Creamy Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon

$To make creamy spinach feta stuffed salmon, you need the following items: - 4 salmon fillets (skinless) - 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped - 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled - 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened - 2 cloves garlic, minced - 1 tablespoon lemon juice - 1 tablespoon olive oil - Salt and pepper to taste - 1 teaspoon dried oregano - Lemon wedges, for serving (optional) For the best flavor, use fresh spinach and quality feta cheese. You can swap cream cheese with ricotta if you prefer. Make sure your salmon is fresh, as it makes a big difference. Always check the skinless fillets for any bones before cooking. This helps in keeping your meal pleasant. Feel free to adjust the salt and pepper based on your taste. If you like a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes. {{ingredient_image_1}} How to prepare the spinach and feta stuffing Start by mixing the filling. In a bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped spinach, 1/2 cup of crumbled feta cheese, and 1/4 cup of softened cream cheese. Add 2 minced garlic cloves, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, salt, pepper, and 1 teaspoon of dried oregano. Stir until everything is well mixed. This stuffing brings a creamy and tangy flavor to the salmon. Tips for cutting pockets in the salmon fillets Next, take your salmon fillets and lay them flat. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a pocket. Slice horizontally along the side of each fillet. Make sure not to cut all the way through. You want to create a nice space for the stuffing. Guidelines for filling the salmon pockets Now it's time to fill the salmon. Grab your spinach and feta mixture. Spoon about 2-3 tablespoons into each pocket. Press gently to secure the filling inside. Be careful not to overstuff, as this can make it hard to cook evenly. Searing the salmon: Techniques and timing Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet. Sear each side for about 2-3 minutes until they are golden brown. This step adds a nice crust and flavor to the salmon. Baking the salmon: Oven settings and duration After searing, transfer the skillet to a preheated oven set at 375°F (190°C). Bake the salmon for 12-15 minutes. This helps cook the salmon through without drying it out. Indicators that the salmon is perfectly cooked Check if the salmon is done by inserting a fork into the thickest part. It should flake easily when fully cooked. The inside should be opaque and not translucent. This means your salmon is ready to enjoy! To ensure even cooking, start with salmon fillets of similar size. This helps them cook at the same rate. Sear the salmon for a golden crust before baking. This step adds flavor and texture. For extra zest, add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the stuffing. This little kick can wake up the dish. Use a sharp knife for cutting pockets. This makes filling easier and keeps the fillet intact. Serve the stuffed salmon on a white plate for contrast. It makes the colors pop. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of parsley or dill. This adds a fresh touch and eye appeal. Pair the dish with steamed asparagus or a light salad. These sides complement the rich flavors of the salmon. You can also serve it with wild rice or quinoa for a hearty meal. Pro Tips Choose Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and high-quality feta cheese will elevate the flavor of your stuffed salmon. Don’t Overstuff the Salmon: Stuff each fillet with just the right amount of filling to avoid spilling during cooking. Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Rest Before Serving: Allow the salmon to rest for a couple of minutes after baking to let the juices redistribute for optimal flavor. {{image_2}} You can change the greens in the stuffing. Try kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach. Both add nice flavor and nutrients. If you want a different cheese, use goat cheese or ricotta. Each cheese gives a unique taste. For dietary needs, make it dairy-free. Substitute cream cheese with cashew cream. This keeps it creamy and tasty. You can grill or bake the salmon. Grilling adds a smoky flavor. Baking keeps the salmon moist and tender. If you choose to grill, make sure your salmon is thick enough. For air frying, preheat your air fryer to 400°F (200°C). Cook the salmon for about 8-10 minutes. Check for doneness; it should flake easily. If using an Instant Pot, place the salmon on a trivet. Add one cup of water to the pot. Cook on high for 5-6 minutes. This method keeps the salmon juicy and flavorful. To keep your leftover stuffed salmon fresh, follow these simple steps: - Cool it down: Allow the salmon to cool to room temperature. - Use airtight containers: Store the salmon in airtight containers. Glass or plastic works well. - Refrigerate: Place the containers in the fridge. Leftover salmon stays good for up to 3 days. - Freezing instructions: If you want to keep it longer, freeze the salmon. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then foil. It can last for up to 3 months in the freezer. When it's time to enjoy your leftovers, remember these tips: - Keep it moist: Reheat the salmon gently. This helps avoid drying it out. - Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish. Cover it with a damp paper towel. Heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm. - Oven reheating: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Place the salmon in an oven-safe dish, cover with foil, and heat for about 10-15 minutes. - Restore freshness: Add a splash of lemon juice or a bit of olive oil before reheating. This helps bring back some moisture and flavor. You should use skinless salmon fillets. They cook evenly and let the filling shine. Salmon like sockeye or Atlantic work well. Their flavor pairs nicely with the creamy filling. Yes, you can make the stuffing a day before. Store it in the fridge until you are ready to use it. This saves time and helps the flavors blend. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C) in the thickest part. Absolutely! Creamy spinach feta stuffed salmon is great for meal prep. You can store cooked salmon in airtight containers. It keeps well in the fridge for up to three days. This blog post covered everything you need to know about stuffed salmon. You learned the right ingredients, steps to prepare, cook, and present your dish. Plus, I shared variations and storage tips to keep your meal fresh. Remember, the right choice of ingredients and method makes all the difference. With these tips, you can enjoy a healthy and delicious meal. Dive into this recipe, experiment, and impress yourself and others with your cooking skills. Happy cooking!$

Creamy Spinach Feta Stuffed Salmon

Delicious salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy mixture of spinach and feta cheese.

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 15

Total Time 30

Course Main Course

Cuisine American

Servings 4

Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients

4 fillets salmon (skinless)
1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
0.5 cup feta cheese, crumbled
0.25 cup cream cheese, softened
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon olive oil
to taste salt and pepper
1 teaspoon dried oregano
optional lemon wedges, for serving

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a medium mixing bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, pepper, and oregano until well combined.
Place the salmon fillets on a clean surface and use a sharp knife to cut a pocket in each fillet by slicing horizontally without cutting all the way through.
Fill each pocket of the salmon fillets with about 2-3 tablespoons of the spinach and feta mixture, pressing gently to secure the filling.
Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat. Once hot, sear the stuffed salmon fillets for about 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
Once browned, transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove from the oven and let it rest for a couple of minutes before serving.

Notes

Serve the stuffed salmon on a plate garnished with fresh lemon wedges and a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added color and flavor.

Keyword dinner, feta, salmon, spinach, stuffed