This baked salmon is a tasty treat, filled with fresh spinach and creamy feta cheese. It’s simple to make and perfect for a healthy dinner!
Honestly, who can resist salmon with a yummy stuffing? I love that it looks fancy but takes no time at all to prepare. Pair it with a salad for a delightful meal!
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh salmon fillets are best for flavor and texture. If you want a change, try trout or cod, but remember, cooking times might vary.
Spinach: Fresh spinach gives a nice texture, but frozen spinach can work too. Just make sure to thaw and drain it well to avoid extra water in the stuffing!
Feta Cheese: Feta brings a tangy flavor. You can swap it for goat cheese if you prefer a creamier taste or even for ricotta for a milder option.
Roasted Red Peppers: These add sweetness and color. You can use fresh bell peppers, just roast them yourself or even sun-dried tomatoes for a different twist.
Cream Cheese or Greek Yogurt: I like using Greek yogurt for a bit of tang and lower fat, but both options work well to bind the stuffing.
How Do I Cut a Pocket in the Salmon Without Ruining It?
Cutting a pocket in salmon fillets may sound tricky, but it’s simpler than it seems! Here’s how to do it safely:
- Start with a sharp knife for clean cuts. Place the salmon skin-side down on a cutting board.
- Hold the fillet steady with one hand. Carefully insert the knife into the thick part of the fillet.
- Slice horizontally, making a pocket about halfway through the fillet, but don’t cut all the way through!
- Be gentle; you want to scoop in your delicious stuffing without tearing!
With this method, you’ll have perfect pockets ready to hold that tasty spinach and feta mixture. Enjoy your cooking!
Easy Baked Salmon Stuffed With Spinach And Feta
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 4 salmon fillets, skin removed
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup roasted red peppers, diced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese or Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
- 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano (optional)
- Lemon wedges, for serving
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep time and 20-25 minutes of baking, making a total of around 35-40 minutes from start to finish. It’s a quick and satisfying meal, perfect for busy weeknights or impressing guests!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first—set your oven to 375°F (190°C). This will get it nice and hot, perfect for baking the salmon. You can also lightly grease a baking dish or line it with parchment paper to prevent sticking later on.
2. Sauté the Spinach:
In a medium-sized skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Once it’s hot, add the minced garlic and sauté it for about a minute until it’s fragrant—just don’t let it burn!
3. Add the Spinach:
Next, toss in the chopped spinach and cook until it’s wilted, which should take about 2-3 minutes. When it’s done, remove the skillet from the heat and let it cool down a little bit.
4. Make the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, crumbled feta cheese, diced roasted red peppers, and cream cheese (or Greek yogurt). If you’re using it, add in the dried oregano too. Stir everything together until you have a nice, thick filling. Taste it and add a little salt and pepper if needed, but remember that feta is salty!
5. Prepare the Salmon:
Now, grab your salmon fillets. Carefully use a sharp knife to cut a pocket into the side of each fillet. You want to slice deep enough to hold the stuffing, but don’t cut all the way through—just make a nice pocket!
6. Stuff the Salmon:
Generously fill each salmon pocket with your spinach and feta mixture. Press it in well so it doesn’t fall out during baking.
7. Season and Bake:
Place the stuffed salmon fillets into the prepared baking dish. Sprinkle a little salt and pepper on the outside of the salmon. Pop it in the preheated oven for about 20-25 minutes. It’s done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork!
8. Serve and Enjoy:
Once it’s out of the oven, let your salmon rest for a few minutes. Serve it warm, with lemon wedges on the side for squeezing over the top. This dish goes beautifully with a fresh salad or roasted vegetables!
Enjoy your delightful meal of Easy Baked Salmon Stuffed With Spinach And Feta! It’s tasty and feels a bit fancy—perfect for any occasion!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely in the refrigerator overnight or in a sealed plastic bag submerged in cold water before preparing. Pat it dry to avoid excess moisture when baking.
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If feta isn’t your thing, consider using goat cheese for a creamier option or ricotta for a milder taste. Both will work well in the stuffing and provide a delicious flavor!
How to Store Leftovers?
Store any leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, warm gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes, or until heated through. You can also use the microwave, but it may not retain the same texture.
Can I Add Other Vegetables to the Filling?
Absolutely! Feel free to customize the filling. Chopped artichokes, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mushrooms would make great additions. Just be sure to sauté any extra veggies to remove excess moisture before mixing them in.
