Once you dive into the Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe, you’ll discover a delightful combination of tender, flaky salmon wrapped around a vibrant, creamy filling bursting with fresh spinach, tangy feta, and zesty lemon. This dish stands out as an elegant yet approachable way to enjoy seafood with a Mediterranean twist. Perfect for impressing friends or treating yourself, these pinwheels bring together simple ingredients that transform into a stunning centerpiece on your table.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The beauty of this recipe is in its simplicity. Each ingredient plays a vital role, creating layers of flavor, texture, and color that complement one another perfectly.
- Large salmon fillet (about 1½ lbs, skinless): The star of the dish, providing a rich, flaky base for the filling.
- Fresh spinach, chopped (2 cups): Adds vibrant green color and a tender, fresh taste that balances the richness of the salmon.
- Feta cheese, crumbled (½ cup): Brings a salty, creamy tanginess that takes the filling to another level.
- Garlic, minced (2 cloves): Adds aromatic depth and a hint of savory warmth.
- Olive oil (1 tablespoon): For sautéing and introducing a smooth, fruity undertone.
- Cream cheese, softened (2 tablespoons): Makes the filling irresistibly creamy and helps bind the ingredients.
- Lemon zest (1 teaspoon): Injects a refreshing citrus brightness that lifts the whole dish.
- Fresh lemon juice (1 tablespoon): Enhances the flavors and adds a zesty punch.
- Dried dill (½ teaspoon) or fresh dill (1 teaspoon): Offers a sweet, herbaceous note that perfectly complements the fish.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning and bringing all the flavors together.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: To secure your pinwheels so they hold their beautiful shape while baking.
How to Make Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Spinach & Feta Filling
Start by heating olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced garlic and cook just until it becomes fragrant—you’ll know because your kitchen will smell incredible. Next, add the chopped spinach and sauté until it wilts down beautifully. Transfer the spinach and garlic to a bowl, then fold in the creamy feta cheese, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and a sprinkle of dill. This creamy, tangy filling is where the magic begins.
Step 2: Prep the Salmon Fillet
Now, carefully slice the salmon fillet horizontally to create a flat, even sheet that’s easy to roll. Season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance the natural flavors of the fish. This step ensures every bite is perfectly seasoned.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
Spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the salmon sheet. Take your time here—cover every corner for a delicious surprise in every bite. Roll the salmon tightly yet gently into a log shape, then secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine to keep those beautiful swirls intact while baking.
Step 4: Bake the Pinwheels
Place your salmon pinwheels in a greased baking dish and pop them into a preheated 375°F oven. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until the salmon is cooked through but still juicy and tender. You’ll know they’re done when the fish flakes gently with a fork, and that filling inside is bubbling with flavor.
Step 5: Serve & Enjoy
Once out of the oven, remove the toothpicks or twine carefully. Your Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe is now ready to wow everyone at the table. Plate them up and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh dill sprigs and an extra squeeze of lemon juice make excellent garnishes, enhancing the dish’s vibrant and fresh flavors. A sprinkle of cracked black pepper or a drizzle of good-quality olive oil adds a subtle finishing touch that brings everything together.
Side Dishes
Served alongside fluffy quinoa, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad, these pinwheels shine. The mild sides balance out the rich salmon and creamy filling, providing a perfect harmony on your plate.
Creative Ways to Present
Feel like elevating the experience? Slice the pinwheels into bite-sized rounds and serve them as elegant appetizers with toothpicks. Or place a couple of whole pinwheels on a large platter surrounded by fresh herbs and lemon wedges for a stunning presentation that’s perfect for dinner parties.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you happen to have any leftovers (and if you do, count yourself lucky), store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator. They should stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining their flavor and texture beautifully.
Freezing
The Salmon Pinwheels can be frozen if you want to prepare them ahead of time. Wrap tightly in plastic wrap and then foil, or store in a freezer-safe container. Freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating for best results.
Reheating
To warm your leftovers without drying out the salmon, gently reheat in a preheated oven at 325°F for about 10 minutes or until warmed through. Avoid microwaving as it can make the fish rubbery. A little patience goes a long way!
FAQs
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
Absolutely! Just be sure to thaw and squeeze out any excess moisture before mixing it into the filling, so your pinwheels don’t become watery.
What if I don’t have cream cheese on hand?
You can substitute with ricotta cheese or even a small amount of mascarpone for a creamy texture, though cream cheese gives the best binding in this recipe.
How can I tell when the salmon pinwheels are done baking?
The salmon should flake easily when tested with a fork, and the internal temperature should reach 145°F. The filling will be warm and bubbling, signaling that your pinwheels are perfectly cooked.
Can I prepare these pinwheels ahead of time before baking?
Yes! You can assemble the pinwheels a few hours ahead, keep them covered in the fridge, and bake shortly before serving. This makes entertaining even easier.
Is this recipe suitable for a low-carb diet?
Definitely. Salmon and spinach are naturally low in carbs, and the filling contains mostly cheese and veggies, making this dish a great option for low-carb meals.
Final Thoughts
Trust me, once you try this Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe, it will become one of your go-to dishes for both special occasions and cozy weeknight dinners. It’s impressive, packed with fresh flavors, and surprisingly easy to pull off. So gather your ingredients, roll up your sleeves, and treat yourself and your loved ones to a meal that feels like a celebration on a plate.
Print
Spinach & Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 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 sautéed spinach, creamy feta, garlic, and fresh lemon. Perfectly baked to juicy perfection, these pinwheels make a stunning and healthy main dish ideal for weeknight dinners or special occasions.
Ingredients
Salmon and 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
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine, to hold the pinwheels
Instructions
- Prepare the Spinach & Feta Filling: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and cook for about 1 minute until fragrant. Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and transfer to a mixing bowl. Add crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, lemon zest, fresh lemon juice, and dill. Mix everything together until well combined.
- Prep the Salmon Fillet: Slice the salmon fillet horizontally to create a large, flat piece suitable for rolling. Season both sides with salt and pepper to taste.
- Assemble the Pinwheels: Spread the prepared spinach and feta filling evenly over the surface of the salmon. Carefully roll the salmon tightly into a spiral shape and secure it with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold the pinwheels together during cooking.
- Bake the Pinwheels: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish and place the secured salmon pinwheels inside. Bake for 15-18 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Serve & Enjoy: Remove toothpicks or twine before serving. Garnish with fresh dill or an extra squeeze of lemon juice if desired. Serve warm and enjoy this flavorful and healthy main course.
Notes
- You can substitute cream cheese with ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Ensure the salmon is evenly sliced to prevent uneven cooking when rolled.
- If fresh dill is not available, dried dill can be used as an alternative.
- For extra flavor, consider adding a pinch of crushed red pepper to the filling for a slight kick.
- Make sure to remove toothpicks or twine before eating to avoid choking hazards.
