Feta and Spinach Salmon

Feta and Spinach Salmon is a flavorful and nutritious dish that combines tender, flaky salmon with a creamy, savory spinach and feta filling. This recipe elevates simple baked salmon into a restaurant-quality meal, perfect for weeknight dinners or entertaining guests. The mild, slightly tangy feta complements the richness of the salmon, while fresh spinach adds a vibrant, healthy touch.

What makes this dish exceptional is its simplicity and elegance. It comes together quickly, cooks in the oven, and delivers a balanced meal with protein, greens, and a burst of Mediterranean flavor. This recipe is ideal for those who want a healthy yet indulgent dish that tastes gourmet without complicated techniques.

Why I Love This Recipe

I love this recipe because it is both healthy and indulgent. The creamy feta filling contrasts beautifully with the tender salmon, and the spinach adds freshness and color. It’s easy to prepare, cooks quickly, and requires minimal cleanup. Every bite is flavorful and satisfying, making it a perfect choice for a family dinner or a special occasion.

Why This Is a Must-Try Dish

• Juicy, perfectly baked salmon with a creamy filling
• Healthy and packed with protein and greens
• Quick and easy to prepare
• Elegant presentation for family meals or dinner parties
• Mediterranean flavors that are universally loved

Time, Servings and Nutrition

• Preparation Time: 10–15 minutes
• Cooking Time: 20–25 minutes
• Total Time: 35–40 minutes
• Servings: 4

Approximate Calories:

• 350–400 calories per serving

Course: Main Course
Cuisine: Mediterranean / American

Ingredients

• 4 salmon fillets (about 150–180 g / 5–6 oz each)
• 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
• ½ cup crumbled feta cheese
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 teaspoon lemon zest
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
• Optional: ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes

Cooking Directions

1. Preheat the oven to 200°C (400°F).
2. Sauté spinach and garlic in olive oil until wilted.
3. Mix spinach with feta, lemon zest, and seasoning.
4. Make a slit or pocket in the center of each salmon fillet.
5. Stuff each fillet with the spinach and feta mixture.
6. Place salmon on a baking sheet and drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice.
7. Bake for 20–25 minutes until salmon is cooked through.

Step-by-Step Preparation Method

1. Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 200°C (400°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it.
2. Prepare Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Remove from heat.
3. Mix Feta and Spinach: In a bowl, combine sautéed spinach, crumbled feta, lemon zest, salt, pepper, and optional red pepper flakes. Mix well.
4. Prepare Salmon: Pat salmon fillets dry with a paper towel. Use a sharp knife to create a slit or pocket along the side or center of each fillet.
5. Stuff Salmon: Fill each salmon pocket with the spinach and feta mixture. Press gently to secure filling.
6. Bake: Place stuffed salmon on the prepared baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and lemon juice. Bake in the preheated oven for 20–25 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
7. Serve: Remove from oven, garnish with additional lemon zest or parsley if desired, and serve immediately.

How to Serve This Recipe

Serve Feta and Spinach Salmon with roasted vegetables, steamed rice, quinoa, or a light salad. A drizzle of extra lemon juice or a dollop of tzatziki sauce pairs beautifully with the Mediterranean flavors.

Recipe Tips

• Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture.
• Avoid overcooking salmon to keep it moist and tender.
• Crumbled feta can be adjusted based on your taste preference.
• You can prepare the filling ahead of time to save prep time.
• Serve immediately for the best texture and flavor.

Variations (Detailed)

1. Mediterranean Feta and Spinach Salmon
   Add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and olives to the filling.
2. Creamy Feta Spinach Salmon
   Mix a tablespoon of cream cheese or Greek yogurt into the spinach and feta filling for extra creaminess.
3. Herb-Infused Salmon
   Add chopped fresh dill or parsley to the filling for added freshness.
4. Spicy Feta and Spinach Salmon
   Add ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce to the filling.
5. Parmesan Crusted Feta and Spinach Salmon
   Sprinkle a thin layer of grated Parmesan over the stuffed salmon before baking for a golden crust.

Freezing and Storage

• Refrigeration: Store cooked salmon in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Freezing: Uncooked stuffed salmon can be frozen for up to 1 month. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and foil before freezing.
• Reheating: Reheat in the oven at 175°C (350°F) until warmed through. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent overcooking.

Special Equipment Needed

• Baking sheet
• Skillet for sautéing spinach
• Mixing bowl
• Sharp knife for making salmon pockets
• Measuring spoons

Conclusion

Feta and Spinach Salmon is a healthy, flavorful, and elegant dish that combines the richness of salmon with the tangy creaminess of feta and the freshness of spinach. Quick to prepare and versatile in presentation, it’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion. With its balanced Mediterranean flavors, this recipe is sure to become a staple in your meal rotation.