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- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each) - 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped - 3 cloves garlic, minced - 1 cup cream cheese, softened - 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese - 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest - 1/4 teaspoon black pepper - 1/4 teaspoon salt - 2 tablespoons olive oil - 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional) The key to making creamy garlic spinach stuffed salmon is using fresh ingredients. I like to use wild-caught salmon for its rich flavor. Fresh spinach adds a lovely green color and taste. Garlic gives the dish a bold kick. Cream cheese makes the filling smooth and creamy. Parmesan cheese brings in a salty, nutty touch. Lemon zest adds brightness and freshness. Black pepper and salt enhance all the flavors. When you gather these ingredients, make sure they are high quality. This choice makes a big difference in your dish. Each ingredient plays a role in making the salmon juicy and tasty. {{ingredient_image_1}} - Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). - Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. - Add 3 minced garlic cloves and sauté for 1 minute, until fragrant. - Toss in 2 cups of chopped spinach. Cook for 2-3 minutes until wilted. - Remove the skillet from heat and let it cool. - In a bowl, mix 1 cup of softened cream cheese, cooked spinach, garlic, and 1/4 cup grated Parmesan. - Add 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon salt. Stir until smooth. - Place 4 salmon fillets on a cutting board. - Use a sharp knife to make a pocket in each fillet. Cut carefully, but don’t slice all the way through. - Fill each salmon pocket generously with the creamy spinach mixture. - Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. - Place the stuffed salmon fillets skin-side down in the skillet. Sear for 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy. - Transfer the skillet to your preheated oven. Bake for 10-12 minutes until the salmon flakes easily. - For a nice touch, sprinkle fresh dill before serving if you like. How to choose the right salmon fillets Look for fresh salmon that has bright color and moist skin. The fillets should smell like the ocean, not fishy. Choose fillets that are about 6 oz for even cooking. Ensuring the filling stays inside Make a pocket in each fillet without cutting all the way through. This keeps the filling secure. Stuff it generously but don’t overfill, or it may spill out during cooking. Checking doneness of the salmon Salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. You can also check the internal temperature. It should reach 145°F (63°C). If it looks opaque and the flesh is firm, it’s ready. Best sides to serve with stuffed salmon Pair stuffed salmon with quinoa, rice, or steamed vegetables. A light salad also works well. Each side adds balance and color to your plate. Garnishing ideas Add lemon wedges on the side for a fresh zing. Fresh herbs like dill or parsley make your dish pop. A sprinkle of extra Parmesan gives a nice touch, too. Using different herbs and spices Try adding basil, thyme, or oregano for new flavors. You can even use a bit of paprika for some heat. This makes each bite exciting and unique. Adding more cheese or cream for richness If you love cheese, add more Parmesan or a bit of feta. A splash of heavy cream can also make the filling even creamier. Adjust to your taste for a richer dish. Pro Tips Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach will yield the best flavor and texture. Avoid using frozen spinach, as it can be too watery and affect the stuffing consistency. Season the Salmon: For an extra layer of flavor, lightly season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper before stuffing them. Check for Doneness: Salmon is perfectly cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). Use a meat thermometer for accurate results. Experiment with Cheese: Feel free to substitute the Parmesan cheese with other varieties like feta or goat cheese for a different flavor profile. {{image_2}} You can change the filling in your salmon to keep things fresh. Instead of spinach, try using other greens like kale or Swiss chard. These options can add a different flavor and texture. You can also mix in herbs, like basil or parsley, to enhance the taste. For cheese, cream cheese is great, but you can swap it for feta or goat cheese. Feta adds a salty punch, while goat cheese gives a tangy twist. Each cheese will change the dish's flavor, making it fun to experiment. You can cook your salmon in different ways to suit your taste. Baking is the most common method. It keeps the salmon moist and allows the filling to meld nicely. Grilling is another option. It adds a lovely smoky flavor. Just watch the salmon closely. It cooks faster on the grill. If you want a quicker way, try using an air fryer. It cooks the salmon quickly and makes the skin crispy. Set your air fryer to 375°F and cook for about 8-10 minutes. The result is just as delicious! If you need to make this dish gluten-free, you’re in luck! All the main ingredients are gluten-free. Just make sure any additional products you use, like seasonings, are also gluten-free. For dairy-free versions, use plant-based cream cheese. There are many options available that taste great. You can also skip the cheese altogether and add more herbs and spices. This change will still give you a tasty meal while keeping it dairy-free. To keep your creamy garlic spinach stuffed salmon fresh, place leftovers in an airtight container. This helps prevent moisture loss and keeps flavors intact. Store it in the fridge. Leftover salmon stays fresh for about 2 to 3 days. If you want to keep it longer, consider freezing it. Wrap the salmon tightly in plastic wrap and then place it in a freezer bag. It can stay good for up to 2 months in the freezer. When reheating salmon, aim for gentle methods to avoid drying it out. One great way is to use the oven. Preheat it to 275°F (135°C) and place the salmon on a baking dish. Cover it loosely with foil to keep moisture in. Heat for about 15 minutes or until warm. The ideal temperature for reheating cooked salmon is around 125°F (52°C). You can also reheat it in the microwave. Use low power and heat in short bursts. This helps keep the fish moist and tasty. Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe? Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just make sure to thaw it first. Thawed salmon cooks more evenly. If you skip thawing, the cooking time may change. How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked? The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork. It should be opaque and not translucent. You can also use a meat thermometer. It should read 145°F (63°C) at the thickest part. Can I prepare the filling in advance? Yes, you can prepare the filling a day ahead. Store it in the fridge in an airtight container. Just remember to bring it back to room temperature before using. What are good side dishes to serve with creamy garlic spinach stuffed salmon? Some great side dishes include: - Quinoa - Rice - Steamed vegetables - Roasted potatoes These sides balance the richness of the salmon well. Is it safe to reheat cooked salmon? Yes, it is safe to reheat cooked salmon. Just make sure to heat it gently. Use low heat in the oven or microwave. Avoid overcooking, as this can dry it out. You learned how to make delicious creamy garlic spinach stuffed salmon. We covered all the ingredients, step-by-step cooking, tips, and variations. Remember to pick the freshest salmon and check doneness properly. Feel free to experiment with different herbs, and don’t hesitate to modify for dietary needs. With these tools and ideas, you’ll impress anyone at your dinner table. Enjoy your cooking adventure!

