If you’re looking for a dish that’s both healthy and bursting with flavor, Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are the perfect choice. These pinwheels combine the rich, delicate flavors of salmon with a creamy, savory spinach and feta filling that’s both satisfying and light. Whether you’re preparing a gourmet dinner for guests or treating yourself to a delicious weeknight meal, this recipe offers an elegant yet simple solution that’s sure to impress.
Why You’ll Love Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
Salmon is renowned for being an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, and pairing it with the creamy tang of feta and the health benefits of spinach makes for a balanced meal. These Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are not only nutritious but also incredibly easy to make. The pinwheel format allows for a fun presentation while delivering a delightful mix of textures and flavors in every bite. The combination of savory feta, aromatic garlic, and fresh lemon zest makes each pinwheel irresistible.
Ingredients for Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
To create this show-stopping dish, gather the following ingredients:
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1 large salmon fillet (approximately 1½ lbs, skinless)
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2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
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½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh dill)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Toothpicks or kitchen twine (to hold the pinwheels)
The key to a perfectly balanced stuffing lies in the combination of fresh ingredients. Spinach provides a mild, earthy base, while feta cheese contributes tang and saltiness. The cream cheese helps to bind everything together and adds richness, while the lemon zest and dill elevate the flavors with refreshing and aromatic notes.
Instructions: How to Make Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
The first step in making your Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels is to prepare the filling. Start by heating 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add 2 cloves of minced garlic to the pan and sauté until fragrant—this usually takes about 30 seconds. Be sure not to burn the garlic. Once the garlic is golden, add 2 cups of chopped fresh spinach to the pan. Stir continuously, allowing the spinach to wilt and shrink down. This will only take a few minutes. Once wilted, remove the pan from the heat and allow the spinach to cool.
Step 2: Mix the Filling
While the spinach cools, grab a medium-sized mixing bowl. In this bowl, combine the cooked spinach and garlic with ½ cup of crumbled feta cheese, 2 tablespoons of softened cream cheese, 1 teaspoon of lemon zest, 1 tablespoon of fresh lemon juice, and ½ teaspoon of dried dill (or 1 teaspoon of fresh dill if you have it). Season the mixture with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined, ensuring the cream cheese melts into the spinach mixture, creating a creamy filling. Set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Salmon
Now it’s time to work with the star of the dish: the salmon. Lay your 1½ lbs of skinless salmon fillet flat on a clean surface, such as a cutting board. With a sharp knife, gently slice the fillet horizontally to create an even layer of fish. You’re not cutting all the way through; just make a deep incision to create a pocket that can be stuffed with the spinach mixture.
Step 4: Roll & Secure
Once you’ve made the incision in the salmon fillet, spread the spinach and feta filling evenly across the exposed flesh. Carefully roll the salmon fillet up, ensuring that the filling stays inside. Depending on the size of your fillet, you may want to secure the rolled salmon with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the pinwheels in place while they cook.
Step 5: Cook the Pinwheels
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper or lightly greased. Bake for about 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through. You’ll know it’s ready when the fish flakes easily with a fork. The creamy filling should stay intact, making every bite a perfect blend of tender salmon and flavorful stuffing.
Step 6: Serve
Once the salmon is cooked, remove it from the oven. If you used toothpicks, carefully remove them before serving. Slice the pinwheels into bite-sized portions and serve. The lemony, herb-infused salmon with its creamy, savory filling is sure to impress. This dish is perfect with a side of roasted vegetables, a fresh salad, or even some garlic bread.
Tips for the Best Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
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Use fresh spinach: While frozen spinach is a convenient option, fresh spinach will give the filling a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
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Customize the filling: If you’re not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with goat cheese or ricotta for a different twist on the recipe. Adding a handful of sun-dried tomatoes can also complement the flavors wonderfully.
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Make it spicy: For a spicy kick, you can add some red pepper flakes to the filling mixture or top the pinwheels with a drizzle of sriracha before serving.
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Don’t overcook the salmon: Overcooking salmon can lead to dry fish. Keep an eye on the pinwheels and check for doneness at around 15 minutes to ensure they stay moist and tender.
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Add a sauce: For an extra touch, drizzle your Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels with a lemon butter sauce or a creamy dill sauce.
