Elevate your dinner routine with these stunning Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels. This recipe transforms simple salmon fillets into a gourmet-style dish, featuring a rich and savory filling of cream cheese, wilted spinach, and fresh herbs, all rolled into a beautiful spiral. When baked, the salmon becomes perfectly flaky and tender, while the filling turns warm and creamy, creating a harmonious blend of textures and flavors.
Ideal for a sophisticated dinner party or a special meal at home, these pinwheels are as delightful to look at as they are to eat. Despite their elegant appearance, they are surprisingly straightforward to prepare.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
- Visually Stunning: The pinwheel design offers a beautiful presentation that is sure to impress your guests.
- Rich in Flavor: The creamy, herbed cheese filling perfectly complements the natural richness of the salmon.
- Simple to Prepare: The steps are easy to follow, allowing you to create a restaurant-quality dish with minimal effort.
- Healthy & Satisfying: Packed with protein and omega-3s from the salmon, this dish is both nutritious and fulfilling.
- Easily Adaptable: The filling is highly customizable. Feel free to add other ingredients like Parmesan, artichoke hearts, or a pinch of spice.
Ingredients You Will Need
(Note: Full measurements would be found on a complete recipe card.)
- For the Pinwheels:
- Salmon Fillets: Choose thick, boneless fillets, as they are easier to butterfly and roll.
- Fresh Spinach: Forms the flavourful green base of the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Provides the creamy, luscious texture that binds the filling together.
- Garlic Powder & Lemon Zest: Add aromatic depth and a bright, citrusy note.
- Fresh Parsley: Lends a fresh, herbaceous finish.
- Olive Oil, Salt, and Pepper: Essential for seasoning and roasting.
- For Garnish & Serving (Optional):
- Grated Parmesan Cheese: Sprinkled on top before baking for a golden, savoury crust.
- Lemon Wedges: For a fresh squeeze of juice just before serving.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Prepare the Filling Heat a touch of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and cook for 2-3 minutes until it has just wilted. Transfer the spinach to a cutting board, allow it to cool, then squeeze out any excess moisture and chop it finely. In a bowl, combine the chopped spinach with the cream cheese, garlic powder, lemon zest, and fresh parsley. Mix well and season with salt and pepper to taste.
2. Prepare the Salmon for Rolling Preheat your oven to 375∘F (190∘C). Lay a salmon fillet on a cutting board. To prepare it for rolling, carefully butterfly the fillet by slicing it horizontally through the middle, stopping about half an inch from the other side. Open the fillet up like a book to create a larger, thinner piece of salmon.
3. Stuff and Roll the Salmon Spread the spinach and cream cheese mixture evenly over the opened surface of the salmon. Starting from one of the long ends, carefully roll the fillet up into a tight log. If needed, secure the pinwheel with a couple of toothpicks to help it hold its shape during baking.
4. Bake the Pinwheels Place the rolled salmon on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Lightly brush the outside with olive oil and season with a little more salt and pepper. If desired, sprinkle the top with grated Parmesan cheese. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is opaque, cooked through, and flakes easily.
5. Serve and Enjoy Let the pinwheels rest for a few minutes before serving. Present them whole or slice them into smaller rounds. Serve with fresh lemon wedges on the side.
Nutrition and Timing
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 4
Nutrition Per Serving (Approximate):
- Calories: 350
- Protein: 32g
- Total Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Sodium: 300mg
Serving Suggestions & Pro Tips
- Perfect Pairings: Serve these pinwheels on a bed of quinoa or wild rice. Roasted asparagus, green beans, or a crisp garden salad with a light vinaigrette also make excellent side dishes.
- Thicker is Better: This recipe works best with thicker salmon fillets, which provide more surface area for stuffing and rolling.
- Prepare in Advance: You can assemble the salmon pinwheels a day ahead. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and store them in the refrigerator until you are ready to bake.
