Description
A delicious and healthy stuffed salmon recipe featuring tender salmon fillets filled with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, tangy feta, parmesan, and roasted red peppers. Ready in just 30 minutes, this baked stuffed salmon is perfect for a quick yet impressive meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon
- 4x 6-ounce pieces of salmon (approx. 170 grams each; longer pieces recommended)
- 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Spinach & Cheese Filling
- 3 cups baby spinach, packed
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- 1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
- A pinch of cayenne pepper
- Approx. 5.3 ounce block of feta cheese (Approx. 150 grams)
- 1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated (recommend parmigiano-reggiano)
- 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped into small 1/4-inch pieces
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Preheat and Prepare Salmon: Preheat the oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper, then place the salmon pieces skin-side down onto the sheet.
- Slice Salmon for Stuffing: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice lengthwise down the middle of each salmon piece without cutting all the way through. Leave the flesh attached at the bottom and ends to create a pocket for the filling.
- Season Salmon: Brush the salmon pieces with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season generously with salt and pepper. Set aside while preparing the filling.
- Sauté Spinach and Spices: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Once hot, add the baby spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and pepper. Sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until the spinach is wilted.
- Mix in Cheese and Peppers: Turn off the heat and add the chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and grated parmesan to the sautéed spinach. Stir vigorously, pressing down on the feta to soften it, until the mixture holds together well.
- Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into the cut pockets of each salmon piece, dividing the filling evenly among them.
- Bake the Salmon: Place the stuffed salmon in the preheated oven and bake for 12 to 17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fillets and your preferred level of doneness.
- Serve: Remove the salmon from the oven and serve immediately while hot for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Longer pieces of salmon are recommended for easier stuffing.
- Adjust cayenne pepper to taste or omit if you prefer no heat.
- Use fresh parmigiano-reggiano for best flavor in the parmesan component.
- Make sure not to cut all the way through the salmon to keep the filling inside during baking.
- Cooking time will vary based on the thickness of the salmon fillets; thicker pieces might need a few extra minutes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Keywords: stuffed salmon recipe, spinach feta salmon, baked salmon, healthy salmon dish, Mediterranean salmon, quick dinner recipes
