If you’re looking for a dish that combines elegance with simplicity, the Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe is your new go-to. This delightful meal bursts with fresh, vibrant flavors from tender salmon wrapped around a creamy, tangy spinach and feta filling. It’s perfect for impressing guests or elevating a weeknight dinner with minimal fuss and maximum taste. Each bite delivers a perfect balance of flaky fish and the rich, herby filling you won’t want to miss.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe has a purpose, creating a harmonious blend of taste, texture, and color. From the bright freshness of lemon to the creamy tang of feta and cream cheese, these essential ingredients come together effortlessly to make a show-stopping dish.
- 1 large salmon fillet (about 1½ lbs, skinless): The star of the dish, providing flaky texture and rich flavor.
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped): Adds a vibrant, earthy note and a pop of green color.
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled): Offers creamy, salty goodness that perfectly complements the spinach.
- 2 cloves garlic (minced): Infuses a subtle but essential depth of savory flavor.
- 1 tablespoon olive oil: Helps marry the filling ingredients and keeps everything moist.
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened): Adds richness and a silky texture to the filling.
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest: Brings brightness and a citrusy lift to every bite.
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice: Enhances the fresh flavors and adds a tangy zing.
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh dill): Introduces a delicate herbal note, elevating the entire dish.
- Salt and pepper (to taste): Balances and enhances all the wonderful flavors.
How to Make Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Preheat and Prepare
Begin by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a perfectly cooked salmon by the time your pinwheels are ready to go in. It’s always best to have your oven hot and waiting so the cooking time is just right.
Step 2: Make the Flavorful Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine your chopped spinach, crumbled feta, minced garlic, olive oil, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined and creamy. This mixture will bring together the fresh, savory, and tangy elements that make these pinwheels truly unforgettable.
Step 3: Prep the Salmon for Rolling
Lay your salmon fillet flat on a cutting board. If it’s large or thick, cut it horizontally into two equal pieces. This makes rolling the pinwheels easier and ensures even cooking throughout. It’s a simple trick that guarantees success every time.
Step 4: Fill and Roll the Pinwheels
Spread an even layer of the spinach and feta mixture over each piece of salmon. Roll tightly from one end to the other, creating a beautiful spiral of flavors tucked inside. Secure each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine, so they keep their shape while baking.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Arrange the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper to prevent sticking. Bake for about 18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. This step captures the essence of delicate salmon paired with the luscious filling, making the kitchen smell incredible!
How to Serve Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
To add a final flourish, sprinkle fresh dill or finely chopped parsley over the pinwheels. A light drizzle of good-quality olive oil or a wedge of lemon adds a refreshing brightness that really highlights the flavors you worked hard to build.
Side Dishes
These salmon pinwheels pair wonderfully with a crisp green salad, roasted vegetables, or fluffy couscous. The lightness of these sides balances the richness of the pinwheels, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, slice each pinwheel into rounds and arrange on a platter like little works of art. Serve with dipping sauces such as tzatziki or a lemon dill aioli to elevate your presentation and offer extra flavor options to your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any leftovers from your Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They will stay fresh for up to 2 days, making it easy to enjoy a quick, healthy meal later on.
Freezing
You can freeze the pinwheels before baking by wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready, thaw overnight in the refrigerator before baking as usual.
Reheating
Reheat leftover pinwheels gently in a preheated oven at 325°F (165°C) for about 10-12 minutes or until warmed through. This method keeps the salmon moist and preserves the delicious filling without drying it out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach for the filling?
Yes, you can use frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it with the other ingredients. This prevents the filling from becoming watery.
What if I don’t have fresh dill?
Using dried dill is a fine substitute. Just remember that dried herbs have a more concentrated flavor, so use about half the amount called for if the recipe specifies fresh dill.
Can these pinwheels be made with skin-on salmon?
For best results, use skinless salmon fillets. The skin can make rolling difficult and affect the texture, but if your fillet has skin, you can carefully remove it before starting.
Is there a good substitute for feta cheese?
Absolutely! You can swap feta for goat cheese or ricotta if you want a milder, creamier filling. Both alternatives work wonderfully with spinach and lemon.
How can I make this recipe dairy-free?
To make a dairy-free version, substitute the feta and cream cheese with plant-based cheese alternatives or omit them entirely and add extra seasoning and a splash of olive oil for richness.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe is truly a game-changer for anyone who loves simple yet impressive meals. The way the salmon beautifully rolls around a creamy, tangy spinach and feta filling makes every bite feel special. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and watch it become a beloved favorite in your kitchen – it’s one of those dishes that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 33 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
Delicious and elegant Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels featuring tender salmon fillets rolled with a flavorful mixture of fresh spinach, crumbly feta cheese, garlic, and aromatic herbs, baked to perfection for a nutritious and impressive meal.
Ingredients
Salmon & Filling
- 1 large salmon fillet (about 1½ lbs, skinless)
- 2 cups fresh spinach (chopped)
- ½ cup feta cheese (crumbled)
- 2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese (softened)
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 teaspoon fresh dill)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the perfect temperature for baking the salmon pinwheels.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the chopped spinach, crumbled feta, minced garlic, olive oil, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper. Mix all ingredients thoroughly until well combined to create a flavorful filling.
- Prepare Salmon: Lay the salmon fillet flat on a cutting board. If the fillet is large or thick, cut it horizontally into two equal pieces to make rolling easier and neater.
- Assemble Pinwheels: Spread an even layer of the spinach and feta filling over each salmon piece. Carefully roll each piece tightly from one end to the other, then secure the rolls using toothpicks or kitchen twine to maintain their shape while baking.
- Bake: Place the salmon pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake in the preheated oven for about 18 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork, indicating it is fully cooked.
Notes
- For easier rolling, ensure the salmon fillet is evenly thick; trimming thicker parts may help.
- Fresh dill can be substituted for dried dill for a more vibrant herb flavor.
- Remove toothpicks or twine before serving to avoid choking hazards.
- Leftover pinwheels can be refrigerated for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
- Serve with a side of lemon wedges for added freshness.
