Quick & Creamy Salmon Spinach Recipe For Dinner
As a busy parent, finding quick, healthy meals can be tough. That’s why I’m excited to share the Creamy Spinach Stuffed Salmon recipe. It’s a tasty dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. It’s perfect for those busy weeknights.
This recipe combines fresh salmon with a creamy filling. The filling is packed with spinach and garlic. It’s a tasty combination that’s simple to prepare.
Table of Contents
Why This Creamy Salmon Recipe Will Become Your Favorite
This creamy salmon with spinach recipe is a true gem. It’s destined to become a staple in your weekly meal rotation. It’s a well-rounded omega-3 rich meal that’s both easy to prepare and a delight to savor.
Time-Saving Benefits
This seafood spinach combo is quick to prepare. It takes just 35 minutes to cook, including 15 minutes of prep and 20 minutes of baking. This makes it perfect for busy weeknights.
Nutritional Value
This baked salmon with spinach recipe is packed with nutrients. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, while spinach is full of vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. Combined, they create a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Impressive Presentation
This creamy salmon dish looks as good as it tastes. It’s perfect for both casual family dinners and more formal entertaining. The stuffed salmon filets with vibrant green spinach make a feast for the eyes and palate.
With its time-saving convenience, impressive nutritional profile, and stunning presentation, this recipe is sure to become a new favorite in your household.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Salmon Spinach Recipe
To make a tasty salmon spinach recipe, you need a few key ingredients. Start with fresh, wild-caught salmon fillets. They taste better than farmed salmon. Baby spinach is the best green to go with salmon, adding nutrients and flavor.
Cream cheese makes the spinach filling creamy and indulgent. Minced garlic adds a savory flavor. Freshly grated Parmesan cheese brings a nutty, salty flavor. A squeeze of lemon juice brightens the dish, and seasonings like kosher salt and black pepper complete the flavor.
For the best taste, use fresh, high-quality ingredients. If you can’t find fresh spinach, frozen works too, but make sure to drain it well. Soften the cream cheese before mixing it into the filling for a smooth texture.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Salmon fillets, wild-caught | 4 fillets (6 ounces each) |
| Baby spinach, fresh | 5 cups (5 ounces) |
| Cream cheese, reduced-fat | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 1 clove (1 teaspoon) |
| Parmesan cheese, grated | 1/4 cup |
| Lemon juice, fresh | Squeeze of 1 lemon |
| Kosher salt | 3/4 teaspoon, divided |
| Black pepper | 1/2 teaspoon, divided |
| Red pepper flakes | Pinch |
| Olive oil | 4 teaspoons, divided |
With these ingredients, you’re ready to make a delicious and healthy salmon spinach dish. Adjust the seasonings to your liking for a personalized touch.
Kitchen Tools and Equipment Needed
To make the tasty easy salmon spinach recipe or baked salmon with spinach, you need some basic kitchen tools. Let’s look at the key items to make sure your dish turns out great.
Essential Cookware
- A sharp knife for butterflying the salmon fillets
- A mixing bowl for combining the creamy spinach filling
- A baking sheet or oven-safe skillet for baking the stuffed salmon
Optional but Helpful Tools
- A basting brush for evenly applying oil or melted butter to the salmon
- Parchment paper for easy cleanup and preventing sticking
- Kitchen twine for securely tying up the stuffed salmon fillets
- A small knife to create pockets in the salmon for the spinach filling, if making individual portions
With these tools, you’ll be ready to make the easy salmon spinach recipe or baked salmon with spinach with ease and confidence.
| Tool | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Sharp Knife | Butterflying the salmon fillets |
| Mixing Bowl | Combining the creamy spinach filling |
| Baking Sheet or Oven-Safe Skillet | Baking the stuffed salmon |
| Basting Brush | Applying oil or melted butter to the salmon |
| Parchment Paper | Easy cleanup and preventing sticking |
| Kitchen Twine | Securing the stuffed salmon fillets |
| Small Knife | Creating pockets in the salmon for the spinach filling |
Preparing Your Salmon for Stuffing
To make a great salmon and greens meal or grilled salmon spinach salad, start by preparing your salmon. Begin by making a horizontal cut halfway through the salmon fillet. This cut should not go all the way through. It helps open up the salmon, making a pocket for the spinach filling.
