Buttery Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe For Seafood Lovers

Fresh salmon takes on a vibrant twist with this delectable spinach stuffed salmon recipe that promises a burst of flavor in every bite.

The tender fish becomes a canvas for a rich, herbal filling that melts seamlessly into each flaky layer.

Packed with nutrients and elegance, this dish elevates a simple protein into a restaurant-worthy meal.

Creamy spinach nestles between salmon succulent layers, creating a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.

Weeknight dinners or special occasions will shine with this impressive yet surprisingly easy preparation.

Seafood lovers and health-conscious eaters alike will fall in love with this nutritious and delicious culinary creation.

Prepare to be amazed by how simple ingredients can transform into a spectacular dining experience.

What Makes Spinach Stuffed Salmon a Hit

• Transform basic salmon into a restaurant-quality dish with minimal culinary skills, making you feel like a professional chef without complicated techniques.
• Easily adapt the recipe by adjusting spice levels with red pepper flakes or swapping cheeses, giving you complete control over flavor profiles.
• Prepare a delicious, nutritious meal in less than half an hour, perfect for busy professionals or families craving a wholesome dinner without extensive preparation.
• Combine protein-rich salmon with spinach for a meal that's not just tasty but also provides essential vitamins and minerals, supporting your health goals.

What You’ll Need for Stuffed Salmon

• Salmon Fillets: A rich and tender fish perfect for creating a delicious stuffed dish.

• Cream Cheese: Provides a smooth and creamy base for the spinach mixture.
• Mozzarella Cheese, Parmesan Cheese: Add richness and a delightful cheesy flavor to the stuffing.
• Spinach: Brings a nutritious and vibrant green element to the salmon filling.
• Garlic Powder: Adds a subtle and aromatic seasoning to enhance the stuffing.
• Red Pepper Flakes: Offers a gentle heat and slight kick to the mixture.

• Olive Oil: Used for cooking and adding moisture to the salmon.
• Butter: Helps create a golden, crispy exterior and adds rich flavor.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance the natural taste of the salmon.
• Lemon Juice: Provides a bright, zesty finish to the dish and helps balance the richness.

How to Prepare Spinach Stuffed Salmon

Step 1: Whip Up Spinach Stuffing

In a mixing bowl, combine softened cream cheese, mozzarella, Parmesan, thawed spinach, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes.

Mix thoroughly until all ingredients are evenly blended.

Let the mixture sit at room temperature while preparing the salmon.

Step 2: Prepare Salmon Fillets

Place salmon fillets on a cutting board with skin facing down.

Gently drizzle olive oil over the fish and massage salt and pepper into the surface.

Using a sharp knife, carefully create a pocket in the thickest part of each fillet, ensuring it’s deep enough to hold the stuffing.

Step 3: Fill Salmon Pockets

Carefully spoon the spinach mixture into each salmon fillet’s pocket.

Don’t worry if some filling escapes – it will add extra flavor during cooking.

Step 4: Sear and Cook Salmon

Heat a skillet over medium heat.

Add olive oil, butter, and lemon juice.

Once the pan is sizzling, place salmon fillets skin-side down.

Cook undisturbed for 6 minutes to achieve a crispy skin.

Flip the fillets and baste with pan juices.

Continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until salmon is fully cooked and skin is golden and crisp.

Step 5: Plate and Garnish

Transfer salmon to serving plates.

Squeeze fresh lemon juice over the top for a bright, zesty finish.

Serve immediately while warm and enjoy the delicious combination of tender salmon and creamy spinach filling.

Tips to Perfect Spinach Stuffed Salmon

• Let cream cheese sit at room temperature for 30-45 minutes before mixing to ensure smooth, lump-free blending that makes your spinach stuffing creamy and well-incorporated.
• Use a sharp, thin-bladed knife when creating the salmon pocket, and slice gently at a slight angle to maximize filling space without tearing the fish.
• Don't move salmon while cooking first side; this creates a beautiful golden-brown crust and prevents the delicate fish from breaking apart during cooking.
• Look for salmon to turn opaque and easily flake with a fork, indicating it's perfectly cooked without becoming dry or tough. Internal temperature should reach 145°F for food safety.
• Add fresh chopped herbs like dill or chives into the spinach mixture for an extra layer of brightness and complexity that complements the rich salmon.

How to Store and Reheat Stuffed Salmon

• Transfer cooled salmon to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Cover tightly to prevent moisture loss and prevent the fish from absorbing other food odors.
• Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for maximum 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track freshness.
• Place salmon on a microwave-safe plate, cover with a damp paper towel to retain moisture. Heat on 50% power for 30-45 seconds, checking temperature to avoid overcooking.
• Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon in a baking dish, add a splash of water or lemon juice. Cover with foil to prevent drying, warm for 10-15 minutes until heated through.

