Introduction
Busy weeknights often leave little time for elaborate meals, yet everyone craves something delicious and satisfying. Enter the spinach stuffed salmon—a dish that is both elegant and quick to prepare. Packed with flavor and nutrients, this recipe provides a mouthwatering solution for your weeknight dinners.
With fresh salmon fillets enveloped in a rich spinach and cream cheese filling, this dish balances indulgence with health. The best part? It can be on the table in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for those nights when time is of the essence but quality cannot be sacrificed.
Ingredients
- 4 (6 oz) salmon fillets
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese, softened
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped (for garnish)
Directions & Preparation
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each fillet by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each salmon pocket generously with the spinach mixture, packing it in snugly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your spinach stuffed salmon with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
FAQs
What do I do if the filling is too thick?
If the filling is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of milk or cream to loosen it up.
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute frozen spinach, just make sure to thaw and drain it well before use.
What can I do if I overcooked the salmon?
If your salmon is overcooked, next time try reducing the baking time by a couple of minutes for a more tender result.
Can I make the filling in advance?
Yes, the spinach filling can be prepared a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator until you're ready to cook the salmon.
Is there a way to vary the seasoning?
Feel free to add herbs like dill or basil to customize the flavor of the filling.
Can I use a different type of cheese?
Absolutely! Cream cheese can be replaced with ricotta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile.
Conclusion
Spinach stuffed salmon offers a delightful blend of flavors and textures, making it an ideal choice for a busy weeknight. With its quick preparation and wholesome ingredients, this recipe is sure to become a family favorite.
Give this dish a try and experience the joy of a delicious, home-cooked meal without the fuss. Enjoy the bright flavors of the spinach and the richness of the salmon, and feel good about what you're serving to your loved ones.
Recipe Card
Delicious Easy Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe for Quick Dinners
Ingredients
- 4 6 oz salmon fillets
- 2 cups fresh spinach chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
- 1/2 cup feta cheese crumbled
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley chopped (for garnish)
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a medium skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds, until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, cream cheese, feta cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Mix until well combined.
- Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, make a pocket in each fillet by slicing horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
- Stuff each salmon pocket generously with the spinach mixture, packing it in snugly.
- Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Garnish with chopped parsley before serving. Enjoy your spinach stuffed salmon with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh salad.
Notes
Additional serving suggestions: pair with a crisp salad, garlic bread, or roasted seasonal vegetables for balance.
For make-ahead, prep components separately and assemble just before heating to preserve texture.
Taste and adjust with acid (lemon/vinegar) and salt right at the end to wake up flavors.