After butterflying the salmon, use tweezers to remove any bones. This is important for a smooth dining experience. Then, dry the salmon with paper towels. This step helps the salmon sear well and ensures the seasonings stick evenly.
If your salmon is frozen, thaw it in the fridge first. This ensures it cooks evenly and doesn’t release too much moisture. With your salmon ready, you can now make the creamy spinach filling that will elevate this dish!
“The secret to a successful stuffed salmon dish lies in the preparation. Taking the time to butterfly the fillets and remove any bones ensures a delightful and hassle-free dining experience.”
Creating the Perfect Creamy Spinach Filling
Make your salmon dish even better with a creamy spinach filling. It’s made with softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and spices. Make sure the cream cheese is soft for a smooth mix.
Mixing Instructions
In a bowl, mix softened cream cheese, chopped spinach, garlic, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, and a bit of salt and pepper.Mix thoroughly using a spatula or whisk. This makes a creamy, even mix.
Seasoning Tips
- For a touch of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes.
- Chopped fresh herbs like dill or basil add great flavor.
- Use soft goat cheese or crumbled feta for a richer filling.
Texture Guidelines
The filling should be smooth and easy to spread. Make sure to squeeze out the spinach well. This way, the filling will be creamy and go well with the salmon.
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Cream Cheese | 4 ounces |
| Frozen Spinach | 4 ounces |
| Parmesan Cheese | 1/4 cup, grated |
| Lemon Juice | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic | 2 cloves, minced |
| Salt and Pepper | to taste |
“The creamy spinach filling pairs perfectly with the rich salmon, creating an indulgent and satisfying dish.”
Step-by-Step Cooking Instructions
Making the perfect baked salmon with spinach is simple. Just follow these easy steps to make a delicious, easy salmon spinach recipe everyone will enjoy.
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Stuff the salmon fillets with the creamy spinach mix carefully, avoiding overfilling.
- Season the salmon outside with paprika, garlic powder, and cumin.
- Put the stuffed salmon on a baking sheet or in a skillet.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until it’s flaky and cooked.
For a quicker option, air fry the baked salmon with spinach at 375°F (190°C) for 10-12 minutes. It will be cooked through.
| Cooking Method | Temperature | Cooking Time |
|---|---|---|
| Oven Baked | 375°F (190°C) | 15-20 minutes |
| Air Fryer | 375°F (190°C) | 10-12 minutes |
Watch the salmon closely while it cooks. It should reach 145°F (63°C) inside, as the FDA suggests.
“This simple salmon spinach recipe is a game-changer for hectic weeknights. The creamy, flavorful filling complements the tender salmon perfectly.”
Temperature and Timing Guidelines
To get the perfect baked salmon with spinach or sauteed salmon with spinach, watch the cooking temperature and timing closely. These guidelines will help you cook your salmon dish just right every time.
Oven Temperature Settings
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) for oven-baked salmon with spinach. This temperature helps the salmon cook evenly while keeping the spinach moist and creamy.
Cooking Duration Guidelines
- Baked Salmon with Spinach: Cook the stuffed salmon fillets for 15-20 minutes, depending on their thickness. When cooked, the salmon should easily flake with a fork.
- Air Fried Salmon with Spinach: For air frying, use the same 375°F (190°C) temperature but reduce the cooking time to 10-12 minutes.
Allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes after cooking. This allows the juices to redistribute, making the salmon moist and flavorful.
“The secret to perfectly cooked salmon is checking the internal temperature, rather than relying solely on cooking time. Use a meat thermometer to ensure your salmon reaches the ideal doneness.”
By following these temperature and timing guidelines, you’ll get the perfect baked salmon with spinach or sauteed salmon with spinach every time. Enjoy the delicious combination of tender salmon and creamy spinach filling for a truly satisfying and impressive dinner.
Serving Suggestions and Pairings
The creamy spinach stuffed salmon is great with many side dishes. Try it with roasted veggies, fresh salads, steamed rice, or rice pilaf. The creamy filling is especially good mixed with rice.
For a perfect match, pair it with white wines like Chardonnay, Pinot Gris, or Riesling. Sparkling Moscato is also a sweet choice. These wines balance the salmon’s richness.
Top it off with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. The parsley’s green and lemon’s acidity make the dish look and taste better.