- Achieve a Golden Top: For an extra-crispy, golden-brown finish, switch the oven to the broil setting for the last 1-2 minutes of cooking, watching carefully to prevent burning.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q1: Is it okay to use frozen salmon for this recipe? A1: Yes, frozen salmon works well. Ensure it is fully thawed in the refrigerator overnight and pat it completely dry before you begin.
Q2: Can I use a different kind of fish? A2: While salmon is ideal, other firm, flaky fish like halibut or cod could also be used.
Q3: How can I customize the filling? A3: The filling is very versatile. Consider adding finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes, artichoke hearts, shallots, or a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat.
Q4: How do I prevent the pinwheels from unravelling? A4: Rolling the salmon tightly and securing it with water-soaked toothpicks is the best way to ensure they hold their shape while baking.
Q5: How can I tell when the salmon is cooked perfectly? A5: The salmon is done when its internal temperature reaches 145∘F (63∘C) on a meat thermometer, or when the flesh is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Q6: What is a good non-dairy substitute for cream cheese? A6: For a dairy-free version, you can use a high-quality, plant-based cream cheese alternative.
Q7: Can I reheat leftover pinwheels? A7: Yes. Reheat them in an oven preheated to 350∘F (175∘C) for about 10 minutes, or until warmed through. This method helps prevent the salmon from becoming dry.
Conclusion
Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are a fantastic way to turn a simple ingredient into an elegant and flavourful main course. The combination of flaky salmon with a rich, creamy spinach filling creates a dish that is both comforting and sophisticated. Perfect for demonstrating your culinary skills without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser that proves that impressive meals can also be incredibly easy to make.
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Elegant Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels with Spinach and Cream Cheese
Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are a delicious and impressive dish, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. Flaky salmon fillets are rolled up with a flavorful stuffing made from cream cheese, spinach, garlic, and herbs, then baked until golden and tender. These pinwheels are a perfect balance of savory, creamy, and fresh flavors. Serve with a side of roasted vegetables or a simple salad for a complete meal.
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients
For the Salmon Pinwheels:
4 salmon fillets (skinless, boneless)
1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
1/4 cup fresh spinach, chopped
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tablespoon dried dill)
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1 garlic clove, minced
1 tablespoon lemon juice
Salt and pepper to taste
2 tablespoons olive oil (for brushing)
For the Lemon Butter Sauce (optional):
1/4 cup unsalted butter
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon fresh parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
-
Prepare the stuffing:
In a small bowl, combine the cream cheese, chopped spinach, dill, parsley, minced garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix until well combined. If the mixture is too thick, you can add a small amount of water or extra lemon juice to loosen it. -
Prepare the salmon fillets:
Lay the salmon fillets flat on a cutting board, skin-side down. Use a sharp knife to slice each fillet horizontally, creating a pocket or flap that can be rolled up. Be careful not to slice all the way through—just create a thin opening in the center. -
Stuff the salmon:
Spread a generous amount of the cream cheese mixture into the center of each salmon fillet. Gently roll the fillet up from one end to the other, securing the stuffing inside. If needed, use toothpicks to secure the edges of the roll. -
Cook the salmon pinwheels:
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the stuffed salmon pinwheels in a lightly greased baking dish. Brush the tops of the pinwheels with olive oil to help them crisp up while baking. Bake for 20-25 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. -
Make the lemon butter sauce:
While the salmon is baking, melt the butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Stir in the lemon juice, parsley, salt, and pepper. Let the sauce simmer for a few minutes, then remove from heat. -
Serve:
Once the salmon is done, remove the toothpicks (if used) and transfer the pinwheels to a serving platter. Drizzle with the lemon butter sauce and garnish with extra parsley or lemon slices, if desired. Serve immediately with your choice of sides.
Notes
For a low-carb option, serve the pinwheels with a side of sautéed vegetables or a fresh green salad.
You can substitute the spinach for other leafy greens like arugula or kale if preferred.
If you want to add a little more texture, sprinkle some breadcrumbs or panko on top of the pinwheels before baking for an added crunch.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20-25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed salmon pinwheel
- Calories: 320Kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
