Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta Recipe

Easy Baked Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta Recipe

Salmon transforms from ordinary to extraordinary when stuffed with creamy spinach and tangy feta cheese.

This delectable recipe blends Mediterranean flavors into a stunning main course.

The combination of rich salmon and salty cheese creates a mouthwatering experience.

Each bite promises a delightful mix of textures and tastes.

Elegant yet simple, this dish works perfectly for weeknight dinners or special occasions.

Seafood lovers will adore how quickly this recipe comes together.

You’ll be amazed at how a few quality ingredients can create such a memorable meal.

Prepare to impress everyone at your table with this sensational stuffed salmon sensation.

What Makes Stuffed Salmon So Tasty

What Makes Stuffed Salmon So Tasty
  • Infuse your salmon with a burst of Mediterranean-inspired taste through the combination of spinach, feta, and roasted red peppers that elevate a simple fish dish into a gourmet experience.
  • Prepare this elegant meal with minimal ingredients and straightforward steps, making it perfect for busy home cooks who want a delicious dinner without spending hours in the kitchen.
  • Pack your plate with a protein-rich salmon and nutrient-dense spinach, creating a wholesome meal that supports your health goals while satisfying your taste buds with incredible flavors.
  • Adapt the recipe to your preferences by adjusting spice levels, trying different cheeses, or swapping vegetables, making it a versatile dish that caters to various dietary needs and flavor profiles.

Ingredients for Salmon with Spinach & Feta

Main Protein:
  • Salmon: Fresh fish with a rich, buttery flavor that serves as the base for this delightful stuffed dish.
Filling Ingredients:
  • Spinach: Nutrient-packed green vegetable that adds vibrant color and earthy taste to the salmon.
  • Feta Cheese: Tangy and crumbly Greek cheese that provides a creamy texture and sharp flavor.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Hard Italian cheese that adds a salty and nutty dimension to the filling.
  • Roasted Red Peppers: Sweet and smoky peppers that bring a gentle warmth and complexity to the mixture.
Seasoning and Cooking Ingredients:
  • Olive Oil: Smooth cooking oil that helps to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Classic seasonings that boost the overall taste profile of the dish.
  • Italian Seasoning, Paprika, Cayenne: Aromatic spices that create a well-rounded and slightly spicy flavor combination.

Stuffed Salmon Cooking Instructions

Stuffed Salmon Cooking Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon Fillets

Preheat the oven to 400°F.

Cover a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Place salmon pieces skin-side down.

Using a sharp knife, carefully create a lengthwise slit down the center of each fillet, keeping the ends and bottom connected to prevent filling from escaping.

Step 2: Season and Cook Spinach Mixture

Brush salmon with olive oil, then season with salt and pepper.

In a large pan, heat olive oil over medium heat.

Add the following ingredients:
  • Spinach
  • Italian seasoning
  • Paprika
  • Cayenne
  • Salt
  • Pepper

Cook until spinach wilts completely, which takes about 2-3 minutes.

For frozen spinach, thaw and squeeze out excess water before cooking.

Step 3: Blend Cheese and Peppers

Remove pan from heat.

Stir in:
  • Chopped roasted red peppers
  • Feta cheese
  • Parmesan cheese

Use a spoon or spatula to blend the ingredients, creating a cohesive mixture.

Step 4: Fill Salmon with Spinach and Cheese Mixture

Generously spoon the spinach-feta blend into the salmon slits.

Don’t worry about overfilling, as the mixture will melt into the fish during baking.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Place stuffed salmon in the preheated oven.

Bake for 12-17 minutes, depending on fillet thickness and desired doneness.

Check at the 12-minute mark for a flaky yet moist result.

Top Tips for Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon

Top Tips for Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon
  • Remove excess moisture from spinach to prevent watery filling and ensure a perfect texture in your stuffed salmon.
  • Select high-quality, fresh salmon fillets with firm flesh and bright color for the best flavor and texture.
  • Modify cayenne and paprika quantities to match your heat preference, creating a personalized flavor profile.
  • Watch salmon closely during cooking to avoid overcooking; fish should be flaky and slightly translucent in the center.
  • Use high-quality, creamy feta that melts well and complements the salmon's rich flavor without overwhelming it.

Storing Salmon with Spinach & Feta

  • Store leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container within 2 hours of cooking. Keep in the refrigerator for up to 3 days, ensuring the container is sealed tightly to maintain freshness and prevent bacterial growth.
  • Wrap individual salmon portions in plastic wrap, then place in a freezer-safe bag. Freeze for up to 2 months. Label the bag with the date to track storage time.
  • Preheat oven to 275°F. Place salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Cover loosely with foil to prevent drying. Warm for 10-12 minutes until internal temperature reaches 145°F.
  • Reheat in 30-second intervals, checking temperature between each interval. Microwaving can quickly dry out salmon, so use this method sparingly and with careful monitoring.

