Name: Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each); 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped; 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened; 1/4 cup breadcrumbs (whole wheat or regular); 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon olive oil; 1 teaspoon lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste; Fresh lemon wedges

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If you’re searching for a dish that delights the senses and feels like a warm embrace on a plate, look no further than this Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta. This recipe combines tender, flaky salmon with a luscious, creamy spinach and feta filling that adds a burst of flavor and texture in every bite. It’s a perfect balance of rich cheese, vibrant greens, and the natural freshness of the fish, all baked to perfection, making it an irresistible centerpiece for any meal. Whether you’re cooking for a special occasion or simply craving something wholesome yet indulgent, this dish is guaranteed to become one of your favorites.

Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

These ingredients are wonderfully simple yet absolutely essential for creating the perfect harmony of flavors and textures in your Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta. Each component plays its part — from the freshness of the spinach to the tanginess of the feta and the satisfying crust that the breadcrumbs provide.

Salmon fillets: Four 6-ounce portions of fresh salmon, the star of your dish, bringing tender and flaky texture.
Fresh spinach: Two cups chopped, adding vibrant green color and a mild earthiness.
Feta cheese: Half a cup crumbled, offering a salty, tangy creaminess that complements the fish.
Cream cheese: Quarter cup softened, for a smooth, rich binding that keeps the filling luscious.
Breadcrumbs: Quarter cup whole wheat or regular, to give the stuffing a subtle crunch and help it hold together.
Garlic: Two cloves minced, infusing the filling with aromatic depth.
Olive oil: One tablespoon, perfect for sautéing and adding a touch of Mediterranean flavor.
Lemon juice: One teaspoon, brightening the mixture with zesty freshness.
Dried oregano: One teaspoon, bringing an herbaceous note that pairs beautifully with the salmon.
Salt and pepper: To taste, enhancing all the flavors without overpowering them.
Fresh lemon wedges (optional): For serving, to add a final burst of citrus that lifts the dish.

How to Make Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta

Step 1: Preheat the Oven

Start off by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Warming up the oven first is a small but crucial step, ensuring your salmon cooks evenly while locking in that wonderful moisture we all crave in a perfectly cooked fillet.

Step 2: Prepare the Filling

In a skillet over medium heat, gently warm the olive oil and sauté the minced garlic for about one minute, just until it’s fragrant and inviting. Then toss in the chopped spinach, letting it wilt down beautifully in about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and allow it to cool a bit before mixing it with the crumbled feta, softened cream cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, dried oregano, and a pinch of salt and pepper. Stir everything until it’s combined into a creamy and flavorful stuffing that will shine inside the salmon.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon

Lay your salmon fillets skin-side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. With a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit along the top of each fillet to create a pocket — not too wide, just enough to hold that delicious filling snugly inside. This step might feel delicate, but it’s what sets this dish apart with that delightful surprise of filling in every bite.

Step 4: Stuff the Salmon

Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into each salmon pocket. Press it down lightly without squeezing out any filling, making sure the stuffing is nicely packed but the salmon still holds its shape. This step is the heart of the recipe, turning simple fillets into a feast of layered flavors.

Step 5: Bake the Salmon

Pop your stuffed salmon into the oven and bake for 18 to 20 minutes. You’ll want to watch for that perfect moment when the salmon flakes easily with a fork, and the interior temperature reaches 145°F (63°C). During baking, the filling melds with the fish, and the breadcrumbs develop a subtle, golden crust that beautifully contrasts with the creamy center.

Step 6: Serve

Once baked, let the salmon rest a few minutes before serving. This brief pause allows the juices to settle, keeping each bite moist and flavorful. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side to squeeze over the top just before digging in, adding a bright, citrusy sparkle that complements the richness of this Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta perfectly.

How to Serve Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta

Garnishes

A simple garnish can elevate your plated salmon to restaurant quality. Fresh lemon wedges provide a lively pop of acidity, while a sprinkle of chopped fresh parsley or dill adds both freshness and visual appeal. For a touch of elegance, consider a drizzle of good-quality extra virgin olive oil or a sprinkle of toasted pine nuts for crunch.