Health Benefits of Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are essential for heart health and reducing inflammation in the body. The spinach provides an added boost of vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber, making this dish a nutritious powerhouse. Feta cheese, while delicious, also adds protein and calcium to help support bone health. This dish offers a balanced combination of protein, healthy fats, and vitamins, making it an excellent choice for anyone looking to maintain a healthy diet without compromising on flavor.
Nutritional Information for Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
Each serving of Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels contains approximately:
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Calories: 300
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Protein: 30g
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Carbohydrates: 5g
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Fat: 18g (of which 3g are omega-3 fatty acids)
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Fiber: 1g
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Sodium: 350mg
This makes for a nutritious and filling meal that can easily fit into a low-carb or high-protein diet.
More Related Recipes You Might Enjoy
If you love the rich, savory flavors of the Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels, here are some other delicious seafood and healthy meal ideas you might enjoy:
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Garlic Butter Shrimp Scampi Lasagna – A creamy lasagna featuring juicy shrimp and garlic butter sauce.
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Creamy Garlic Shrimp – Quick and easy shrimp cooked in a luscious garlic cream sauce.
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Garlic Butter Shrimp with Broccoli Rice – A healthy shrimp dish served with a flavorful broccoli rice base.
FAQs About Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
How long do you bake a salmon pinwheel?
Salmon pinwheels typically bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 15–20 minutes. The exact time can vary depending on the thickness of the salmon. You’ll want to ensure the internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) for safe and perfectly cooked salmon.
How do you tell if stuffed salmon is cooked?
You can tell your stuffed salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and is opaque throughout. Using a meat thermometer is the most accurate method—insert it into the thickest part of the salmon, and if it reads 145°F (63°C), it’s done. Avoid overcooking to keep the fish moist and tender.
Does feta go well with salmon?
Absolutely! Feta’s tangy, salty flavor pairs beautifully with the rich, buttery taste of salmon. It adds a creamy and savory element that enhances the natural flavors of the fish without overpowering it. That’s why feta is a fantastic choice for recipes like Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels.
Does stuffed salmon freeze well?
Yes, stuffed salmon freezes quite well. Once cooked, allow the salmon pinwheels to cool completely, then wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil before placing them in the freezer. They can be frozen for up to 2 months. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the refrigerator and reheat gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through.
Conclusion
Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are a flavorful, healthy, and elegant dish that brings the best of both worlds: rich salmon, creamy spinach and feta filling, and a hint of lemon and dill. This recipe is not only quick and easy to prepare but also packs a punch in terms of nutrition, flavor, and presentation. Whether you’re making them for a special occasion or just a weeknight dinner, these pinwheels are sure to become a favorite in your recipe collection.
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Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels – Easy Oven Recipe
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
Description
Delight your taste buds with these easy Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels — a flavorful and elegant dish that’s ready in under 30 minutes. Tender salmon is rolled with a savory spinach and feta filling, baked to perfection, and perfect for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
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1 large salmon fillet (about 1½ lbs, skinless)
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2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
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½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
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2 cloves garlic, minced
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1 tablespoon olive oil
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2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
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1 teaspoon lemon zest
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1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
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½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh dill)
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Salt and pepper, to taste
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Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)
Instructions
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Prepare the filling: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Sauté the minced garlic until fragrant. Add spinach and cook until wilted. Set aside to cool.
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Mix the filling: In a bowl, combine cooled spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
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Prepare the salmon: Lay the salmon fillet flat on a clean surface. Spread the spinach and feta mixture evenly over the top.
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Roll and secure: Gently roll the salmon up, starting from the wider end. Secure the roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine.
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Bake: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the salmon pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for 15–20 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
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Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine, slice into pinwheels, and serve warm.
Notes
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For extra flavor, sprinkle a bit of Parmesan cheese over the pinwheels before baking.
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Swap feta for goat cheese for a creamy twist.
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Make sure the salmon is evenly thick for easy rolling.
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To make ahead, prepare and roll the salmon, then refrigerate up to 24 hours before baking.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Category: Dinner, Seafood
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 portion (approx. ¼ of recipe)
- Calories: 310 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 28g
- Cholesterol: 85mg
Keywords: Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels, stuffed salmon recipe, baked salmon pinwheels, spinach stuffed salmon, feta salmon roll, healthy seafood recipes