Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!)

If you’re looking for a delightful dish that feels special yet is easy to whip up, you’ve come to the right place! This Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!) is a recipe that I absolutely adore. It combines fresh, wholesome ingredients into a beautiful meal that’s perfect for impressing guests or enjoying on a busy weeknight. The flavors of Mediterranean cuisine shine through with the creamy feta, vibrant spinach, and sweet roasted red peppers, making each bite a little piece of heaven.

What I love most about this recipe is how quick it is to prepare. In just 30 minutes, you can have a stunning salmon dish that looks like it took hours in the kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a dinner party or simply treating your family to something special, this stuffed salmon is sure to become a favorite!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick and Easy: Ready in just 30 minutes, this dish is perfect for busy evenings.
• Healthy Choice: Packed with nutrients from salmon and spinach, it’s as good for your body as it is for your taste buds.
• Family-Friendly: The mild flavors appeal to everyone, making it an excellent choice for the whole family.
• Make-Ahead Option: You can prepare the stuffing ahead of time for an even quicker dinner solution.
• Impressive Presentation: Serve it up and watch your loved ones’ eyes light up at this restaurant-quality meal!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s gather some simple, wholesome ingredients that make this dish shine! You won’t need anything fancy—just good quality salmon and fresh veggies. Here’s what you’ll need:

For the Salmon

• 4x 6-ounce pieces of salmon (approx. 170 grams each; longer pieces work best)
• 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
• Salt + pepper, to taste

For the Stuffing

• 3 cups baby spinach, packed
• 1 tsp Italian seasoning
• 1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
• A pinch of cayenne pepper
• Approx. 5.3 ounce block of feta cheese (approx. 150 grams)
• 1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated (I recommend parmigiano-reggiano)
• 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped into small pieces

Variations

One of the best parts about this recipe is its flexibility! Feel free to switch things up based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.

• Swap the protein: Try using chicken breasts instead of salmon for a different twist!
• Change up the greens: Kale or Swiss chard can be great substitutes for spinach if you want something new.
• Add herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can elevate the flavors even more; sprinkle some in with your stuffing!
• Experiment with cheese: Swap out feta for goat cheese or a dairy-free option if you prefer.

How to Make Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!)

Step 1: Preheat Your Oven

Begin by preheating your oven to 400°F (200°C). This ensures that when you’re ready to bake your stuffed salmon, it will cook evenly and quickly!

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place your salmon pieces skin-side down. Carefully slice down the middle lengthwise but don’t cut all the way through—this creates a pocket for your delicious stuffing!

Step 3: Season Your Salmon

Brush each piece of salmon with one tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. This step enhances the flavor and helps keep your fish moist during baking.

Step 4: Sauté the Spinach

In a large pan over medium heat, warm up the remaining tablespoon of olive oil. Once it’s hot, add in the baby spinach along with Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sauté until wilted—about two minutes—allowing those lovely flavors to meld together.

Step 5: Mix in Cheeses and Peppers

Turn off the heat once your spinach is nice and wilted. Stir in chopped roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and parmesan cheese until everything sticks together well. Don’t be shy about mashing the feta—you want it nice and creamy!

Step 6: Stuff Your Salmon

Spoon that wonderful spinach-feta mixture into each cut pocket of salmon. Make sure they’re filled generously so every bite packs flavor!

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Place your stuffed salmon in the oven and let it bake for about 12-17 minutes. Keep an eye on it—the cooking time depends on how thick your fish is and how done you like it. Once it’s beautifully cooked through, remove it from the oven and serve hot!

Enjoy every bite of this delightful Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta—it’s sure to become a beloved addition to your meal rotation!

Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!)

Cooking this stuffed salmon dish is a breeze, and a few simple tips can elevate it even further!

• Choose fresh salmon: Using high-quality, fresh salmon will enhance the flavor and texture, making your dish more enjoyable.
• Don’t overstuff the salmon: While it’s tempting to pack in as much filling as possible, leaving a little space allows the salmon to cook evenly and prevents tearing.
• Experiment with seasonings: Feel free to customize the spices to suit your taste! Adding herbs like dill or parsley can bring a fresh twist to the dish.
• Use a meat thermometer: To ensure perfect doneness, aim for an internal temperature of 145F. This helps avoid overcooking, keeping your salmon tender and juicy.
• Let it rest before serving: Allowing the stuffed salmon to rest for a few minutes after baking helps redistribute juices, making every bite flavorful.

How to Serve Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta (30 minutes!)

Presenting your stuffed salmon beautifully can make it feel even more special. Here are some ideas to serve this delicious dish that will impress family and friends alike!

Garnishes

• Lemon wedges: A squeeze of fresh lemon juice brightens up flavors and adds a refreshing touch.
• Chopped fresh herbs: Sprinkle some chopped parsley or dill on top for a pop of color and added freshness.

Side Dishes

• Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with cucumber, tomatoes, and a lemon vinaigrette pairs wonderfully with the richness of the salmon.
• Roasted Vegetables: Seasonal roasted vegetables like asparagus or zucchini complement the Mediterranean flavors while adding vibrant colors to your plate.
• Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic create a comforting side that balances nicely with the fish’s flavor.
• Steamed Green Beans: Crisp-tender green beans tossed in olive oil and garlic add a nice crunch and freshness alongside the main dish.

Enjoy your culinary adventure with this delightful stuffed salmon recipe! It’s not just about eating; it’s about creating memories around the table. Happy cooking!

Make Ahead and Storage

This Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta is not just a delightful dinner option; it also shines for meal prep! You can easily prepare the stuffing in advance, making your weeknight cooking even quicker.

Storing Leftovers

• Place any leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container.
• Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
• To keep the salmon fresh, consume it within this time frame for the best flavor.

Freezing

• Wrap each piece of cooked stuffed salmon tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil.
• Place the wrapped salmon in a freezer-safe bag or container.
• Freeze for up to 2 months. For best quality, label with the date.

Reheating

• Thaw frozen salmon overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
• Preheat your oven to 350F (175C) and place the salmon on a baking sheet.
• Heat for about 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Alternatively, you can microwave it on medium power, but be cautious not to overcook.

FAQs

Here are some common questions you might have about this delicious recipe!

Can I make Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta ahead of time?

Absolutely! You can prepare the stuffing in advance and store it separately. Just stuff the salmon and bake when you’re ready to serve.

What pairs well with Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta?

This dish pairs wonderfully with a light salad or steamed vegetables. Quinoa or rice can also complement it perfectly for a well-rounded meal.

Can I substitute ingredients in Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta?

Yes! Feel free to swap out spinach for kale or use different cheeses like goat cheese if you prefer. Just keep an eye on flavors that will blend well together.

How long does Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta take to cook?

This recipe is designed to be quick, taking only about 30 minutes from start to finish, including prep and cooking time!

Final Thoughts

I hope you find joy in making this Stuffed Salmon With Spinach & Feta! It’s a simple yet elegant dish that can impress at dinner parties or simply make your weeknight meals feel special. Enjoy every bite, and don’t hesitate to share your experience with me. Happy cooking!