Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon

$To make Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon, you need the right ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need: - Salmon fillets (4 fillets, 6 oz each) - Fresh spinach (2 cups, chopped) - Feta cheese (1 cup, crumbled) - Garlic (2 cloves, minced) - Cream cheese (1/4 cup, softened) - Lemon juice (1 tablespoon) - Olive oil (1 tablespoon) - Seasoning (Salt and pepper to taste) - Garnish options (Fresh dill or parsley) These ingredients create a tasty and healthy dish. Salmon gives you great protein and omega-3s. Spinach adds fiber and iron. Feta cheese gives it a salty kick. Together, they all make a lovely meal. When buying ingredients, look for fresh salmon with a bright color. Choose spinach that is crisp and bright green. Good feta cheese should be creamy and crumbly. Fresh garlic adds a strong flavor. Use high-quality olive oil for the best taste. This dish is not only good for you, but it’s also easy to make. You can find these ingredients at your local grocery store. Now, let’s dive into making this delicious meal! {{ingredient_image_1}} 1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This helps cook the salmon evenly. 2. In a pan, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add 2 minced garlic cloves and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. 3. Next, add 2 cups of chopped spinach. Cook until it wilts, which takes about 2-3 minutes. Then remove the pan from heat. 4. In a bowl, mix the sautéed spinach, 1 cup of crumbled feta cheese, 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Stir until everything blends well. 5. To prepare the salmon fillets, take 4 fillets (6 oz each) and cut a pocket into each one. Use a sharp knife and slice through the thickest part but do not cut all the way through. 6. Season both inside and outside of each fillet with salt and pepper to taste. 1. Stuff each salmon fillet with the spinach and feta mixture. Gently press down to keep the filling inside. 2. Place the stuffed fillets in a greased baking dish. This will help prevent sticking. 3. Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes. The salmon should be cooked through and flake easily with a fork. 4. For a golden top, broil the fillets for an extra 2-3 minutes after baking. Watch closely to avoid burning. 5. Once done, take them out of the oven, let them rest for a couple of minutes, and garnish with fresh dill or parsley if you like. - How to avoid overcooking salmon: Use a meat thermometer. The ideal internal temperature is 145°F (63°C). Remove the salmon from the oven when it reaches 140°F (60°C) and let it rest. It will continue to cook. - Ensuring the stuffing stays inside: Cut a deep pocket in each fillet but don't slice all the way through. Stuff gently and press lightly to seal the filling. You can also use toothpicks to secure the edges if needed. - Tips for achieving a golden top: Broil the salmon for 2-3 minutes at the end of baking. Keep an eye on it to prevent burning. A sprinkle of breadcrumbs can also help add texture and color. - Recommended side dishes: Pair the salmon with steamed asparagus or roasted potatoes. A fresh salad with lemon vinaigrette complements the dish well. - Best wines to pair with stuffed salmon: A crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc works great. Chardonnay is another good option. Both enhance the flavors without overpowering them. Pro Tips Choose the Right Salmon: Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible; it tends to have a firmer texture and richer flavor compared to farmed salmon. Keep it Moist: Adding a little cream cheese to the filling helps retain moisture in the salmon while it bakes, resulting in a tender dish. Experiment with Herbs: Fresh herbs like dill or parsley can enhance the flavor profile; feel free to add your favorites to the stuffing mix! Check for Doneness: Use a fork to gently flake the salmon; it should easily separate and appear opaque when fully cooked. {{image_2}} You can change the cheese in the stuffing. If you don’t have feta, try goat cheese or ricotta. Both add a creamy texture and rich flavor. You can also swap out spinach for other greens. Kale or Swiss chard works well. Just chop them finely and cook until tender. This keeps the dish fresh and fun. Add herbs and spices for more flavor. Dill or basil can brighten up your salmon. You can also sprinkle some red pepper flakes for heat. Just a pinch will do! Sun-dried tomatoes or olives can add a tasty punch. Chop them finely and mix them into the stuffing. This gives a nice contrast to the creamy cheese. To keep your Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. Store it in the fridge. This method keeps the flavors intact. The dish lasts for about 3 days in the fridge. If you want to enjoy it longer, consider freezing. You can freeze stuffed salmon fillets for later use. Wrap each fillet in plastic wrap, then place them in a freezer bag. This helps prevent freezer burn. They can stay in the freezer for up to 3 months. To reheat frozen leftovers, it's best to thaw them overnight in the fridge. Then, bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 20 minutes. This way, they will taste just as good as fresh. Can I make Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon in advance? Yes, you can make this dish ahead of time. Prepare the stuffed salmon and store it in the fridge. Cover it tightly with plastic wrap. You can bake it the next day or even a few hours later. Just add a few extra minutes to the cooking time. How to tell if the salmon is cooked properly? To check if the salmon is done, look for a slight flakiness. Use a fork to test the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and looks opaque, it is ready. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safety. What can I serve with Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon? This stuffed salmon pairs well with many sides. Try a fresh salad, roasted vegetables, or garlic mashed potatoes. Quinoa or rice also make excellent choices. These sides balance the rich flavors of the salmon. How can I customize this recipe? You can easily change the recipe to suit your taste. Swap feta cheese for goat cheese or mozzarella. Add sun-dried tomatoes or olives for a different flavor. You can even mix in other herbs like basil or thyme. Is it healthy to eat stuffed salmon? Yes, stuffed salmon is a healthy choice. Salmon is high in omega-3 fatty acids, which are good for your heart. The spinach adds vitamins and fiber. Feta cheese adds flavor without too many calories. This dish is nutritious and delicious. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just thaw it in the fridge overnight before cooking. Make sure to pat it dry with a paper towel. This helps the stuffing stick better and ensures even cooking. In this article, we explored how to make Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon. We covered the ingredients, preparation, cooking steps, and serving tips. You can customize this dish with different ingredients and flavors, making it versatile for any meal. Remember, proper storage keeps your leftovers fresh and tasty. Enjoy your delicious creation and share it with family and friends. This dish is perfect for impressing guests or enjoying a healthy meal at home. Dive in and make this tasty recipe your own!$

Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon

Delicious salmon fillets stuffed with a savory mixture of spinach and feta cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 25

Total Time 40

Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
1 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 quarter cup cream cheese, softened
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
optional fresh dill or parsley for garnish

Instructions

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil, then sauté the minced garlic until fragrant, about 1 minute.
Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
In a mixing bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, and lemon juice. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
Using a sharp knife, cut a pocket in each salmon fillet by slicing horizontally through the thickest part, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Season the inside and outside of each salmon fillet with salt and pepper.
Stuff each salmon fillet with the spinach and feta mixture, pressing down gently to ensure it stays inside.
Place the stuffed salmon fillets in a greased baking dish.
Bake in the preheated oven for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
For a golden top, you can broil the fillets for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.
Remove from the oven, let rest for a couple of minutes, and garnish with fresh dill or parsley if desired.

Notes

For a golden top, broil the fillets for an additional 2-3 minutes at the end of baking.

Keyword feta, healthy, salmon, spinach, stuffed