Randy Chandler
Salmon stuffed with spinach and feta cheese is a delicious, healthy, and easy-to-make meal. The combination of flavours and textures makes this dish a real crowd-pleaser. The creamy spinach and feta filling can be made in advance and stuffed into salmon fillets, which are then baked in the oven. This recipe can be adapted to include other ingredients such as cream cheese, mozzarella, scallions, garlic, dill, and breadcrumbs. The salmon should be baked until it is opaque and pink, and can be served with a side salad or grains and vegetables.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Recipe Type | Mediterranean-inspired, Greek |
| Ingredients | Salmon, spinach, feta cheese, scallions/onions, garlic, dill, olive oil, lemon zest, breadcrumbs, dijon mustard, salt, pepper, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, Italian seasoning, oregano, basil, thyme, roasted red peppers, parmesan, sun-dried tomatoes, goat cheese, cream cheese, mozzarella, Cajun seasoning, Berbere seasoning, Old Bay seasoning |
| Preparation | Saute spinach and onions, add garlic, combine with feta, stuff salmon, bake |
| Cooking Time | 8-17 minutes at 400-420°F |
| Servings | 3-4 |
| Nutrition | Quality protein, healthy fats, vegetables |
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What You'll Learn
Preparing the salmon
Selecting the Salmon:
Start by choosing fresh salmon fillets of consistent size and thickness. Thicker fillets are preferable, as they provide more room for stuffing and ensure even cooking. Aim for pieces that are about 4 oz each, or adjust the amount of stuffing and cooking time accordingly.
Creating an Opening:
Using a sharp knife, carefully create an opening or pocket in the side or centre of each salmon fillet. Make sure not to cut all the way through to the other side—only the thick part should be sliced. This pocket will be stuffed with the delicious spinach and feta mixture.
Stuffing the Salmon:
Prepare the spinach and feta mixture as instructed, and ensure it is well combined and softened. Stuff each salmon fillet generously with this mixture, using a small spoon to push it into the pocket. Don't be afraid to pack in as much flavour as possible!
Brushing and Coating:
Brush the tops of the stuffed salmon fillets with a thin layer of Dijon mustard. This adds a subtle tanginess to the dish. You can also experiment with other coatings, such as breadcrumbs mixed with olive oil and seasonings like paprika, garlic powder, parsley, and salt and pepper. Coat the fillets with this crumb mixture for a crispy, golden finish.
Baking Instructions:
Preheat your oven to around 400°F (200°C). Place the stuffed salmon fillets on a parchment-lined baking sheet, skin-side down. Drizzle or brush the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper, or other seasonings of your choice. Bake for approximately 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the thickness of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. For a well-done salmon, cook until the thickest part is completely opaque and cooked through.
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Making the spinach and feta stuffing
To make the spinach and feta stuffing, start by sautéing the spinach with some onion, garlic, and dill. You want the spinach to be wilted but not completely—about 85% wilted. Remove the mixture from the heat and transfer it to a bowl. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding the feta cheese. You don't want the cheese to melt before the salmon goes into the oven. You can also add some cream cheese, mozzarella, and roasted red peppers to the mixture for extra flavour.
If you want to add a crunch to your salmon, create a breadcrumb topping by mixing breadcrumbs with olive oil, paprika, garlic powder, parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Coat the top of the stuffed salmon with this crumb mixture before baking.
For a Greek twist, add some scallions, garlic, and dill to the spinach and feta mixture. You can also include some Italian seasoning or equal parts oregano, basil, and thyme.
For a creamier filling, use a fork to break up the feta clumps and combine it with lemon zest, dill, garlic powder, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This filling goes well with a dijon mustard topping on the salmon.
Remember to let the spinach cool slightly before mixing in the feta cheese, and always taste your stuffing to adjust the seasoning to your preference.
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Stuffing the salmon
To stuff salmon with spinach and feta cheese, you'll first need to prepare the spinach and feta mixture. In a pan, saute the spinach with some olive oil until it's wilted but not completely cooked. You can also add other ingredients like onions, garlic, dill, and scallions to the pan for extra flavour. Remove the mixture from the heat and let it cool for a few minutes before stirring in the feta cheese. You can also add other cheeses like cream cheese, mozzarella, or parmesan, as well as seasonings like lemon zest, Italian seasoning, or spices.
Once your filling is ready, it's time to stuff the salmon. Take your salmon fillets and, using a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit or pocket in the side or centre of each fillet, making sure not to cut all the way through to the other side. Stuff the salmon with the spinach and feta mixture, using a spoon or your hands to push it in and pack it tightly. You can also add other ingredients to the salmon, such as breadcrumbs, dijon mustard, or olive oil, for extra flavour and texture.
Some recipes suggest brushing the salmon with olive oil and seasoning it with salt and pepper, Cajun seasoning, or other spices before baking. It's important to preheat your oven to the right temperature, usually around 400°F, and line a baking sheet or tray with parchment paper. Place the stuffed salmon on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 10 to 20 minutes, depending on the size of your fillets and your desired level of doneness.
Finally, to ensure your salmon is cooked, cut into the thickest part of the fillet. It should be opaque and have a whitish-pink colour, and the meat should flake easily but still maintain moisture. Serve your stuffed salmon with a side of your choice, such as a salad, whole grains, or vegetables.
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Baking the salmon
When you're ready to bake the salmon, first preheat your oven to 400°F, or 420°F. Line a baking tray with parchment paper and place the salmon fillets on top, skin-side down. Brush the salmon with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Now it's time to bake! Depending on the source of the recipe, the cooking time varies between 8 and 20 minutes. One source recommends baking for 12-17 minutes, depending on the thickness of the fish and your desired level of doneness. Another suggests checking the salmon after 15 minutes and adjusting the cooking time according to your preference. A good indication of doneness is when the salmon begins to flake but still has some translucency in the middle. For well-done salmon, cook until the thickest part is completely opaque.
Some recipes add an extra step before baking: coating the salmon with seasoned breadcrumbs and drizzling with olive oil. If you're including this step, bake the salmon for 10-12 minutes, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon.
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Serving suggestions
This salmon dish is hearty and nourishing and is perfect for a weeknight dinner. It goes well with whole grains and vegetables. You can serve it with a side salad, or a tomato and cucumber salad.
For a nutritionally balanced meal, pair the salmon with a complex carbohydrate or starch. You could also serve it with roasted salmon, or a side of grains.
For a Greek spin on the dish, serve it with scallions, garlic, and dill. You can also add sun-dried tomatoes and goat cheese to the stuffing.
If you're serving this dish for a dinner party, consider pairing it with a glass of white wine or a light beer.
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Frequently asked questions
Bake the salmon for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your fillets and your desired level of doneness. Check for doneness by cutting into the thickest part of the fillet. If the meat is beginning to flake and has a whitish-pink colour, it is done.
You will need salmon fillets, spinach, feta cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Some recipes also include cream cheese, mozzarella, garlic, onions, dill, scallions, breadcrumbs, lemon, and Dijon mustard.
First, saute the spinach with olive oil until wilted. Then, mix the spinach with the feta cheese and any other desired ingredients. Cut a pocket into the side of each salmon fillet and stuff with the spinach and feta mixture. Finally, bake the salmon in the oven at 400°F for 10-20 minutes, depending on the size of your fillets.
