 tablespoons olive oil
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• Lemon wedges (for serving)
• For the Spinach Stuffing:
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• 4 oz cream cheese, softened
• 1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon Parmesan cheese, grated
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Preheat the Oven:

• Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).

2. Prepare the Spinach Stuffing:

• In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat.
• Add the minced garlic and red pepper flakes (if using). Sauté for 1-2 minutes until fragrant.
• Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
• Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.
• In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, salt, and pepper. Stir until well combined.

3. Stuff the Salmon:

• Slice each salmon fillet horizontally through the center (without cutting all the way through) to create a pocket for the stuffing.
• Stuff each fillet with the spinach and cheese mixture, pressing gently to ensure the filling stays in place.

4. Sear the Salmon:

• In a large oven-safe skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium-high heat.
• Season the outside of the salmon with salt and pepper.
• Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet and sear for 2-3 minutes on each side, until golden brown.

5. Bake the Salmon:

• Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.

6. Serve:

• Remove the stuffed salmon from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes.
• Serve with lemon wedges for a fresh burst of flavor and your favorite side dish, like roasted vegetables or rice.

Notes

Customization: You can add other ingredients to the stuffing, like sun-dried tomatoes or artichoke hearts for extra flavor.

Make-Ahead Tip: Prepare the stuffing in advance and store it in the fridge until ready to use.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.