Simple Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Introduction

This Simple Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta is a flavorful, healthy dish perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The creamy feta and tender spinach filling pairs beautifully with the rich, flaky salmon for a satisfying meal.

The image shows four salmon fillets placed side by side in a white baking dish with handles, set on a white marbled surface. Each fillet has two clear layers: the bottom layer is the salmon meat itself, pink-orange with slight browning and crispy edges, while the top layer is a creamy spinach and cheese mixture, green with dark leafy textures and small bits of white melted cheese and red pepper pieces scattered on top. The baking dish rests on a soft blue cloth, and a wooden pepper grinder is partly visible in the top right corner. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tbsp olive oil (for filling)
  • 4 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 6 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. Lay them skin-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each fillet by slicing lengthwise about three-quarters of the way through without cutting all the way through to the skin.
  2. Step 2: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach is heated through and moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, chopped roasted red peppers, and garlic powder. Let the mixture cool slightly.
  3. Step 3: Brush the inside and outside of each salmon fillet with the remaining 1.5 tablespoons of olive oil, then season generously with salt and pepper. Divide the spinach-feta mixture evenly among the fillets, spooning it into the pocket. Pack gently without overstuffing.
  4. Step 4: Bake the salmon in the preheated oven for 12-17 minutes, depending on thickness. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F. Check the thickest part to ensure it is firm but slightly tender. Avoid overcooking.

Tips & Variations

  • Make sure to squeeze out all excess water from the spinach to prevent a watery filling.
  • You can substitute the roasted red peppers with sun-dried tomatoes for a different flavor.
  • For extra flavor, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the salmon just before serving.

Storage

Store leftover stuffed salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in a low oven or microwave to avoid drying out the fish. This dish is best enjoyed fresh but can be eaten cold in salads as well.

How to Serve

Two pieces of cooked salmon fillets lie on a white plate, each topped with a creamy spinach and cheese mixture. The base layer is the light orange-pink salmon with a smooth texture and slight grill marks. On top, there is a thick creamy topping with dark green spinach leaves mixed into a white cheese cream, browned in spots with hints of melted golden cheese. Small bits of red pepper are scattered throughout the topping for color contrast. A fork with a chunk of salmon rests on the side of the plate, with flakes of fish around it. The setting is on a white marbled surface with a blue cloth partially under the plate. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?

Yes, frozen salmon fillets can be used but be sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before preparing to ensure even cooking and proper texture.

What can I serve with baked stuffed salmon?

This dish pairs well with steamed vegetables, rice, or a light salad to balance the rich flavors of the salmon and filling.

Print

Simple Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe

This Simple Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta is a delicious and healthy meal featuring fresh salmon fillets stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, feta cheese, Parmesan, and roasted red peppers. Baked to perfection, this dish offers a delightful blend of creamy, cheesy filling and tender, flaky salmon, perfect for an elegant weeknight dinner or special occasion.

  • Author: Amy
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 15 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

Scale

For the Salmon

  • 4 salmon fillets
  • 1.5 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

For the Spinach-Feta Filling

  • 1 tbsp olive oil
  • 4 cups spinach (fresh or frozen, thawed and squeezed dry)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 pinch cayenne pepper
  • 6 oz feta cheese (crumbled)
  • 1/3 cup Parmesan cheese (grated)
  • 1/4 cup roasted red peppers (chopped)
  • 1/2 tsp garlic powder
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Baking Sheet and Salmon Fillets: Preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly oil it. Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels to promote even cooking. Place the fillets skin-side down on the baking sheet. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a lengthwise pocket in each fillet about three-quarters of the way through, taking care not to cut through to the skin to create a filling pocket.
  2. Cook the Spinach Filling: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the spinach along with Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper. Cook for 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally until the spinach is heated through and excess moisture has evaporated. Remove from heat and stir in the crumbled feta, grated Parmesan, chopped roasted red peppers, and garlic powder until well combined. Allow the mixture to cool slightly before using.
  3. Season and Stuff the Salmon: Brush the inside and outside of each salmon fillet with the remaining 1.5 tablespoons olive oil, then season generously with salt and black pepper. Divide the spinach-feta filling evenly among the fillets, gently spooning it into the pockets without overstuffing to prevent the filling from spilling out during baking.
  4. Bake the Stuffed Salmon: Place the baking sheet in the oven and bake for 12-17 minutes depending on fillet thickness. The salmon should flake easily with a fork and reach an internal temperature of 145°F. Check firmness by gently pressing on the thickest part to ensure it feels firm yet slightly giving. Avoid overcooking to maintain moistness.

Notes

  • To prevent a watery filling, make sure the spinach is thoroughly squeezed dry before cooking.
  • Use a sharp knife to create the pocket carefully to avoid cutting all the way through the fillet.
  • Letting the spinach-feta mixture cool before stuffing helps maintain the salmon’s texture and prevents wilting.
  • If you prefer, fresh spinach can be used instead of frozen; just cook it down until wilted before mixing.
  • Adjust seasoning to taste, especially when adding salt, since feta and Parmesan are naturally salty.

Keywords: baked salmon, stuffed salmon, spinach feta filling, healthy salmon recipe, Mediterranean salmon, oven baked salmon

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