These Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are a tasty treat! They consist of fresh salmon rolled up with creamy feta cheese and spinach, making every bite flavorful.
Honestly, they look fancy but are super easy to make. I love serving them with a simple salad for a lovely dinner. Your friends will think you’re a chef! 🍽️
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon: Fresh, skinless salmon fillets are perfect for this recipe. If you’re looking for a more budget-friendly option, you can use trout or even tilapia. If you’re a fan of tuna, that could work too, just adjust the cooking time!
Spinach: Fresh spinach brings great flavor, but if you don’t have it, frozen spinach works too. Just make sure to thaw it and squeeze out excess water. You could also substitute with other greens like kale or Swiss chard.
Feta Cheese: Feta adds a nice tang. If you’re lactose intolerant, try using a dairy-free cream cheese made from nuts. Alternatively, crumbled goat cheese or ricotta could work well in its place too.
Dill: Fresh dill enhances the flavor beautifully, but if it’s not available, dried dill will do just fine. In a pinch, you could swap it out for thyme or parsley for a different flavor profile.
How Do You Roll Salmon Pinwheels Without Making a Mess?
Rolling the salmon may seem tricky, but it’s easier than it looks! The key is to work carefully and make sure the filling is evenly spread. Here’s how to do it:
- Place the prepared salmon on a clean surface, skin-side down.
- Spread the filling mixture across the salmon, avoiding the edges to keep it from spilling out.
- Start rolling from one end, using the paper or board to help guide you. Roll tightly but gently!
- If the filling tries to escape, pinch the edges together as you go.
- Secure the roll with kitchen twine or toothpicks to hold it together while baking.
Take your time with the roll, and it’ll turn out beautifully! Enjoy the delightful presentation when you slice into your pinwheels.
How to Make Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
For the Salmon Pinwheels:
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skinless
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 1/4 cup cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped (or 1 teaspoon dried)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Lemon slices, for garnish (optional)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This recipe takes about 10 minutes for prep and around 25 minutes for cooking, giving you a total of about 35 minutes from start to finish. It’s super quick and gives a fancy twist to your dinner!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
First things first! Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) so it’s hot and ready for your delicious salmon pinwheels.
2. Make the Filling:
In a medium-sized bowl, mix together the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, chopped dill, and a sprinkle of salt and pepper. Stir everything together until well combined and creamy, like a tasty filling for your salmon!
3. Prepare the Salmon:
Next, lay the salmon fillet down on a sheet of parchment paper or a clean cutting board with the skin side facing down. This is where the magic happens!
4. Spread the Filling:
Take your spinach and feta mixture and spread it evenly over the salmon fillet. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t spill out when you roll it up.
5. Roll it Up:
Now, starting from one end, carefully roll the salmon tightly into a log. Pinch the filling inside as you roll. If it feels loose, use some kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure it. This will help keep everything together!
6. Prepare for Baking:
Place the rolled salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Drizzle a bit of olive oil over the top and sprinkle on some extra salt and pepper if you like. This will add extra flavor and help it crisp up nicely.
7. Bake It:
Pop the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 20-25 minutes. You’ll know it’s ready when the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Your kitchen will smell amazing!
8. Slice and Rest:
Once it’s done baking, take it out of the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This helps the juices settle. Then, carefully slice the roll into pinwheels.
9. Serve and Enjoy:
Serve your delicious Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels warm. If you like, add some lemon slices for a fresh touch. Enjoy your meal! It’s a delightful combination of flavors that everyone will love!
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon! Just make sure to thaw it completely before starting. Thaw salmon in the refrigerator overnight or place it in a sealed plastic bag and submerge it in cold water for quicker results. Pat it dry with paper towels before rolling to avoid excess moisture!
What Can I Substitute for Feta Cheese?
If you don’t have feta cheese, cream cheese or goat cheese can work well as substitutes. Both will provide a creamy texture, but goat cheese will add a more tangy flavor. Just crumble or soften it before mixing with the spinach!
How Should I Store Leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm in the oven at 350°F (175°C) for about 10-15 minutes or until heated through. This helps keep the salmon from drying out!
Can I Prepare the Pinwheels in Advance?
Absolutely! You can assemble the pinwheels a day ahead. Just cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. Let them sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before baking to ensure even cooking.
