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Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe

If you’re looking for a dish that’s flavorful, simple, and feels just a bit fancy, I have to share my Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe with you. I absolutely love how this turns out every time — the salmon stays juicy and tender while the spinach and feta filling adds a delicious, tangy creaminess that’s just irresistible. Plus, it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner yet elegant enough for guests. You’re going to want to bookmark this one!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bursting with Flavor: The creamy feta pairs perfectly with sautéed spinach and the mild salmon for a balanced, savory bite.
  • Quick and Easy: You can have this from prep to plate in about 30 minutes — no complicated steps.
  • Impressive Yet Approachable: Perfect for dinner parties or a special family meal.
  • Healthy and Wholesome: Packed with omega-3s, leafy greens, and calcium-rich cheese — nourishing and comforting.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe plays a role, and together they create that magical mix of textures and flavors you’ll love. When I shop for this dish, I always look for fresh salmon – it makes all the difference. And grabbing a quality block of feta really ups the game compared to the crumbly kind.

Flat lay of four long, fresh pieces of raw salmon fillet with bright pink flesh, a small white ceramic bowl of golden olive oil, a pile of fresh green baby spinach leaves, a block of crumbly white feta cheese, a small white bowl filled with chopped roasted red peppers, a small white bowl holding finely grated pale yellow parmesan cheese, and a white ceramic bowl with a fragrant mix of dried Italian herbs and bright reddish paprika powder, placed on a clean white marble surface, soft natural light, photo taken with an iPhone, professional food photography style, fresh ingredients, white ceramic bowls, no bottles, no duplicates, no utensils, no packaging --ar 2:3 --v 7 --p m7354615311229779997 - Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta, Salmon stuffed with spinach and feta, easy salmon recipes, healthy seafood dinner, elegant salmon dishes
  • Salmon: Choose fresh, longer pieces if you can — they’re easier to stuff.
  • Olive oil: Divided use helps get both the pan and the fish perfectly coated.
  • Baby spinach: Fresh baby spinach wilts down effortlessly and keeps a mild taste that balances the feta.
  • Italian seasoning: Adds a herby depth; if you don’t have it, oregano and basil work just fine.
  • Paprika: A little smoky warmth, but you can use regular if you prefer.
  • Cayenne pepper: Just a pinch brightens the entire filling without overpowering.
  • Feta cheese: I recommend a block of sheep’s milk feta in brine for the creamiest, tangiest filling.
  • Parmesan cheese: Freshly grated Parmigiano-Reggiano adds nutty richness to the mix.
  • Jarred roasted red peppers: Chopped to small pieces, these bring sweetness and a roasted note.
  • Salt & pepper: Always taste and adjust as you go for the best balance.
Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love how versatile this Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe is — you can easily adapt it to your taste or what you have on hand. Personally, I play around with the filling depending on the season and my mood. Don’t be shy to make it your own!

  • Swap roasted red peppers for sun-dried tomatoes: Gives a chewy, intensely sweet twist.
  • Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach: Especially great in colder months when spinach isn’t as fresh.
  • Add fresh herbs: A handful of chopped dill or parsley brightens up the feta mixture beautifully.
  • Go dairy-free: Replace feta and parmesan with a cashew cream or vegan cheese alternative for a plant-based version.

How to Make Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Step 1: Prep and Prepare the Salmon

To start, preheat your oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper — this makes cleanup way easier. Lay the salmon fillets skin-side down on the sheet. Now, grab a sharp knife and carefully slice down the middle of each piece lengthwise, but don’t cut all the way through. You want the bottom of the fillet still holding the stuffing in place like a little pocket. Brush the outside with a tablespoon of olive oil and sprinkle generously with salt and pepper. This step helps the salmon develop a beautiful, flavorful crust as it bakes.

Step 2: Make the Spinach and Feta Filling

Heat the remaining olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Toss in the spinach along with the Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Give everything a good stir and sauté until the spinach is nicely wilted — just a couple of minutes. Then, turn off the heat and mix in the roasted red peppers, feta, and parmesan. Press down on the feta to soften it into a creamy mixture that holds together. This filling is the star here, so taste it and adjust the seasoning if needed.

Step 3: Stuff the Salmon and Bake

Next, gently spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the cut pockets of your salmon pieces, dividing it evenly. Don’t be shy — the more stuffing, the better! Place the loaded salmon in your preheated oven and bake for 12 to 17 minutes, depending on how thick your fillets are and how you like your fish done. You’ll know it’s ready when the center turns opaque and white-pink, rather than translucent. I usually start checking from 12 minutes to avoid overcooking, which dries the salmon.

When it’s done, remove from the oven and serve immediately while everything is warm and melty. Honestly, your kitchen will smell amazing — a sure sign of a meal worth savoring.

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Pro Tips for Making Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe

  • Use a Sharp Knife: A sharp blade makes the perfect cut for stuffing without tearing the salmon apart.
  • Don’t Overstuff: While it’s tempting, overfilling the salmon can cause the pockets to burst open during baking.
  • Check for Doneness: Carefully cut into the thickest part to check that the salmon’s opaque but still moist—avoid dryness!
  • Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh spinach and quality feta really lift the flavor and texture of the filling.

