What could be more delightful than enjoying a beautifully baked stuffed salmon with spinach and feta? Picture this: a perfectly seared piece of salmon, its natural sheen glistening under the kitchen lights, encasing a warm, creamy filling of vibrant spinach and robust feta cheese. whipped feta recipe The aromas waft through the air, teasing your senses and making your mouth water in anticipation. stuffed peppers recipe This dish is not just food; it’s an experience that promises to take your taste buds on a flavorful journey.
Gather your loved ones around the table, and watch their eyes light up as they cut into the succulent salmon to reveal the luscious stuffing inside. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion or simply treating yourself on a Wednesday night, this stuffed salmon is bound to impress. tropical mango salad Get ready for an explosion of flavor that will leave everyone asking for seconds and wondering how they can get this recipe in their own kitchen!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- The ease of preparation makes this dish perfect for weeknight dinners without sacrificing flavor
- Its rich flavors blend beautifully, providing a satisfying dining experience
- Visually stunning with vibrant colors, it steals the show at any dinner table
- This recipe is versatile enough for any occasion – from casual meals to fancy gatherings
I once made this stuffed salmon for my family’s annual fish fry, and let’s just say it was like serving filet mignon at a hot dog cookout—everyone was completely blown away!
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish: For more inspiration, check out this more delicious recipes recipe.
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Salmon Fillets: Opt for fresh fillets with skin on; they hold together nicely during cooking. For more inspiration, check out this learn about our cooking philosophy recipe.
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Fresh Spinach: Use vibrant green spinach for the best flavor and color; frozen can work but may be watery.
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Feta Cheese: Crumble fresh feta for creaminess and tang; avoid pre-crumbled varieties if possible.
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Garlic: Fresh garlic adds depth; use minced or finely chopped for maximum flavor impact. creamy garlic potatoes.
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Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens the dish; bottled isn’t quite the same.
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Olive Oil: A good quality olive oil enhances flavor and helps in cooking; do not skimp here.
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Salt & Pepper: Essential seasoning to enhance all other flavors; adjust according to your taste preferences.
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Pine Nuts (optional): Toasted pine nuts add a lovely crunch; omit if you’re nut-free or not keen on them.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make it Together
Preheat Your Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This temperature ensures even cooking while keeping the salmon moist.
Sauté Spinach and Garlic: In a skillet, heat some olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant, then toss in fresh spinach until wilted and vibrant.
Create Your Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine sautéed spinach with crumbled feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If using pine nuts, fold them in gently here.
Prepare Salmon Fillets: Lay your salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Gently score the top of each fillet to help infuse flavors.
Stuff the Salmon: Take spoonfuls of your cheesy spinach mixture and generously fill each fillet’s cavity. Don’t be shy—this is where all that flavor lives!
Bake Until Perfectly Cooked: Place stuffed salmon in your preheated oven for 20-25 minutes or until cooked through. It should flake easily with a fork and look gloriously golden brown.
Enjoy watching everyone enjoy each bite as they savor every moment!
You Must Know
- Stuffed salmon with spinach & feta is a delightful dish that combines rich flavors and textures
- The creamy feta paired with fresh spinach creates a savory filling that elevates the salmon to gourmet status
- Perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a cozy dinner at home
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by preheating your oven, then prepare your stuffing while the salmon rests. After stuffing, sear the salmon for added flavor before baking it to perfection.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap feta with goat cheese for a tangy twist or add sun-dried tomatoes for an extra burst of flavor. Fresh herbs can also elevate this dish.
Storing & Reheating
Store leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. Reheat gently in the oven to maintain its moist texture.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- To achieve perfectly cooked salmon, use a meat thermometer; it should read 145°F when fully cooked
- Always let the salmon rest after cooking to enhance its juiciness
- For extra flavor, marinate your salmon for 30 minutes prior to stuffing it
Creating this dish brings back memories of my first dinner party where I attempted stuffed salmon for my friends, and they were blown away by how gourmet it felt!
FAQ
What can I substitute for spinach in stuffed salmon?
Try using kale or Swiss chard as tasty alternatives to spinach.
Can I make stuffed salmon ahead of time?
Yes, you can prep and stuff the salmon a few hours before cooking.
How do I know when my salmon is done cooking?
Use a meat thermometer; perfect internal temperature is 145°F for safe consumption.
Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta is a delectable dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a creamy, flavorful filling of fresh spinach and tangy feta cheese. Perfect for both weeknight meals and special occasions, this recipe promises to impress your family and friends with its vibrant colors and rich flavors. Each bite delivers an explosion of taste that will leave everyone asking for the recipe.
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt & pepper to taste
- ¼ cup toasted pine nuts (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- In a skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add minced garlic until fragrant, then stir in the chopped spinach until wilted.
- In a bowl, combine sautéed spinach with feta cheese, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. If using pine nuts, fold them in gently.
- Place salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet and score the tops gently.
- Generously stuff each fillet with the spinach-feta mixture.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes or until salmon flakes easily with a fork and is golden brown.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 392
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 762mg
- Fat: 24g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 38g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
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