Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cream Cheese

The beauty of this Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cream Cheese lies in its simplicity and richness. Each fillet is bursting with a savory cream cheese and spinach filling, balanced with bright lemon zest and fresh dill. The outside is perfectly baked until golden and flaky, while the inside remains tender, flavorful, and indulgently creamy.

This dish makes a fantastic main course whether you’re hosting a dinner party or just need a nourishing meal after a long day. Not only is it visually stunning and packed with flavor, but it’s also a wonderful low-carb, high-protein option. Pair it with a side salad or roasted veggies to complete your meal, and you’ve got a recipe that’s as satisfying as it is simple to prepare.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients:

• 2 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each), skin-on or skinless

• 1/2 cup plain cream cheese (light or regular)

• 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped

• 1 clove garlic, minced

• 1/2 teaspoon lemon zest

• 1 tablespoon lemon juice

• 1 tablespoon olive oil

• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

• Optional garnish: lemon wedges and extra dill

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

2. In a small skillet, heat a drizzle of olive oil over medium heat. Add the chopped spinach and garlic. Cook for 1–2 minutes until wilted, then remove from heat.

3. In a bowl, combine the sautéed spinach, cream cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, and dill. Season with salt and pepper to taste.

4. Pat the salmon fillets dry and slice a pocket horizontally through the center of each fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through.

5. Spoon the cream cheese mixture into each pocket and gently press the fillets closed.

6. Brush the tops of the fillets with olive oil and season with salt and pepper.

7. Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.

8. Serve warm, garnished with lemon wedges and fresh dill if desired.

Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 18 minutes | Total Time: 28 minutes
Kcal: 375 kcal | Servings: 2 servings

Herb-Crusted Salmon Fillets Stuffed with Spinach and Creamy Cheese

There are few things more satisfying than a dish that is both easy to prepare and restaurant-worthy in appearance and flavor. Stuffed salmon is one such recipe, a beautiful, nourishing entrée that brings together rich, flaky fish with a luscious, herby filling. In this recipe, tender salmon fillets are filled with a savory mixture of sautéed spinach, garlic, cream cheese, lemon, and dill. It’s everything you want from a weeknight dinner: easy, flavorful, and good for you.

Whether you’re cooking for yourself, your family, or entertaining guests, this stuffed salmon recipe is a foolproof way to make a big impression. It looks gourmet, tastes divine, and yet requires only basic ingredients and minimal prep time. The balance between the freshness of the dill and lemon juice with the richness of cream cheese and salmon makes every bite satisfying. Even better, it’s low in carbs, high in protein, and naturally gluten-free.

Why You’ll Love This Stuffed Salmon Recipe

1. It’s simple yet elegant:
Salmon fillets may feel like a luxury ingredient, but this dish proves they can be practical and affordable too. By stuffing the salmon, you elevate it from simple pan-seared fillets to something that feels much more decadent and chef-crafted.

2. High in nutrition:
This stuffed salmon is packed with nutrients. Salmon is one of the best sources of omega-3 fatty acids, which support heart and brain health. It’s also rich in B vitamins, selenium, and potassium. Spinach adds fiber, vitamin A, C, and iron. Even cream cheese, when used in moderation, provides calcium and a smooth texture that binds the filling together.

3. Meal prep friendly:
This dish reheats beautifully, making it great for meal prepping. You can prepare the filling in advance and refrigerate it. The assembled salmon fillets can also be stored in the fridge, ready to bake just before dinner. That makes it ideal for busy weeknights or for entertaining with ease.

4. Versatile:
The filling can be customized easily. Don’t have cream cheese? Use goat cheese or ricotta. Want more greens? Add kale or arugula. Don’t like dill? Try basil or parsley instead. This is a flexible template recipe that encourages creativity while keeping things delicious and satisfying.

Ingredient Breakdown

Salmon Fillets:
Choose high-quality fillets, either skin-on or skinless. Fresh is best, but thawed frozen salmon will also work well if properly dried and handled. Make sure the fillets are thick enough to cut a pocket into the side for stuffing.

Cream Cheese:
This ingredient brings the creamy texture and mild tang to the filling. You can use full-fat, reduced-fat, or even flavored varieties like garlic and herb cream cheese.

Spinach:
This leafy green cooks down quickly and adds vibrant color, moisture, and a slight bitterness that balances the richness of the salmon and cheese. Fresh is preferred, but frozen spinach (thawed and squeezed dry) can also be used in a pinch.

Garlic:
A single clove adds aromatic depth. Feel free to add more if you’re a garlic lover.

Lemon Zest and Juice:
Fresh lemon adds brightness and cuts through the creaminess of the cheese and the richness of the fish. Zest is particularly important as it imparts intense lemon flavor without adding extra liquid.

Fresh Dill:
Dill brings a light, grassy, almost citrusy freshness that complements both fish and dairy beautifully. Substitute with tarragon or parsley if preferred.

Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper:
These pantry staples help bring everything together, enhancing natural flavors without overpowering the dish.

Best Tips for Success

1. Don’t Overstuff the Salmon:
Be generous with the filling, but make sure it doesn’t spill out too much. A tight seal helps the fillets cook evenly and prevents mess.

2. Choose Thick Fillets:
You want salmon that is thick enough to create a pocket. Thin fillets won’t hold the stuffing well and may fall apart.

3. Use Room Temperature Cream Cheese:
Softened cream cheese is easier to mix and spread into the fillets. If it’s too cold, it’ll clump and won’t combine smoothly with the other ingredients.

4. Let the Salmon Rest Before Serving:
After removing it from the oven, let the salmon rest for 2-3 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute and keeps your fish moist and tender.

5. Bake to Just-Doneness:
Overcooked salmon becomes dry and tough. Cook until the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, around 15–18 minutes depending on thickness.

Serving Suggestions

This stuffed salmon is filling enough to be the star of your plate but pairs wonderfully with:

• Garlic-roasted asparagus

• Steamed broccoli or green beans

• Cauliflower mash or roasted sweet potatoes

• Lemon-herb quinoa or a wild rice blend

• A crisp green salad with vinaigrette

For a special occasion, serve it with a chilled glass of Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Gris. The citrus and herbal notes of these wines will match the lemon and dill in the recipe beautifully.

Storage and Reheating

• Refrigerator: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freezer: Cooked salmon can be frozen for up to 2 months, though texture may slightly change.

• Reheating: Warm gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until heated through, about 10–12 minutes. Avoid microwaving, which can make salmon rubbery.

Make It Your Own: Recipe Variations

• Add Cheese: Try mixing in parmesan or feta for extra flavor.

• Add Herbs: Basil, chives, or tarragon can enhance or replace dill.

• Make it Spicy: Add red pepper flakes or a touch of cayenne to the filling.

• Mediterranean Style: Include chopped sun-dried tomatoes and kalamata olives in the filling.

• Lactose-Free: Use dairy-free cream cheese alternatives like those made from almond or cashew base.

Health Benefits at a Glance

Conclusion

This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach and Cream Cheese is the kind of meal that makes healthy eating feel indulgent. With minimal ingredients and an easy prep process, you’ll end up with a dish that tastes like it came out of a gourmet kitchen. The richness of the salmon combined with the creamy, herbaceous stuffing creates a flavor-packed main course that fits effortlessly into weeknight dinners, romantic evenings, or holiday meals. Not only does it satisfy your cravings, but it also nourishes your body with essential nutrients.

Whether you’re new to cooking salmon or a seasoned home chef looking for inspiration, this recipe offers everything: simplicity, flavor, flexibility, and visual appeal. It’s an all-in-one recipe that’s bound to become a repeat in your kitchen.