Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels

If you’re craving a dish that’s as impressive as it is delicious, look no further than these Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels. Imagine tender salmon fillets rolled up with a savory stuffing of cream cheese, spinach, and herbs, all baked to golden perfection. The best part? They’re not only bursting with flavor but also look absolutely stunning on a plate! These pinwheels are perfect for special occasions, a fancy dinner at home, or even for impressing guests at a dinner party.

Each bite offers a perfect balance of creamy, flaky, and herby goodness, and you won’t believe how easy they are to make! The stuffed salmon pinwheels are light yet satisfying, with just the right touch of indulgence. Ready to wow your taste buds and your guests? Let’s dive into how to make them!

Why You’ll Love Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels

Elegant and Flavorful: These pinwheels are a sophisticated twist on your average salmon dish, making them perfect for dinner parties or special occasions. The creamy filling pairs wonderfully with the natural richness of the salmon.

Easy to Make: Even though they look like a gourmet meal, these pinwheels come together quickly and easily. The steps are simple, and you can have them ready to serve in under an hour.

Health-Conscious: Salmon is loaded with omega-3 fatty acids, and the stuffing adds extra nutrients with spinach. It’s a well-rounded, healthy dish that doesn’t compromise on flavor.

Customizable: You can tweak the stuffing to suit your tastes—add some garlic, parmesan cheese, or even a bit of lemon zest for an extra burst of flavor. The options are endless!

Impressive Presentation: These pinwheels are perfect for making a statement at your dinner table. They look beautiful and are sure to leave everyone in awe of your culinary skills.

Ingredients

For the stuffed salmon pinwheels:

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh, boneless fillets are best. You want them large enough to roll up, so go for thicker cuts.
• Cream Cheese: Adds a rich and creamy base to the stuffing.
• Spinach: Fresh spinach, sautéed lightly, adds a pop of color and flavor.
• Garlic Powder: For a hint of savory warmth.
• Lemon Zest: For a refreshing citrusy bite that complements the salmon.
• Fresh Parsley: For added freshness and a touch of green.
• Olive Oil: For drizzling the salmon to help with roasting.
• Salt and Pepper: To season and bring out all the flavors.

For the optional topping:

• Parmesan Cheese: A light sprinkle on top of the pinwheels before baking will give them a lovely golden crust.
• Lemon Wedges: Serve on the side to add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice when eating.

(Note: The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)

Instructions

1. Prepare the Spinach Filling

Start by sautéing the spinach. Heat a drizzle of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat and add the spinach. Sauté for about 2-3 minutes until wilted. Remove the spinach from the pan and let it cool slightly. Once it’s cool enough to handle, chop it up finely.

2. Mix the Cream Cheese Filling

In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach, cream cheese, garlic powder, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Mix until smooth and creamy. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

3. Prepare the Salmon

Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lay out the salmon fillets on a clean surface, skin-side down if they still have skin. Use a sharp knife to slice each fillet horizontally, creating a pocket in the center (but don’t cut all the way through). This will give you the perfect space to stuff the filling.

4. Stuff the Salmon

Spoon the spinach and cream cheese mixture into the center of each salmon fillet, spreading it evenly. Carefully roll the salmon fillet around the filling, securing it into a pinwheel shape. If needed, use toothpicks to keep the edges together.

5. Bake the Salmon Pinwheels

Place the stuffed salmon pinwheels in a lightly greased baking dish or on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle them with a little olive oil and sprinkle with salt and pepper. If you’re using parmesan cheese, sprinkle a little on top of each pinwheel for a golden finish. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is fully cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

6. Serve and Enjoy!

Serve the stuffed salmon pinwheels with a side of lemon wedges for extra freshness. You can pair them with a light salad, roasted vegetables, or a bed of rice for a complete meal.

Nutrition Facts

Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 350
Total Fat: 22g

• Saturated Fat: 5g
• Trans Fat: 0g
  Cholesterol: 75mg
  Sodium: 300mg
  Total Carbohydrates: 6g
• Dietary Fiber: 2g
• Sugars: 2g
  Protein: 32g
  Vitamin A: 25%
  Vitamin C: 15%
  Calcium: 8%
  Iron: 10%

Preparation Time

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

How to Serve Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels

With Rice or Quinoa: The rich flavors of the salmon and the creamy stuffing pair wonderfully with a side of rice or quinoa. The grains will absorb any extra sauce, making it a satisfying meal.

With Roasted Vegetables: Roasted asparagus, broccoli, or Brussels sprouts make for excellent side dishes. The crispy edges and slight bitterness of the veggies balance the richness of the salmon.

Fresh Salad: A crisp, light salad dressed with a simple vinaigrette can help cut through the creaminess of the stuffed salmon, providing a refreshing contrast.

With Garlic Bread: If you want to indulge a bit more, serve with a slice of garlic bread or crusty baguette to soak up any extra cream cheese filling.

Additional Tips

Don’t Overstuff: Make sure to stuff the salmon generously but not too tightly, as you want the filling to stay inside without bursting out during cooking.

Use Thick Salmon Fillets: The pinwheel effect works best with thicker fillets. If your salmon is on the thinner side, try to roll it more carefully and evenly.

Make Ahead: You can prepare the stuffed salmon ahead of time, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate until ready to bake. This can be a real time-saver for busy nights.

Oven Temperature: If you prefer a crispier crust, broil the salmon for the last 2-3 minutes of cooking to get the top a little more golden and crunchy.

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I use frozen salmon fillets?

A1: Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw them completely in the fridge before you begin preparing the dish.

Q2: Can I make these pinwheels with a different type of fish?

A2: You can! This recipe works well with other firm fish like cod or halibut, but salmon adds that rich flavor that’s hard to beat.

Q3: Can I add more vegetables to the stuffing?

A3: Absolutely! You can add ingredients like finely chopped onions, bell peppers, or even mushrooms for added flavor and texture.

Q4: What should I do if the pinwheels fall apart while cooking?

A4: If your pinwheels are falling apart, try using toothpicks to secure the rolls before baking. This will help them hold their shape better.

Q5: Can I prepare the pinwheels ahead of time?

A5: Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels a few hours ahead of time. Just store them in the fridge until you’re ready to bake.

Q6: Can I make the stuffing without cream cheese?

A6: If you prefer a lighter option, you can substitute the cream cheese with Greek yogurt or ricotta cheese.

Q7: How do I know when the salmon is done?

A7: Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). You can also check that the flesh is opaque and no longer translucent.

Q8: Can I bake the pinwheels in advance?

A8: It’s best to bake them fresh, but you can reheat them in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10 minutes if you need to prepare them in advance.

Q9: How can I make these pinwheels spicier?

A9: Add a dash of red pepper flakes or finely chopped jalapeños to the filling to give the pinwheels a spicy kick!

Q10: What can I serve with these stuffed salmon pinwheels?

A10: These pinwheels go well with a variety of sides like roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, mashed potatoes, or quinoa.

Conclusion

These Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are an elegant, easy-to-make dish that’s sure to impress. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or just looking for a weeknight dinner that’s a little extra special, these pinwheels will not disappoint. With a creamy, flavorful filling wrapped in tender, flaky salmon, they’re a treat for both the eyes and the taste buds. Enjoy every bite!

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