© Original recipe by Savor & Snap ©
🧀🎣 Baked Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon: The Ultimate Healthy Salmon Dinner
1. Introduction
If you’re searching for the perfect way to elevate your dinner menu, look no further than the Stuffed Salmon. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with a vibrant and savory filling of spinach and feta cheese, baked to perfection. The marriage of melt-in-your-mouth fish and rich, aromatic stuffing creates a delightful flavor experience that is both healthy and impressive. Whether hosting a dinner party or enjoying a cozy night in, this Salmon with Spinach and Feta recipe will surely impress your taste buds and your guests.
2. Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in 30 mins — Perfect for quick weeknight dinners
- One-pan meal — Minimal cleanup required
- Healthy and nutritious — Loaded with omega-3s, leafy greens, and calcium-rich feta
- Versatile — Suitable for gluten-free and low-carb diets
3. Ingredient Notes
When selecting ingredients, quality truly makes a difference. Opt for wild-caught salmon fillets for a rich, authentic flavor. Fresh spinach adds a vibrant, earthy taste, so choose vibrant, crisp leaves without yellowing or wilting. Feta cheese should be creamy and crumbly, like Greek feta, to provide the perfect tang and texture. For extra flavor, consider using high-quality olive oil, fresh garlic, and a squeeze of lemon to brighten the dish. Using fresh herbs like dill or parsley can elevate the filling and add aromatic notes to the final result.
4. Kitchen Tools You Need
To achieve the best results, equip yourself with essential kitchen tools. The Compact 6-in-1 Digital Air Fryer by Amazon Basics is perfect for baking this dish with even heat, delivering crispy edges and moist interiors. A high-quality T-fal 14-Piece Hard Anodized Nonstick Cookware Set makes handling and prepping salmon and filling ingredients seamless, thanks to its durable nonstick surface. Additionally, a reliable Ninja Foodi Smart XL Indoor Grill & Air Fryer allows you to customize cooking settings and get perfectly cooked salmon every time, whether baking or grilling.
5. How to Make Baked Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon
Preparing the Filling
Start by finely chopping garlic and sautéing it lightly in olive oil until aromatic—your kitchen will fill with a warm, inviting scent. Add chopped spinach to the pan, stir until wilted, and then remove from heat. Mix in crumbled feta cheese, a squeeze of lemon, and fresh herbs. The filling should be creamy and vibrant in color, ready to be spooned into your salmon fillets.
Stuffing and Baking
Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels; this ensures a crispy exterior. Using a sharp knife, create a horizontal pocket in each fillet with careful, gentle cuts to avoid splitting. Spoon generous amounts of the spinach and feta mixture into each pocket. Lightly season the outside of the fish with salt, pepper, and a drizzle of olive oil. Place the stuffed fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in a preheated oven or air fryer at 375°F (190°C) until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily—about 15-20 minutes. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking, which can dry out the fish.
6. Expert Tips for Success
- Maintain even thickness of the salmon fillets for uniform cooking.
- Don’t overload the stuffing; too much can cause spillage during baking.
- Use a meat thermometer—internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
- Rest the fish for a few minutes after baking, allowing juices to redistribute for maximum flavor.
7. Variations & Substitutions
If you want to try variations, substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard for new flavor profiles. For a dairy-free version, replace feta with goat cheese or a sprinkle of nutritional yeast. You can also swap the herbs based on your preference—basil, oregano, or thyme work beautifully. For a touch of heat, add red pepper flakes to the filling or serve with a spicy aioli on the side.
8. Storage & Reheating
Leftover stuffed salmon can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, use the air fryer or oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through—this preserves the crispy exterior and moist interior. Avoid microwaving, as it can make the salmon dry and soggy. For best results, reheat just until heated evenly to keep the salmon tender and flavorful.
9. FAQ
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
Yes. Prepare the filled salmon fillets up to a day in advance and refrigerate covered. Bake just before serving for the best texture and flavor.
What is the best way to prevent the filling from falling out?
Use a sharp knife to create a sturdy pocket, and be careful not to overload it. Chilling the stuffed fillets for 10-15 minutes before baking can also help set the filling.
Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely. Store leftovers in airtight containers and reheat for a quick, healthy lunch or dinner. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it even more delicious.
10. Conclusion
Enjoying a homemade Baked Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon is a delightful way to indulge in a nutritious, restaurant-quality meal. With its vibrant flavors, tender texture, and elegant presentation, this dish is perfect for various occasions—from weeknight dinners to special celebrations. Don’t forget to explore related recipes and tools to elevate your culinary adventures further. Happy cooking!
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Baked Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon
A savory baked salmon with a spinach and feta filling, roasted to perfection with crispy edges and tender flesh, served with fresh lemon for a zesty touch.
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 cup crumbled feta cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- In a bowl, combine spinach, feta, garlic, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Cut a slit in each salmon fillet to create a pocket, then stuff with the spinach mixture.
- Place fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper.
- Bake for 15-20 minutes until cooked through and slightly crispy on top.
- Serve warm with lemon wedges.
Notes
- Ensure not to overstuff the fillets to prevent spilling during baking.
- Top with extra feta or herbs for added flavor.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Healthy
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 fillet
- Calories: 330 Kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 500mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 85mg