Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon

Let me tell you about this Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon—it’s like your tastebuds just took a trip to flavor paradise! Picture this: tender, flaky salmon fillets, stuffed with a delicious mixture of fresh spinach, tangy feta cheese, and a hint of garlic, all baked to perfection. The rich, savory stuffing combined with the mild, buttery salmon is an absolute flavor explosion. It’s a dish that looks fancy enough for a special dinner but is simple enough to whip up on a weeknight. Trust me, whether you’re cooking for a crowd or just for yourself, this one will impress!

Why You’ll Love Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon

• Flavor-Packed: The blend of spinach and feta is so delicious that it’s hard to believe it’s stuffed inside such a tender fish. The saltiness of the feta complements the delicate salmon perfectly.
• Healthy and Nutritious: Salmon is packed with healthy omega-3 fatty acids, while spinach adds a nice boost of vitamins and minerals. Plus, it’s low-carb, making it a great choice for a clean, nourishing meal.
• Impressive Yet Simple: It may look like you spent hours in the kitchen, but this dish is surprisingly easy to make. It’s perfect for impressing guests or treating yourself to something extra special.
• Versatile: You can easily adjust the stuffing ingredients to suit your taste. Feel like adding sun-dried tomatoes or olives? Go for it! This recipe is customizable to make it your own.

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless, depending on your preference)
• 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling)
• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
• 1/2 cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley (for garnish, optional)

(Note: Full ingredient measurements are provided in the recipe card below.)

Instructions

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

1. Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures it’s hot and ready to cook your salmon to perfection.

Step 2: Prepare the Spinach Feta Filling

1. In a medium skillet, heat a small drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and sauté until wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
2. Once the spinach is cooked, remove it from the heat and let it cool for a minute.
3. Stir in the feta cheese, garlic, Parmesan, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix everything together until well combined. This will be your stuffing.

Step 3: Stuff the Salmon

1. Lay your salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased.
2. Using a sharp knife, create a pocket in each salmon fillet by cutting horizontally through the thickest part of the fish, being careful not to cut all the way through.
3. Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the pocket of each fillet. Don’t be afraid to stuff it generously; the more, the better!

Step 4: Bake the Salmon

1. Drizzle a little more olive oil over the top of the stuffed fillets to keep them moist while baking.
2. Place the baking sheet in the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your fillets, so keep an eye on it.

Step 5: Serve and Garnish

1. Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven and garnish with fresh parsley (if desired). Serve it immediately and enjoy that beautiful combination of flavors!

Nutrition Facts

Here’s an estimated breakdown of the nutritional value per serving (based on 1 fillet):

• Calories: 350
• Total Fat: 23g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
• Cholesterol: 70mg
• Carbohydrates: 4g
  • Fiber: 1g
  • Sugar: 1g
• Protein: 36g
• Sodium: 700mg
• Calcium: 150mg
• Iron: 2mg

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes

How to Serve Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon

• With Roasted Vegetables: Serve alongside some roasted veggies like carrots, zucchini, or asparagus for a nutritious and satisfying meal.
• On a Bed of Rice: Pair it with a side of fluffy rice—like wild rice or quinoa—to soak up any delicious juices.
• With a Salad: A fresh, crisp salad with mixed greens and a light vinaigrette is the perfect complement to the rich, flavorful salmon.

Additional Tips

• Make It Spicy: If you like a bit of heat, feel free to add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing mixture.
• Use Frozen Salmon: If fresh salmon isn’t available, frozen fillets work just as well. Just be sure to thaw them thoroughly before stuffing and cooking.
• Customize the Filling: You can add other ingredients to the stuffing, like sun-dried tomatoes, black olives, or even a little cream cheese for extra richness.
• Leftovers: Leftover stuffed salmon is great for meal prep! Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use another type of cheese besides feta?
A1: Absolutely! You can use goat cheese, cream cheese, or even mozzarella if you prefer a milder flavor.

Q2: Can I make this ahead of time?
A2: You can prep the spinach and feta stuffing a day ahead of time and store it in the fridge. Just stuff the salmon and bake when you’re ready.

Q3: How do I know when the salmon is done?
A3: The salmon should be opaque and easily flake with a fork. If you have a kitchen thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).

Q4: Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?
A4: Yes! You can grill the stuffed salmon on medium heat, about 6-8 minutes per side, depending on the thickness. Just make sure it’s cooked through.

Q5: Can I make this recipe with a different type of fish?
A5: Yes! While salmon is the perfect choice for this recipe, you can also use tilapia, trout, or cod.

Q6: Can I freeze the stuffed salmon?
A6: Yes, you can freeze the stuffed salmon before baking. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and foil and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before baking.

Q7: Can I skip the Parmesan cheese?
A7: Yes, you can skip the Parmesan cheese or substitute with another hard cheese like Pecorino Romano.

Q8: Can I use frozen spinach?
A8: Yes, frozen spinach works well. Just make sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before using it in the stuffing.

Q9: What’s a good side to serve with this dish?
A9: This dish pairs beautifully with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or even some creamy mashed potatoes.

Q10: How can I make this dish spicier?
A10: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing or drizzle some sriracha on top of the salmon before serving for a spicy kick.

Conclusion

If you’re craving a dinner that’s both indulgent and healthy, this Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon is the way to go. It’s packed with flavor, easy to make, and sure to impress anyone who sits down for a bite. Plus, it’s a fantastic way to enjoy all the benefits of omega-3-rich salmon while indulging in a cheesy, savory stuffing. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a weeknight treat, this recipe will have you coming back for more!

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