Side Dishes

This dish pairs beautifully with light, fresh sides that won’t compete with the salmon’s bold filling. Think roasted asparagus, quinoa salad with cherry tomatoes, or a crisp, garlicky green bean sauté. Creamy mashed potatoes or lemony couscous also provide comforting complements that soak up any extra juices on the plate.

Creative Ways to Present

For a little twist, serve your Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta atop a bed of fluffy cauliflower rice or nestled alongside a vibrant beet and citrus salad. Presenting it on individual plates with a colorful sauce swirl — such as a lemon-dill yogurt dressing or a roasted red pepper coulis — will turn your home-cooked meal into a stunning visual treat that impresses every guest.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you find yourself with leftovers (and trust me, it’s a delightful problem to have), store the salmon in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should stay fresh and delicious for up to two days, making it a perfect option for quick lunches or dinners.

Freezing

While salmon is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze your stuffed fillets before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and foil. Freeze for up to one month. When ready, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as instructed, adding a few extra minutes to the cooking time to ensure it’s heated through.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm your leftover stuffed salmon in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. Avoid the microwave if possible to keep the texture of both the salmon and filling intact and delicious.

FAQs

Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh for Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta?

Yes, frozen spinach works fine! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess water before cooking it with the garlic to keep the filling from becoming too watery.

Is it possible to make this recipe dairy-free?

Absolutely! You can substitute the feta and cream cheese with dairy-free alternatives like vegan cream cheese and plant-based feta to keep the texture and creaminess without the dairy.

What if I don’t have breadcrumbs on hand?

No worries! You can use crushed crackers, panko, or even ground nuts like almonds for a slightly different but equally tasty texture in the stuffing.

How thick should the salmon fillets be for this recipe?

Fillets about one to one and a half inches thick work best. This thickness allows enough room to create a pocket and hold the stuffing without falling apart during baking.

Can I prepare the stuffed salmon in advance?

Yes! You can stuff the salmon fillets a few hours ahead and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This pre-prep saves time on the day of cooking and helps the flavors meld wonderfully.

Final Thoughts

Making Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is one of those joyful cooking experiences that rewards you with a dish both impressive and deeply satisfying. It’s easy enough for a weeknight treat but elegant enough to serve guests, truly a recipe that shines whenever you bring it to the table. I encourage you to try it soon—you might just discover a new favorite that’s as comforting as it is delicious.

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Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta Recipe

★★★★★

5.3 from 14 reviews

Author: Harper
Total Time: 35 minutes
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Diet: Low Fat

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Description

This Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a wholesome and flavorful dish perfect for a nutritious dinner. Tender salmon fillets are filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed spinach, tangy feta, and cream cheese, then baked to perfection. This recipe combines rich Mediterranean flavors with a healthy protein-packed main course, making it an ideal choice for seafood lovers seeking a delicious and satisfying meal.

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that your salmon cooks evenly and retains its moisture.
Prepare the Filling: In a skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for about 1 minute until fragrant. Then, add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly. In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, oregano, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined.
Prepare the Salmon: Place the salmon fillets skin-side down on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Using a sharp knife, make a slit along the top of each fillet to create a pocket for the filling.
Stuff the Salmon: Carefully stuff each salmon fillet with the spinach and feta mixture, pressing down gently to secure the filling.
Bake the Salmon: Bake the stuffed salmon in the preheated oven for 18-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Serve: Once baked, remove the salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. Serve with fresh lemon wedges for added flavor.

Notes

You can use either whole wheat or regular breadcrumbs based on preference or dietary needs.
Ensure not to overcook the salmon to keep it flaky and moist.
For extra flavor, garnish with fresh herbs like dill or parsley.
If cream cheese is not available, mascarpone cheese can be a substitute.
This recipe is best served fresh but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: Mediterranean