How to Serve Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe

Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe - Serving

Garnishes

I like to finish this dish with a sprinkle of fresh chopped parsley or dill — it adds a pop of color and fresh herbal brightness that complements the feta so well. A squeeze of fresh lemon juice right before serving also takes it up a notch, bringing a lovely tangy lift.

Side Dishes

My go-to sides with this Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe are simple roasted baby potatoes or a light quinoa salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. Steamed green beans or a fresh cucumber salad also pair nicely — keeping the plate vibrant and balanced.

Creative Ways to Present

For special occasions, I’ve served this salmon over a bed of creamy polenta or alongside saffron risotto — the colors and textures wow guests every time. You can also plate with edible flowers or microgreens for a gorgeous finish that feels restaurant-worthy without the fuss.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

While this recipe is best enjoyed freshly baked, leftovers keep well for up to 3 days in an airtight container in the fridge. I recommend gently reheating to preserve moisture and flavor.

Freezing

I’ve frozen stuffed salmon successfully by wrapping individual portions tightly with plastic wrap and aluminum foil. When you’re ready, thaw it overnight in the fridge and reheat gently. Just keep in mind that freezing might slightly change the texture of the spinach filling.

Reheating

To reheat leftovers, I set the oven to 325°F and warm the salmon on a baking sheet for about 10-12 minutes, loosely covered with foil to keep it from drying out. This way, you keep the fish tender and the filling nicely melted.

FAQs

  1. Can I use frozen salmon for this Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe?

    Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but I recommend thawing it completely and patting it dry before prepping. Fresh salmon tends to hold its texture better and makes stuffing easier, but frozen works in a pinch.

  2. How can I tell when the salmon is fully cooked?

    Check the thickest part of the salmon — it should look opaque with a whitish-pink color, no longer translucent. The fish should flake easily with a fork but still feel moist.

  3. Can I prepare the filling ahead of time?

    Absolutely! Preparing the spinach and feta stuffing in advance saves time on the day you cook. Just store it in the fridge and stuff the salmon right before baking.

  4. What can I substitute if I don’t have feta or parmesan?

    For feta, goat cheese is a great alternative with similar tanginess. Parmesan can be swapped with pecorino or another hard cheese you enjoy. The key is to maintain that salty, cheesy kick.

Final Thoughts

This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe has become one of my absolute favorites to turn to — it’s satisfying, elegant, and surprisingly simple. I love how it invites a homemade gourmet experience without making me feel like I’m spending hours in the kitchen. Try it soon and see for yourself why my family goes crazy for it every time. Trust me, once you master the stuffing technique, you’ll be making this salmon again and again!

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Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Feta Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star 4.8 from 90 reviews
  • Author: Megane
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 30 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Baking
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

Deliciously tender salmon fillets stuffed with a flavorful mixture of sautéed spinach, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, and aromatic Italian seasoning, baked to perfection in just 30 minutes.


Ingredients

Units Scale

Salmon

  • 4x 6-ounce pieces of salmon (approx. 170 grams each; longer pieces work best)
  • 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Stuffing

  • 3 cups baby spinach, packed
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning
  • 1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
  • A pinch of cayenne pepper
  • Approx. 5.3 ounce block of feta cheese (Approx. 150 grams)
  • 1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated (recommended parmigiano-reggiano)
  • 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped into small, 1/4-inch pieces

Instructions

  1. Preheat and prepare salmon: Preheat oven to 400°F (204°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place salmon pieces skin-side down on the sheet.
  2. Slice salmon for stuffing: Using a sharp knife, carefully slice down the middle lengthwise of each salmon piece, creating a pocket but ensuring the slice does not go all the way through, leaving salmon flesh attached at the bottom and ends.
  3. Season salmon: Brush each piece with 1 tablespoon of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
  4. Sauté spinach and seasonings: Heat the remaining 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté until the spinach is wilted, about 2-3 minutes.
  5. Mix stuffing ingredients: Turn off heat. Add chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and grated parmesan to the spinach mixture. Stir well, pressing down on the feta to soften it, until all components bind together.
  6. Stuff salmon: Spoon the spinach-feta mixture evenly into the pockets of each salmon piece until all filling is used.
  7. Bake salmon: Place the stuffed salmon in the oven and bake for 12-17 minutes, depending on thickness and desired doneness. The salmon should be opaque and flaky when done.
  8. Serve: Remove from oven and serve hot immediately.

Notes

  • LEFTOVERS: Best enjoyed fresh, but can be refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • RECIPE MODIFICATIONS + TIPS: Use fresh salmon for the best texture, preferably longer fillets for easier stuffing.
  • Check doneness by cutting the thickest part; fish should be opaque with a whitish-pink color, no translucent areas.
  • High-quality sheep’s feta stored in brine is recommended for optimal flavor.
  • Roasted red peppers can be substituted with sun-dried tomatoes.
  • If Italian seasoning is not available, combine equal parts oregano, basil, and thyme as an alternative.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 stuffed salmon fillet (6 ounces)
  • Calories: 410 kcal
  • Sugar: 2 g
  • Sodium: 620 mg
  • Fat: 27 g
  • Saturated Fat: 9 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 4 g
  • Fiber: 1.5 g
  • Protein: 38 g
  • Cholesterol: 95 mg

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