Description

This delicious Stuffed Salmon recipe features tender salmon filets filled with a creamy mixture of sautéed spinach, cream cheese, parmesan, and Italian seasonings. Baked to perfection at a high temperature, the salmon stays moist and flavorful, accented with fresh lemon juice for a bright finish. Ideal for a quick, elegant dinner that combines healthy greens and rich cheese flavors in every bite.

Ingredients

Scale

Salmon

4 skinless salmon filets
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 teaspoon salt
½ teaspoon pepper
3 tablespoons water

Stuffing

4 cups baby spinach
4 ounces cream cheese (softened)
¼ cup parmesan cheese
½ teaspoon salt
2 teaspoons lemon pepper
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
Juice from 1 lemon (additional lemons for serving)

Instructions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 475 degrees Fahrenheit and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prepare for the salmon.
Prepare the Salmon: Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Rub each filet with olive oil and season both sides evenly with salt and pepper.
Create a Pocket: Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a horizontal slit along the side of each filet to form a pocket for the stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
Sauté Spinach: In a medium pan over medium-high heat, add the water and sauté the baby spinach until wilted. Remove from heat and drain any excess liquid.
Make the Filling: In a bowl, combine the cooked spinach, softened cream cheese, parmesan cheese, salt, lemon pepper, and Italian seasoning. Mix thoroughly to create an even filling.
Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the spinach and cheese mixture into each salmon pocket. Place the stuffed filets on the prepared baking sheet and drizzle lemon juice over the top just before baking.
Bake the Salmon: Bake in the preheated oven for 8-10 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is cooked through.
Serve: Remove from oven and serve immediately, garnished with additional lemon slices if desired.

Notes

Ensure you do not cut all the way through the salmon when making pockets to retain the stuffing.
You can substitute spinach with kale or Swiss chard if preferred, but adjust sauté time accordingly.
For a creamier filling, soften the cream cheese to room temperature before mixing.
Cooking time may vary depending on the thickness of your salmon filets; thicker pieces may require an additional few minutes.
Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking
Cuisine: American

Keywords: stuffed salmon, baked salmon, spinach and cream cheese stuffing, healthy salmon recipe, lemon salmon