Name: Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 4 x 6-ounce pieces of salmon (approx. 170 grams each; longer pieces work best); 2 Tbsp olive oil (divided); 3 cups baby spinach, packed; 1 tsp Italian seasoning; 1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked); Pinch of cayenne pepper; Approx. 5.3 oz block of feta cheese (approx. 150 grams); 1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated (I recommend parmigiano-reggiano); 1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, chopped into small, 1/4-inch pieces; Salt + pepper, to taste

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This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a Mediterranean-inspired dish that’s both easy and impressive. The salmon is stuffed with a flavorful mixture of spinach, feta, roasted red peppers, and parmesan, then baked to perfection. It’s a perfect dish for a healthy weeknight dinner or a special dinner party, and it’s ready in just 30 minutes!

Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This stuffed salmon recipe is a true crowd-pleaser, combining the richness of salmon with the savory goodness of feta and roasted red peppers. The spinach adds a fresh, vibrant touch, while the creamy feta brings the dish together with a Mediterranean flair. It’s an easy, healthy dinner that feels fancy without being time-consuming, making it ideal for busy evenings or when you want to impress guests. Plus, it’s gluten-free and packed with protein!

Ingredients

4 x 6-ounce pieces of salmon (approx. 170 grams each; longer pieces work best)
2 Tbsp olive oil (divided)
3 cups baby spinach, packed
1 tsp Italian seasoning
1/2 tsp paprika (regular or smoked)
A pinch of cayenne pepper
Approx. 5.3 oz block of feta cheese (approx. 150 grams)
1/4 cup parmesan, freshly grated (I recommend parmigiano-reggiano)
1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers (chopped into small, 1/4-inch pieces)
Salt + pepper, to taste

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper and place the salmon pieces onto the sheet, skin-side down.
Slice the Salmon: Using a sharp knife, slice down the middle of each piece of salmon, lengthwise, ensuring the knife doesn’t go all the way through. The salmon should still be attached at the bottom and on both ends.
Prepare the Salmon: Brush the salmon with 1 Tbsp of olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Set aside.
Cook the Spinach Mixture: Heat the remaining 1 Tbsp of olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add the spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté for a couple of minutes until the spinach wilts.
Make the Filling: Turn off the heat, then stir in the chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled feta cheese, and parmesan. Press down on the feta to soften it, and mix everything together until it sticks.
Stuff the Salmon: Spoon the spinach-feta mixture into the cut part of each piece of salmon. Repeat until all the mixture is used and the salmon is evenly filled.
Bake: Place the stuffed salmon in the oven and bake for about 12-17 minutes, depending on your desired doneness and the thickness of the salmon. Check for doneness by ensuring the fish is opaque and no longer pink inside.
Serve: Remove from the oven and serve immediately.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 4
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 20 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes

Variations

Vegetarian Option: If you’re not a fan of salmon, you can use large portobello mushroom caps as a base for the stuffing.
Spicy Kick: For extra heat, add some chopped fresh chili or red pepper flakes to the spinach mixture.
Dairy-Free: Omit the feta and parmesan and replace with dairy-free cheese or nutritional yeast for a vegan option.
Herb Swap: If you don’t have Italian seasoning, substitute with a blend of basil, oregano, and thyme.

Storage/Reheating

Storage: Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Reheating: To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for 10-15 minutes, or microwave for 1-2 minutes.

FAQs

Can I use frozen salmon for this recipe?

Yes, you can use frozen salmon, but make sure to thaw it completely before stuffing and baking.

How do I know when the salmon is done?

Salmon is cooked when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for safe consumption.

Can I use sun-dried tomatoes instead of roasted red peppers?

Yes, you can substitute roasted red peppers with chopped sun-dried tomatoes for a richer, more intense flavor.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?

You can prepare the spinach-feta stuffing in advance and stuff the salmon just before baking. For best results, bake it fresh.

What sides should I serve with this stuffed salmon?

This dish pairs beautifully with cooked whole grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice, or you can serve it with roasted or mashed potatoes and steamed vegetables.

Can I use a different cheese?

Yes, you can substitute feta with goat cheese, ricotta, or a sharp cheddar if you prefer.

Is this recipe gluten-free?

Yes, this recipe is naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for those avoiding gluten.

Can I stuff the salmon with other veggies?

Absolutely! You can add sautéed mushrooms, zucchini, or spinach for more variety in the stuffing.

How do I store leftovers?

Place the leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Can I grill the salmon instead of baking it?

While baking is recommended for even cooking, you can grill the stuffed salmon on medium heat. Be sure to carefully secure the stuffing with toothpicks or wrap it in foil to avoid the filling falling out.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a quick, healthy, and delicious dinner that’s perfect for both weeknights and dinner parties. The Mediterranean-inspired stuffing brings out the best in the salmon, and with just a few simple ingredients, you’ve got a flavorful meal in under 30 minutes. Whether you’re an experienced cook or just starting, this recipe is sure to impress with its rich flavors and easy preparation!