Creamy Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon

Delicious salmon fillets stuffed with a creamy garlic and spinach mixture, perfect for a healthy dinner.
Print Recipe Pin Recipe
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 30 minutes
Course Main Course
Cuisine American
Servings 4
Calories 400 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • 4 fillets salmon (6 oz each)
  • 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 cup cream cheese, softened
  • 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
  • 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon salt
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (optional)

Instructions
 

  • Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
  • In a medium skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant.
  • Add the chopped spinach to the skillet and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let it cool for a few minutes.
  • In a mixing bowl, combine the softened cream cheese, cooked spinach and garlic mixture, grated Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, black pepper, and salt. Mix until well combined.
  • Place the salmon fillets on a cutting board and make a pocket in each fillet using a sharp knife, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
  • Stuff each salmon fillet generously with the creamy spinach mixture.
  • Heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil in an oven-proof skillet over medium-high heat. Carefully place the stuffed salmon fillets in the skillet, skin-side down, and sear for about 3-4 minutes until the skin is crispy.
  • Transfer the skillet to the preheated oven and bake for an additional 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
  • If desired, sprinkle fresh dill over the stuffed salmon right before serving for added flavor.

Notes

Serve on a bed of quinoa or rice with a wedge of lemon for added flavor.
Keyword creamy, garlic, salmon, spinach, stuffed