Spinach Feta Salmon: A Delicious and Healthy Recipe

Spinach feta salmon, a culinary masterpiece that’s as easy to prepare as it is delightful to devour! Have you ever craved a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor? A dish that feels indulgent yet aligns perfectly with your wellness goals? Then look no further! This recipe is your answer.

While the exact origins of combining spinach, feta, and salmon are somewhat modern, the individual ingredients boast rich histories. Salmon, a staple in many coastal cultures, has been revered for centuries for its nutritional value and delicious taste. Spinach, believed to have originated in ancient Persia, quickly gained popularity for its versatility and health benefits. Feta cheese, a brined curd cheese from Greece, adds a salty, tangy kick that elevates any dish. The marriage of these ingredients creates a symphony of flavors that dance on your palate.

People adore spinach feta salmon for its incredible taste and texture. The flaky, moist salmon pairs beautifully with the creamy, salty feta and the earthy spinach. It’s a harmonious blend that’s both satisfying and sophisticated. Plus, it’s incredibly convenient! This recipe is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an elegant weekend brunch. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that will leave everyone wanting more. So, let’s dive in and discover how to create this culinary gem in your own kitchen!

Ingredients:

• Salmon Fillets: 4 (6-8 ounce) salmon fillets, skin on or off, your preference!
• Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces, thoroughly washed and dried. Don’t skimp on the washing!
• Feta Cheese: 4 ounces, crumbled. I prefer a block of feta that I crumble myself, but pre-crumbled works too.
• Red Onion: 1/4 cup, finely diced. Adds a nice bite.
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. Fresh is best!
• Lemon: 1, juiced and zested. We’ll use both the zest and the juice for maximum flavor.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. For sautéing and drizzling.
• Dried Oregano: 1 teaspoon. Adds a lovely Mediterranean flavor.
• Dried Dill: 1/2 teaspoon. Complements the salmon beautifully.
• Salt: To taste. Be mindful of the feta’s saltiness.
• Black Pepper: To taste. Freshly ground is always best.
• Optional: A pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.

Preparing the Spinach Feta Filling:

1. Sauté the Onion and Garlic: Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the diced red onion and cook until softened, about 3-5 minutes. Add the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant. Be careful not to burn the garlic!
2. Wilt the Spinach: Add the washed and dried spinach to the skillet. You might need to do this in batches, as the spinach will wilt down significantly. Cook, stirring frequently, until the spinach is completely wilted, about 3-5 minutes.
3. Remove Excess Moisture: Once the spinach is wilted, transfer it to a colander and press out any excess moisture. This is crucial to prevent a soggy filling. You can use the back of a spoon or your hands (carefully, as it will be hot!) to squeeze out the water. Alternatively, you can place the spinach in a clean kitchen towel and wring it out.
4. Combine the Filling Ingredients: Return the squeezed spinach to the skillet (or a bowl). Add the crumbled feta cheese, lemon zest, dried oregano, dried dill, salt, and pepper. If you’re using red pepper flakes, add them now. Mix everything together thoroughly until well combined. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed. You might want to add a little more lemon zest or a pinch more salt, depending on your preference.

Preparing the Salmon:

1. Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
2. Prepare the Salmon Fillets: Pat the salmon fillets dry with paper towels. This helps them to get a nice sear. If you’re using salmon with the skin on, you can score the skin lightly with a sharp knife. This will help prevent the skin from curling up during cooking.
3. Season the Salmon: Drizzle the salmon fillets with the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season generously with salt and pepper.

Stuffing and Baking the Salmon:

1. Create a Pocket (Optional): This step is optional, but it helps to keep the filling inside the salmon. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a slit lengthwise into each salmon fillet, creating a pocket for the spinach feta filling. Be careful not to cut all the way through the fillet. If you prefer, you can simply top the salmon with the filling instead of creating a pocket.
2. Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the spinach feta filling into the pocket of each salmon fillet (or spread it evenly over the top if you didn’t create a pocket). Make sure to distribute the filling evenly among the fillets.
3. Bake the Salmon: Place the stuffed salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. This will prevent the salmon from sticking and make cleanup easier. Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will depend on the thickness of the salmon fillets.
4. Check for Doneness: To check if the salmon is done, insert a fork into the thickest part of the fillet and gently twist. If the salmon flakes easily, it’s ready. You can also use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature. The salmon should reach an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
5. Broil for Extra Color (Optional): If you want a little extra color on the top of the salmon, you can broil it for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking. Watch it carefully to prevent burning!

