These Easy Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are a tasty and fun dish! Flavorful salmon wraps around a mix of fresh spinach and creamy feta, making each bite a delight.
They look fancy but are super simple to make! I love serving them with a side salad for a quick dinner that tastes like a restaurant treat. You’ll impress your friends for sure! 😄
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Salmon Fillet: The star of this dish! I recommend using a fresh fillet, but you can use frozen as well. Just make sure it’s completely thawed. For a twist, try using trout or tilapia instead.
Spinach: Fresh spinach adds a nice color and nutrition. If you’re out of fresh, use thawed frozen spinach—just be sure to squeeze out excess moisture. Kale is another good substitute!
Feta Cheese: Feta gives the filling a creamy tang. If you’re not a fan, goat cheese or ricotta works too! For a dairy-free option, tofu can be seasoned to mimic the flavor.
Cream Cheese: This adds richness to the filling. You could use Greek yogurt for a lighter option or even a plant-based cream cheese for vegan diets.
Lemon Juice: Fresh lemon juice brightens flavors. In a pinch, you can use vinegar or skip it, but fresh is always best. A bit of lime juice is a great alternative too!
How Can I Make Sure My Salmon Rolls Up Well?
Rolling the salmon tightly is key to getting nice pinwheels. Here’s how to do it:
- Make sure your salmon is at room temperature; this helps it roll easier.
- Butterfly the fillet carefully if it’s thick. This creates a flatter surface.
- Create your filling before you start rolling for smoother application.
- Spread the filling to just edge of all sides to ensure each bite is packed with flavor.
- When rolling, start at one end and roll firmly yet gently to keep the filling in place.
With practice, you’ll get it just right, and your pinwheels will look beautiful and appetizing!
Easy Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 large salmon fillet, skin removed (about 1 to 1.5 pounds)
- 1 cup fresh spinach, chopped finely
- 1/2 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tablespoons cream cheese, softened
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pinch of red pepper flakes for a slight kick
How Much Time Will You Need?
This delicious recipe takes about 10 minutes to prep and around 20 minutes to cook. So, you’ll have a tasty meal ready in about 30 minutes. Perfect for a quick dinner when you want something special!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Preheat the Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures that the salmon cooks evenly when you pop it in later. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking!
2. Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, add the chopped spinach, crumbled feta cheese, softened cream cheese, minced garlic, fresh lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. If you like a bit of spice, toss in the red pepper flakes. Mix everything together until it’s nice and creamy. This will be the filling for your salmon!
3. Prepare the Salmon Fillet:
Lay your salmon fillet flat on a clean surface. Using a sharp knife, carefully butterfly or flatten the salmon to create a rectangular sheet. Aim for about 1/2 inch thick—this helps in rolling it up nicely!
4. Spread the Filling:
Now, take your creamy spinach and feta filling and spread it evenly over the salmon surface. Make sure to leave a small border around the edges so the filling doesn’t ooze out when you roll it up.
5. Roll It Up:
Starting from one long edge of the salmon, roll it up tightly into a pinwheel shape. Don’t worry if it’s not perfect—just try to keep it neat!
6. Slice the Pinwheels:
Using a sharp knife, cut the rolled salmon into slices that are about 1 inch thick to form beautiful pinwheels. Each piece will be full of flavor!
7. Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Carefully arrange the pinwheels flat on your prepared baking sheet. Make sure the spiral side is facing up to show off that pretty filling.
8. Bake to Perfection:
Slide the baking sheet into the preheated oven and bake for about 15-20 minutes. The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and looks perfectly cooked.
9. Let It Cool & Serve:
Once baked, remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them cool for a few minutes. This keeps them juicy! Serve warm with your favorite sides, such as roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.
Enjoy your delicious, homemade Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels! They’re sure to impress!
FAQ About Easy Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
Can I Use Frozen Salmon for This Recipe?
Absolutely! If using frozen salmon, make sure to fully thaw it before starting. You can thaw it overnight in the fridge or by placing it in a sealed plastic bag and submerging it in cold water for a quicker option.
Can I Substitute the Feta Cheese?
Yes! If you’re not a fan of feta, goat cheese or ricotta are excellent alternatives. For a dairy-free option, try using vegan cream cheese or a seasoned tofu mix to mimic the flavor.
How Do I Store Leftover Pinwheels?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. To reheat, warm them gently in the oven at 350°F (175°C) until warmed through or in the microwave for about 30 seconds, but be careful not to overcook!
Can I Make These Pinwheels Ahead of Time?
Yes! You can prepare the stuffed salmon, roll it up, and slice it into pinwheels in advance. Just keep them covered in the fridge until you’re ready to bake them. They can be assembled a few hours ahead of time for convenience!