What to Serve with Stuffed Salmon

  • Pair Zesty White Wine: Select a crisp, acidic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio to cut through the rich, creamy feta and complement the salmon's delicate flavor.
  • Create Mediterranean Salad Side: Serve a light Greek-style salad with cucumber, tomatoes, olives, and a lemon vinaigrette to enhance the Mediterranean notes of the stuffed salmon.
  • Match Herbal Sparkling Water: Opt for a sparkling water infused with rosemary or thyme to mirror the Italian seasoning and provide a refreshing palate cleanser between bites.
  • Introduce Crusty Bread Accompaniment: Add a slice of rustic sourdough or herb-infused bread to soak up the delicious salmon juices and provide a textural contrast to the soft, flaky fish.

Stuffed Salmon Flavor Ideas

  • Dairy-Free Delight: Replace feta and parmesan with nutritional yeast or cashew cheese for a creamy, plant-based alternative that maintains the rich flavor profile.
  • Keto-Friendly Option: Swap roasted red peppers for chopped jalapeños and use full-fat cream cheese instead of feta to increase the fat content while keeping the carbs low.
  • Herb Garden Variation: Substitute Italian seasoning with fresh herbs like dill, chives, and thyme to create a bright, fresh flavor that complements the salmon's natural richness.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Add chopped kalamata olives and sun-dried tomatoes to the spinach mixture for an intense, tangy Mediterranean-inspired stuffing that elevates the dish.

FAQs

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

Look for a flaky texture that easily separates with a fork. The salmon should be opaque and light pink in the center. For precise doneness, use a meat thermometer – the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

  • Can I use a different type of cheese instead of feta?

Absolutely! Goat cheese or ricotta work great as alternatives. They provide similar creamy textures and complement the spinach nicely. Just ensure the cheese melts well and matches the dish’s flavor profile.

  • Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes, this stuffed salmon can be prepared ahead of time. Assemble the salmon, cover, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours before baking. This makes it convenient for planning meals in advance and saves time during busy weekdays.

  • What are the best side dishes to serve with this salmon?

Roasted vegetables like asparagus, quinoa, or a light Mediterranean salad pair perfectly. These sides complement the salmon’s rich, Mediterranean-inspired flavors and add nutritional balance to the meal.

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Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta Recipe

Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta Recipe


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4.7 from 17 reviews

  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Mediterranean magic unfolds with stuffed salmon featuring creamy feta and tender spinach nestled in perfectly roasted salmon. Delicate flavors and elegant presentation promise a restaurant-quality meal you can easily create at home.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 4 6-ounce (170 grams) pieces of salmon
  • 3 cups baby spinach, packed
  • 5.3 ounces (150 grams) block of feta cheese

Seasonings and Herbs:

  • 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • Salt, to taste
  • Pepper, to taste

Additional Ingredients:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese (parmigiano-reggiano recommended)
  • 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped into small 1/4-inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and prepare a parchment-lined baking sheet. Create a lengthwise pocket in each salmon fillet by carefully slicing down the center, ensuring the bottom and ends remain connected.
  2. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon and season with salt and pepper. In a skillet over medium heat, sauté spinach with Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper until wilted. If using frozen spinach, thoroughly drain excess moisture before cooking.
  3. Remove skillet from heat and incorporate roasted red peppers, feta, and parmesan. Gently mash the ingredients together to create a cohesive filling mixture, ensuring even distribution of flavors.
  4. Generously fill the salmon pockets with the spinach-feta mixture, pressing gently to distribute the filling evenly throughout the pocket.
  5. Transfer the stuffed salmon to the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-17 minutes. Check for doneness at 12 minutes, looking for a flaky texture that remains moist. Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of the salmon and personal preference for doneness.

Notes

  • Customize the heat level by adjusting cayenne pepper, making the dish mild or spicy according to personal preference.
  • Select fresh, high-quality salmon with bright color and firm texture to ensure optimal taste and presentation.
  • Squeeze spinach thoroughly when using frozen to prevent excess moisture from making the filling soggy during baking.
  • Replace feta with dairy-free alternatives like nutritional yeast for lactose-intolerant or vegan diets without compromising flavor complexity.
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Category: Dinner
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 380
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 820 mg
  • Fat: 24 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 7 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 90 mg
Olivia Bennett

Olivia Bennett

Recipe Developer & Culinary Educator

Expertise

  • Showcasing ingredients in plant-forward vegetarian dishes.
  • Creating adaptable weeklong menu templates centered on seasonal produce.

Education

Schoolcraft College

  • Program: Culinary Arts Associate Degree
  • Focus: Comprehensive training in culinary techniques, menu planning, and food safety.

With an Associate Degree in Culinary Arts from Schoolcraft College and a natural knack for teaching, Olivia Bennett’s all about making home cooking feel possible, even on your busiest day.
Her thing? Recipes that are budget-friendly, season-forward, and full of Southern warmth. Whether it’s a roasted veggie bowl or a five-ingredient skillet bake, Olivia makes sure it’s simple, satisfying, and something you’ll want to make again tomorrow.
When she’s not shooting step-by-step videos or testing spice blends, she’s out foraging, flipping through old cookbooks, or throwing laid-back dinner parties with a BYO-mason-jar theme.

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