Easy Spinach Stuffed Salmon for a Healthy Weeknight Meal

Oh, sweet friends, there’s nothing quite like the feeling of preparing a meal that’s both comforting and incredibly good for you, especially after a busy day. This easy spinach stuffed salmon recipe takes a beautiful fillet of fish and elevates it into a truly special dish, proving that healthy eating can be utterly delicious and simple. The rich, flaky salmon perfectly complements the creamy, savory filling, creating a symphony of flavors that will have everyone at your table asking for seconds.

I remember my grandmother, bless her heart, always said the best meals were made with love and simple, fresh ingredients. While her kitchen was often filled with the aroma of apple pie, she also taught me the joy of a well-balanced plate. This dish, with its vibrant colors and wholesome goodness, reminds me of those cherished lessons, bringing a touch of home to every bite. It’s a dish that feels both elegant and down-to-earth, much like the cherished memories we create around the dinner table.

This recipe for spinach stuffed salmon is a true weeknight hero – quick to prepare and absolutely brimming with flavor, making it a perfect healthy option for your family. Plus, it’s remarkably versatile, easily adaptable to what you have on hand. My top tip for any fish recipe? Always start with the freshest salmon you can find; it truly makes all the difference!

What You Need to Make This Recipe

Gathering our ingredients for this delightful dish is like picking treasures for a special occasion! For this incredible meal, we’ll focus on fresh, vibrant ingredients like tender spinach, creamy feta and cream cheese, and beautiful salmon fillets. These stars come together to create a filling that’s both rich and light, making this spinach stuffed salmon a true showstopper. You’ll find the full list of ingredients and precise measurements in the recipe card below, ready for your culinary adventure!

How to Make spinach stuffed salmon

Crafting this lovely spinach stuffed salmon is a joy, truly! We begin by gently mixing the creamy cheese, fresh spinach, and fragrant herbs for our luscious filling. Then, we carefully tuck this savory mixture into our beautiful salmon fillets, creating little pockets of deliciousness. A quick bake in the oven, followed by a bright lemon-herb drizzle, and voilà – a magnificent, healthy meal is ready to grace your table.

Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon with Lemon-Herb Drizzle

Flaky salmon fillets are generously stuffed with a savory mixture of fresh spinach, creamy feta cheese, and aromatic herbs, then baked to perfection and finished with a bright lemon-herb drizzle for a healthy and impressive dinner.

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Prep Time 15 minutes mins

Cook Time 20 minutes mins

Total Time 35 minutes mins

Servings: 2 servings

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: American, Mediterranean

Calories: 480

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

  

For the Spinach-Feta Stuffing

• 5 oz Fresh spinach roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup Feta cheese crumbled
• 2 tbsp Cream cheese softened
• 1 clove Garlic minced
• 1/2 tsp Dried dill
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/8 tsp Black pepper

For the Salmon

• 2 Salmon fillets 6 oz each, skin-on or off, boneless
• 1 tbsp Olive oil
• 1/4 tsp Salt
• 1/4 tsp Black pepper
• 1/2 tsp Paprika

For the Lemon-Herb Drizzle

• 2 tbsp Lemon juice freshly squeezed
• 1 tbsp Extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped
• 1 tbsp Fresh chives chopped (or 1 tsp dried chives)
• Pinch Salt
• Pinch Black pepper

Equipment

• Baking Sheet
• Parchment Paper
• Small Mixing Bowl
• Sharp Knife
• Spoon
• Whisk

Method

 

Prepare the Stuffing

1. Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. In a small mixing bowl, combine the chopped fresh spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, dried dill, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp black pepper. Mix well until thoroughly combined.

Prepare and Stuff the Salmon

1. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Place them on a cutting board.
2. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into the thickest side of each salmon fillet. Do not cut all the way through to the other side.
3. Spoon half of the spinach-feta mixture into each salmon pocket, spreading it evenly.
4. Brush the outside of the stuffed salmon fillets with 1 tbsp olive oil. Season with 1/4 tsp salt, 1/4 tsp black pepper, and paprika.
5. Place the stuffed salmon fillets on the prepared baking sheet.

Bake the Salmon

1. Bake for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, and the stuffing is hot. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Make the Lemon-Herb Drizzle

1. While the salmon bakes, whisk together fresh lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh chives, a pinch of salt, and a pinch of black pepper in a small bowl.

Serve

1. Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven. Drizzle generously with the lemon-herb mixture before serving immediately.

Notes

Serve with roasted asparagus, a simple green salad, or quinoa for a complete meal. For easier stuffing, use a pastry bag or a zip-top bag with the corner snipped off to pipe the filling into the salmon pockets.

Pro Tips for Making This spinach stuffed salmon

Creating a perfect spinach stuffed salmon might seem fancy, but with a few of my well-loved tricks, you’ll be a pro in no time!