What to Eat With Spinach Stuffed Salmon

• Zesty Citrus Companion: Pair this rich salmon with a crisp, chilled Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy spinach filling and complements the fish's natural oils.
• Herbal Side Kick: Serve alongside a fresh arugula salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette to echo the recipe's bright, tangy notes and provide a peppery contrast to the creamy salmon.
• Roasted Veggie Harmony: Add roasted asparagus spears with a light garlic and parmesan sprinkle, which mirrors the cheese in the stuffing and provides a delicate, complementary vegetable side.
• Mediterranean Grain Partner: Prepare a quick quinoa pilaf with chopped herbs like dill and parsley to add a light, nutty backdrop that balances the salmon's richness and absorbs the pan's delicious juices.

Twists on Classic Spinach Stuffed Salmon

• Keto-Friendly Version: Replace cream cheese with full-fat Greek yogurt and use almond flour instead of traditional cheese to reduce carbohydrates. Opt for wild-caught salmon for higher omega-3 content.
• Dairy-Free Alternative: Swap dairy cheeses with nutritional yeast and cashew cream cheese. Use dairy-free butter substitute like olive oil or coconut oil for cooking to maintain moisture and flavor.
• Mediterranean Herb Infusion: Add fresh chopped dill, oregano, and mint to the spinach mixture. Replace lemon juice with preserved lemon for an authentic Mediterranean profile and deeper citrus notes.
• Low-Sodium Option: Eliminate added salt and use fresh herbs like parsley and thyme for seasoning. Select low-sodium mozzarella and incorporate roasted garlic instead of garlic powder to enhance flavor without increasing sodium content.

FAQs

• How do I know if my salmon is cooked properly?

Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. Salmon is done when it reaches 145°F (63°C). The fish should look opaque and easily flake with a fork when it’s fully cooked.

• Can I use frozen spinach for this recipe?

Yes, but make sure to thaw and thoroughly drain the spinach. Squeeze out excess moisture using a clean kitchen towel or paper towels to prevent a watery filling.

• What type of salmon works best for this recipe?

Choose fresh, skin-on salmon fillets that are similar in size and thickness. Atlantic or Pacific salmon both work well. Look for bright, firm flesh without any strong fishy smell.

• Is this recipe suitable for people who don't like spicy food?

You can easily skip the red pepper flakes or reduce the amount. The recipe will still be flavorful without the heat, making it kid-friendly and mild for those who prefer less spice.

Spinach Stuffed Salmon Recipe

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4.9 from 29 reviews

• Total Time: 27 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

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Description

Savor Mediterranean magic with this spinach stuffed salmon recipe that blends zesty herbs and creamy feta into a luxurious seafood experience. Rich flavors and elegant presentation make this dish perfect for sophisticated dinner guests seeking delightful culinary moments.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (6-ounces)
• 4 ounces (113g) cream cheese (softened)

Cheese and Dairy:

• 1/2 cup (57g) mozzarella (shredded)
• 1/3 cup (33g) parmesan cheese (grated)
• 2 tablespoons butter
• Juice of 1/2 lemon

Seasonings and Additional Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup (15g) frozen spinach (thawed and drained of water)
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 3 tablespoons olive oil
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

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Instructions

1. Prepare the vibrant spinach stuffing by thoroughly blending softened cream cheese with mozzarella, Parmesan, thawed spinach, garlic powder, and red pepper flakes in a mixing bowl. Allow mixture to rest at room temperature while prepping salmon.
2. Position salmon fillets skin-side down on a cutting board. Massage olive oil, salt, and pepper into the fish. Carefully slice a deep pocket along the thickest section of each fillet, ensuring sufficient space for stuffing.
3. Generously fill each salmon pocket with spinach mixture, allowing some filling to naturally overflow for enhanced flavor development.
4. Preheat skillet over medium heat. Add olive oil, butter, and lemon juice until ingredients begin sizzling. Carefully place salmon fillets skin-side down, cooking undisturbed for approximately 6 minutes to achieve crispy skin texture.
5. Gently flip salmon fillets and baste with pan juices. Continue cooking for an additional 5-6 minutes until fish is completely cooked through and skin appears golden and crisp.
6. Transfer salmon to serving plates, finishing with a light drizzle of fresh lemon juice. Serve immediately while warm for optimal taste and texture.

Notes

• Use room temperature ingredients to ensure smooth blending and even cooking, especially for cream cheese and spinach mixture.
• Create a clean, deep pocket in salmon fillets carefully to maximize stuffing capacity without tearing the fish.
• Pat salmon dry before seasoning to help achieve a perfectly crispy exterior when searing.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan when cooking to maintain consistent heat and prevent steaming instead of searing.
• Let salmon rest for a few minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute, keeping the fish moist and tender.
• For a lighter version, substitute cream cheese with Greek yogurt and reduce butter quantity.
• Swap mozzarella for feta cheese to add a tangy Mediterranean twist to the stuffing.
• Gluten-free diets can enjoy this recipe as-is without modifications.
• Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat or reduce for a milder flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 12 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Lunch, Appetizer
• Method: Sautéing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 486
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 710mg
• Fat: 36g
• Saturated Fat: 10g
• Unsaturated Fat: 24g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 1g
• Protein: 34g
• Cholesterol: 106mg