You Won't Believe How Easy and Delicious This Baked Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta Is—Try It Today!**
Finding a meal that's both easy to prepare and packed with flavor can sometimes feel like a challenge. Enter the world of baked stuffed salmon with spinach and feta—a dish that's not only incredibly simple to make but also bursting with delicious flavors. This recipe will revolutionize your weeknight dinners and impress your family or guests with minimal effort. Get ready to discover a new favorite!
### Why Baked Stuffed Salmon?
Salmon is known for its rich, buttery flavor and health benefits, making it a popular choice for a quick yet elegant meal. When combined with a savory spinach and feta stuffing, it transforms into a gourmet dish that looks and tastes like a restaurant-quality entree. The best part? This dish comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy evenings.
### Ingredients You'll Need
- **4 salmon fillets** (about 6 oz each), skinless
- **2 cups fresh spinach**, chopped
- **1/2 cup feta cheese**, crumbled
- **1/4 cup cream cheese**, softened
- **2 cloves garlic**, minced
- **1 tablespoon olive oil**
- **1 teaspoon lemon zest**
- **1 tablespoon lemon juice**
- **1/4 teaspoon dried oregano** (or fresh, if available)
- **Salt and pepper**, to taste
- **Lemon wedges**, for serving
- **Fresh parsley**, chopped, for garnish (optional)
### Instructions
1. **Preheat the Oven* Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. **Prepare the Stuffing* In a medium skillet, heat the olive oil over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Add the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
3. **Mix the Stuffing* In a mixing bowl, combine the wilted spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dried oregano. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well until the stuffing is thoroughly combined.
4. **Prepare the Salmon* Place the salmon fillets on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Using a sharp knife, carefully cut a pocket into each salmon fillet, making sure not to cut all the way through.
5. **Stuff the Salmon* Spoon the spinach and feta mixture into the pockets of each salmon fillet, pressing gently to pack the stuffing in.
6. **Bake the Salmon* Place the stuffed salmon fillets in the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
7. **Garnish and Serve* Remove from the oven and let the salmon rest for a few minutes. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired and serve with lemon wedges on the side for an extra burst of freshness.
### Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- **Effortless Elegance* This dish looks and tastes like something you'd find in a high-end restaurant, but it's incredibly easy to prepare at home.
- **Flavorful and Nutritious* The combination of spinach, feta, and lemon provides a burst of flavor while adding essential nutrients.
- **Versatile* Serve the stuffed salmon with a side of roasted vegetables, quinoa, or a fresh salad for a complete and balanced meal.
### Tips for Success
- **Use Fresh Ingredients* Fresh spinach and high-quality feta cheese will enhance the flavors of the stuffing.
- **Avoid Overcooking* Keep an eye on the salmon while it bakes to ensure it stays moist and tender.
- **Customize the Stuffing* Feel free to add other ingredients like sun-dried tomatoes or pine nuts to the stuffing for additional flavor and texture.
This baked stuffed salmon with spinach and feta is a game-changer for your dinner routine. It’s not only a feast for the senses but also a testament to how simple ingredients can come together to create something truly special. Try it today and enjoy a meal that’s both easy and delicious!