• Pat Your Salmon Dry: Before you do anything else, make sure your salmon fillets are thoroughly patted dry with paper towels. This simple step helps the seasoning adhere better and ensures a beautiful, crispy skin on the outside. It’s a small detail that makes a big difference!
• Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting to load up on that delicious spinach and feta mixture, resist the urge to overstuff your salmon. Too much filling can make it difficult to fold and seal, and might even cause the filling to spill out during baking. A modest, yet generous, amount is perfect for this spinach stuffed salmon.
• My Secret Trick: I always let my cream cheese soften at room temperature before mixing the stuffing. This ensures a wonderfully smooth and lump-free filling that’s a dream to work with. It makes spreading it on the salmon so much easier and creates a more cohesive stuffing for your spinach stuffed salmon.
• Rest After Baking: Once your salmon is perfectly cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite of your spinach stuffed salmon is moist, tender, and incredibly flavorful.

Fun Variations for spinach stuffed salmon

One of the things I adore about home cooking is the freedom to play and make a recipe truly your own! This spinach stuffed salmon is wonderfully adaptable, inviting you to experiment with flavors and textures. Here are a few ideas to spark your culinary creativity:

• Mediterranean Twist: My friend Sarah loves when I add a few finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes or Kalamata olives to the spinach and feta filling for an extra burst of Mediterranean flavor. You could also sprinkle in some oregano!
• Spice It Up: For those who enjoy a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes in the stuffing adds a lovely kick that complements the richness of the salmon. It’s a wonderful way to awaken the palate.
• Herb Swap: Don’t have fresh chives or parsley? No worries! Fresh dill is absolutely divine in this spinach stuffed salmon, as it’s already in the recipe, but you could also try fresh basil or a touch of tarragon for a different aromatic profile in the drizzle.
• Cheese Please! While feta and cream cheese are a dream team, you could try substituting a portion of the feta with goat cheese for a tangier, creamier stuffing, or even add a sprinkle of grated Parmesan for a nutty undertone. This makes the spinach stuffed salmon even more versatile.

What to Serve With spinach stuffed salmon

Every star deserves a brilliant supporting cast, and our delicious spinach stuffed salmon is no exception! Choosing the right accompaniments can elevate your meal from delightful to truly memorable. I always think about balancing flavors and textures to make every bite a joy.

For this lovely spinach stuffed salmon, I often reach for something light and fresh to complement its richness. A simple side of roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed with a little lemon zest and olive oil is always a winner in my kitchen. The crisp-tender veggies provide a wonderful contrast. If you’re looking for something a bit heartier, a fluffy quinoa salad or a light couscous pilaf with herbs would be absolutely perfect. And for a quick and easy option, my mom always loved serving a fresh garden salad with a simple vinaigrette alongside her baked fish. It makes for a complete and utterly satisfying meal!

How to Store spinach stuffed salmon

After enjoying such a wonderful meal, you might find yourself with a few delicious leftovers of this spinach stuffed salmon. Don’t fret, preserving that lovely flavor and texture is simple!

Fridge Storage

To keep your leftover spinach stuffed salmon fresh and tasty, transfer it to an airtight container as soon as it has cooled down to room temperature. It will happily keep in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. This method helps maintain its moisture and prevents any flavors from mingling with other foods in your fridge.

Reheating Tips

When you’re ready to enjoy your spinach stuffed salmon again, I recommend reheating it gently. Pop it in an oven preheated to 275-300°F (135-150°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until warmed through. My personal tip for keeping it from drying out is to cover it loosely with foil while reheating. This gentle warmth helps the salmon stay beautifully moist, almost like it was freshly baked!

Nutritional Benefits

This delightful recipe for spinach stuffed salmon is a true powerhouse of nutrition, blending indulgence with wholesome goodness. Packed with lean protein from the salmon, it’s fantastic for muscle health and satiety. The vibrant spinach provides essential vitamins and minerals, while healthy fats from the olive oil support heart health, making this spinach stuffed salmon a nourishing choice for any meal.

FAQs

Faq 1

How do I prevent the salmon from drying out?
To keep your salmon moist, ensure you don’t overbake it. Salmon cooks quickly! Use a meat thermometer to check for an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. A quick cook time ensures your spinach stuffed salmon remains tender.

Faq 2

Can I prepare the stuffing ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can prepare the spinach and feta stuffing up to a day in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This makes assembling your spinach stuffed salmon even quicker on a busy weeknight.

Faq 3

What if I don’t have fresh dill?
If fresh dill isn’t available, you can use dried dill, but reduce the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated. A good starting point is about half a teaspoon of dried dill for every tablespoon of fresh. This works well for the lemon-herb drizzle on your spinach stuffed salmon.

Faq 4

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, this spinach stuffed salmon is excellent for meal prep! Bake a few extra fillets and store them in individual airtight containers in the fridge. They reheat beautifully for a healthy and satisfying lunch or dinner throughout the week.

Conclusion

There you have it, sweet friends – a recipe for spinach stuffed salmon that promises both health and happiness on your plate. It’s truly amazing how a handful of simple ingredients, combined with a little love and a dash of patience, can transform into such a magnificent meal. This dish embodies everything I cherish about cooking: bringing people together, creating delicious memories, and nourishing our bodies with wholesome goodness. So go ahead, step into your kitchen, embrace the joy of creating this beautiful spinach stuffed salmon, and let the warmth of homemade goodness fill your home and your heart. Happy cooking!