Serving:

1. Rest the Salmon: Remove the baked salmon from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before serving. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful salmon.
2. Garnish and Serve: Drizzle the salmon with fresh lemon juice and garnish with fresh dill or parsley, if desired. Serve immediately.

Serving Suggestions:

This spinach feta stuffed salmon is delicious served with a variety of sides. Here are a few of my favorites:

• Roasted Vegetables: Asparagus, broccoli, Brussels sprouts, or sweet potatoes are all great choices.
• Quinoa or Rice: A simple side of quinoa or rice is a perfect complement to the salmon.
• Salad: A fresh green salad with a light vinaigrette is a refreshing side dish.
• Lemon Potatoes: Roasted lemon potatoes are a classic pairing with salmon.

Tips and Variations:

• Use Different Greens: If you’re not a fan of spinach, you can use other greens such as kale or Swiss chard. Just make sure to cook them until they are wilted.
• Add Sun-Dried Tomatoes: Sun-dried tomatoes add a burst of flavor to the filling.
• Use Different Cheese: If you don’t have feta cheese, you can use goat cheese or ricotta cheese.
• Make it Spicy: Add more red pepper flakes or a pinch of cayenne pepper to the filling for a spicier dish.
• Grill the Salmon: You can also grill the salmon instead of baking it. Preheat your grill to medium heat and grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
• Make it Ahead: You can prepare the spinach feta filling ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. When you’re ready to cook the salmon, simply stuff the fillets and bake as directed.
• Skin-on vs. Skin-off: The choice of whether to cook the salmon with the skin on or off is entirely up to you. If you’re cooking the salmon with the skin on, you can crisp up the skin by placing the salmon skin-side down in a hot skillet for a few minutes before baking.

Enjoy!

Conclusion:

This Spinach Feta Salmon recipe isn’t just another fish dish; it’s a flavor explosion waiting to happen, and trust me, you absolutely need to experience it! The combination of flaky, perfectly cooked salmon, the creamy, salty feta, and the vibrant, earthy spinach creates a symphony of textures and tastes that will leave you craving more. It’s quick enough for a weeknight meal but elegant enough to serve to guests. What more could you ask for? But the best part? It’s incredibly versatile! While I’ve outlined my favorite method, feel free to get creative. For a Mediterranean twist, try adding sun-dried tomatoes, Kalamata olives, and a squeeze of lemon juice before baking. If you’re looking for a little heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha will do the trick. And for those who prefer a richer flavor, a dollop of pesto on top of the spinach and feta before baking adds a wonderful depth. Serving suggestions are endless too! I love pairing this Spinach Feta Salmon with a simple quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette and fresh herbs. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans also make excellent side dishes. For a more substantial meal, serve it alongside creamy mashed potatoes or a hearty grain like farro. And don’t forget a crisp, dry white wine to complete the experience! A Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio would be perfect. Don’t be intimidated by the seemingly fancy ingredients. This recipe is surprisingly easy to execute, even for beginner cooks. The key is to use fresh, high-quality ingredients and to not overcook the salmon. Remember, salmon continues to cook even after you take it out of the oven, so err on the side of slightly undercooked for the most tender and juicy results. I truly believe this recipe will become a staple in your kitchen. It’s healthy, delicious, and incredibly satisfying. It’s also a fantastic way to incorporate more fish into your diet, which we all know is beneficial for our overall health and well-being. Plus, the vibrant colors of the spinach and feta make it a visually appealing dish that’s sure to impress. So, what are you waiting for? Gather your ingredients, preheat your oven, and get ready to create a culinary masterpiece. I’m confident that you’ll love this Spinach Feta Salmon as much as I do. And now, for the most important part: I want to hear about your experience! Did you try the recipe? Did you make any modifications? What did you serve it with? Share your photos and comments below! I’m always eager to see your creations and learn from your experiences. Your feedback helps me improve my recipes and inspire other home cooks. So, don’t be shy – let me know what you think! Happy cooking! I can’t wait to see your versions of this delicious and easy meal.

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