Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both easy to make and impressive for dinner parties. Salmon fillets are stuffed with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, roasted red peppers, feta cheese, and parmesan, then baked to perfection. It’s a healthy and flavorful meal, ready in about 30 minutes.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

For the Salmon:

• 4 pieces of fresh salmon (about 6 ounces each)

• 2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)

• Kosher salt, to taste

• Black pepper, to taste

For the Spinach-Feta Filling:

• 3 cups baby spinach, packed

• 1 teaspoon Italian seasoning

• ½ teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)

• A pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

• ¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped

• 5.3 ounces feta cheese (150g), crumbled

• ¼ cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven:
   Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. Prepare the Salmon:
   Cut a slit lengthwise into each salmon fillet to create a pocket for the stuffing. Brush the fillets with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.

3. Cook the Spinach Filling:
   Heat the remaining olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, and cayenne (if using). Sauté for 2-3 minutes until the spinach wilts. Remove from heat and stir in the roasted red peppers, feta, and parmesan. Mix well.

4. Stuff the Salmon:
   Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the pockets of the salmon fillets, packing it in evenly.

5. Bake the Salmon:
   Place the stuffed salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 12-17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets, until the salmon is opaque and cooked through.

6. Serve:
   Serve the stuffed salmon immediately with your choice of sides like quinoa, couscous, or roasted vegetables.

Nutrients (per serving)

• Calories: 438 kcal

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 28g

  • Saturated Fat: 9g

• Cholesterol: 132mg

• Sodium: 750mg

• Potassium: 1019mg

• Fiber: 1g

• Sugar: 1g

• Vitamin A: 2568 IU

• Vitamin C: 10mg

• Calcium: 295mg

The Salmon: Rich, Tender, and Flavorful

Salmon is an excellent choice for this recipe due to its rich, tender texture and high omega-3 content. The salmon fillets are seasoned simply with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper to allow the natural flavor of the fish to shine through.

To prepare the salmon, a slit is made lengthwise in each fillet to create a pocket for the stuffing. This ensures that the filling is evenly distributed throughout the salmon, allowing each bite to be packed with flavor. Brushing the salmon with olive oil before seasoning helps to enhance the crispy texture and ensures the fillets stay moist while baking.

The Spinach-Feta Filling: Savory and Flavorful

The spinach and feta filling is where this dish really shines. The spinach is sautéed with Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne pepper (if desired), which adds depth of flavor and a slight kick. Sautéing the spinach until it wilts helps to release its natural juices, ensuring the filling stays flavorful but not too watery. The addition of roasted red peppers provides sweetness and a pop of color, while the crumbled feta cheese contributes a creamy, tangy richness.

The mixture is finished off with freshly grated parmesan cheese, which melts beautifully into the filling, adding a salty and nutty flavor that complements the feta. This filling is the perfect balance of savory, creamy, and slightly smoky, making it the ideal partner for the salmon.

Assembling the Stuffed Salmon: A Perfect Layer of Flavor

Once the spinach and feta filling is prepared, it is carefully spooned into the pocket of each salmon fillet, ensuring the stuffing is evenly packed. The stuffing adds not only great flavor but also a lovely texture contrast to the delicate salmon, creating a rich and satisfying bite with every forkful.

Baking the Stuffed Salmon: Quick and Simple

Baking the stuffed salmon is a quick process that ensures the fish remains tender while allowing the flavors of the filling to meld together. The salmon is baked at 400°F (200°C) for 12-17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets. The result is perfectly cooked salmon with a slightly crisp exterior and a moist, flavorful interior.

To test for doneness, check that the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork. If you prefer a slightly crispier top, you can broil the salmon for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to achieve a golden-brown finish.

Serving Suggestions: Pairing with Sides

Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a complete meal on its own, but it pairs wonderfully with a variety of sides. For a well-rounded dinner, serve the salmon with quinoa or couscous, both of which are light yet filling options that complement the rich salmon and filling.

You can also serve the dish with roasted vegetables, such as carrots, zucchini, or asparagus, for a healthy, colorful addition to the plate. A light side salad with fresh greens and a citrusy vinaigrette can add a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon.

Nutritional Information: A Healthy and Satisfying Meal

Each serving of Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta contains approximately 438 calories, making it a satisfying yet not overly indulgent meal. The dish is rich in protein (42g per serving), thanks to the high-protein salmon, making it an excellent choice for muscle repair and overall health.

The meal also provides 28g of fat, with 9g of saturated fat. While this might seem high, the fat comes from healthy sources like olive oil, feta, and salmon, which provide beneficial omega-3 fatty acids. Additionally, the meal contains 1g of fiber, which is a healthy addition, and only 4g of carbohydrates, making it suitable for those on a low-carb diet.

The dish also provides essential vitamins and minerals, including 2568 IU of vitamin A (important for eye health), 10mg of vitamin C (which supports immune function), and 295mg of calcium (important for bone health). The high potassium content (1019mg) also makes this dish heart-healthy.

Conclusion: A Flavorful and Elegant Meal

Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a flavorful, healthy, and elegant meal that combines the richness of salmon with a savory spinach and feta filling. The dish is quick and easy to prepare, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. The Mediterranean-inspired ingredients come together beautifully, offering a well-balanced combination of flavors and textures that will satisfy your taste buds and impress your guests.

This meal is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients, making it a perfect addition to any healthy eating plan. Whether served with a side of grains or roasted vegetables, this stuffed salmon dish is sure to become a favorite in your recipe repertoire.