This Mediterranean-inspired stuffed salmon is a showstopper that tastes as impressive as it looks. Juicy fillets cradle a warm, savory filling of wilted spinach, melty feta, roasted red peppers, and a hint of parmesan, all seasoned with Italian herbs and spices. It’s the perfect fusion of rich, bold flavors wrapped in a buttery fish base. Ideal for both weeknight meals and special occasions, this dish offers more than just taste — it’s packed with omega-3s, protein, and vibrant colors that make plating a joy. Serve it alongside quinoa, couscous, or roasted potatoes for a balanced, crowd-pleasing meal that comes together in just 30 minutes.
Full recipe:
Ingredients:
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4x 6-ounce fresh salmon fillets (skin-on)
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2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
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3 cups baby spinach, packed
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1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
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1/2 teaspoon paprika (regular or smoked)
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Pinch of cayenne pepper
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5.3-ounce block of feta cheese (approx. 150g), crumbled
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1/4 cup parmesan cheese, freshly grated
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1/4 cup jarred roasted red peppers, diced
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Salt and pepper, to taste
Directions:
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Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
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Place the salmon skin-side down on the baking sheet. Slice each piece lengthwise down the center, being careful not to cut all the way through.
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Brush salmon with 1 tablespoon of olive oil. Season with salt and pepper.
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In a large skillet, heat the remaining tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté until wilted (about 2–3 minutes).
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Remove from heat and stir in chopped roasted red peppers, crumbled feta, and grated parmesan. Mash gently to blend ingredients into a cohesive stuffing.
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Carefully spoon the spinach-feta mixture into the slits of each salmon fillet.
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Bake for 12–17 minutes, depending on thickness of the fillets, until salmon is opaque and flakes easily.
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Serve hot, ideally with grains or roasted vegetables on the side.
Prep Time: 10 minutes | Cooking Time: 20 minutes | Total Time: 30 minutes
Kcal: 438 kcal | Servings: 4
A Restaurant-Worthy Salmon Recipe You Can Make at Home
If you’re looking to elevate your home-cooked meals with something that looks and tastes restaurant-worthy — but doesn’t take hours to prepare — this Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is exactly what you need. Combining flaky, oven-baked salmon with a rich Mediterranean-inspired stuffing of spinach, feta, and roasted red peppers, this dish brings a balance of flavor, nutrition, and visual appeal to your table.
Stuffed salmon might sound like a gourmet dish reserved for date nights or dinner parties, but this version is surprisingly simple. Whether you’re cooking for guests or whipping up a nutritious weeknight dinner, this meal comes together in 30 minutes or less, all while delivering impressive results.
The Inspiration Behind This Stuffed Salmon Recipe
This dish draws inspiration from Mediterranean flavors and Whole Foods’ popular pre-made stuffed salmon, which combines creamy cheese with herbs and leafy greens. The goal here was to recreate — and even enhance — that experience at home using fresh, wholesome ingredients, while still keeping the cooking process simple.
By using high-quality salmon, baby spinach, a premium block of feta cheese, and fragrant seasonings like Italian herbs and paprika, the final dish achieves that perfect balance of savory, fresh, and mildly spicy.
This version also adds grated parmesan and roasted red peppers for an extra layer of richness and complexity. The result is a beautifully balanced flavor profile that complements the natural fattiness and flakiness of the salmon.
Why Salmon Is the Star of the Show
Salmon is beloved by chefs and home cooks alike for its mild flavor, versatility, and nutrient density. Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, protein, and B vitamins, salmon offers a wide range of health benefits — from supporting brain function and cardiovascular health to helping reduce inflammation.
In this recipe, salmon plays more than just a starring role — it becomes the literal vessel that holds the Mediterranean-inspired stuffing. This not only adds visual interest but also helps the cheese and spinach mixture stay moist and flavorful as it bakes in the oven.
When baked just right, the fish remains tender and juicy, while the stuffing slightly crisps and caramelizes at the edges. It’s the kind of dish that hits every note: hearty, creamy, herbaceous, and slightly sweet from the roasted peppers.
The Benefits of Spinach & Feta as a Stuffing Base
Why spinach and feta? This classic combination is often found in Greek cuisine (think spanakopita) and works incredibly well in stuffed dishes. Here’s why:
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Spinach is nutrient-dense and packed with vitamins A, C, and K, iron, folate, and fiber. When wilted and mixed into the stuffing, it adds both volume and earthy depth without overpowering the delicate flavor of the fish.
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Feta cheese, particularly when using a block of high-quality sheep’s milk feta stored in brine, adds a rich, tangy element that enhances every bite. It’s slightly salty and melts just enough to create a creamy texture, pairing perfectly with the spinach.
The addition of parmesan gives the stuffing a sharp, umami flavor and ties the whole mixture together with richness and complexity. Meanwhile, the roasted red peppers add a hint of sweetness and color, making this stuffing as visually appealing as it is delicious.
How to Stuff the Salmon (And Why It’s So Easy)
One of the most intimidating things about making stuffed salmon is the assumption that it’s difficult or time-consuming. In reality, it’s quite the opposite.
To stuff salmon, all you need to do is make a slit down the center of each fillet lengthwise — but don’t cut all the way through. This creates a “pocket” that holds the filling.
After making the cut, simply brush each fillet with olive oil, season with salt and pepper, and spoon the stuffing mixture into the pocket. The fillets then go directly into the oven — no special equipment, no toothpicks or complicated techniques.
You’ll end up with perfectly portioned salmon pockets, beautifully browned and bursting with flavor.
Perfect for Weeknights or Special Occasions
This dish is the definition of a “flexible favorite.” It’s elegant enough for a holiday dinner or anniversary meal, yet fast and easy enough for your midweek rotation.
Hosting guests? Serve with a side of herbed quinoa and a crisp white wine. Cooking for the family? Pair with a hearty grain like farro or mashed sweet potatoes. You can even serve it cold the next day as part of a protein-packed salad.
Plus, this recipe stores well for up to 3 days in the fridge, making it ideal for leftovers or meal prep.
Pairing Ideas and Serving Suggestions
This stuffed salmon is satisfying enough to stand on its own but truly shines when paired with complementary sides. Here are a few ideas to turn your meal into a complete plate:
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Whole grains like quinoa, farro, or brown rice — these provide complex carbs and make the meal more filling.
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Pasta or orzo tossed with olive oil, lemon zest, and herbs — keeps things light and flavorful.
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Roasted or mashed potatoes — a classic pairing with baked fish.
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Light salad with arugula, cucumbers, and a lemon vinaigrette — balances the richness of the feta.
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Steamed asparagus or green beans — for a simple vegetable side.
Want to get extra fancy? A drizzle of lemon-dill yogurt sauce or tzatziki can elevate the dish even further.
How to Customize the Recipe
The beauty of this dish lies in its versatility. Here are a few easy swaps and additions to make it your own:
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Replace feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a milder, creamier filling.
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Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of roasted red peppers for a more intense flavor.
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Add fresh herbs like dill or parsley for added freshness.
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Make it spicy by increasing the cayenne or adding chopped jalapeños.
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Go dairy-free by swapping feta and parmesan for vegan cheese alternatives or a mix of mashed chickpeas and tahini.
You can also double the stuffing ingredients and use the leftovers in an omelet, wrap, or pasta dish the next day.
Nutritional Highlights
This recipe is packed with nutrients that support a balanced diet:
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438 calories per serving
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42 grams of protein to support muscle and metabolism
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28 grams of healthy fats, including omega-3s from salmon
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Low carb (4g per serving) for those watching their carbohydrate intake
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Rich in potassium, calcium, iron, and vitamin A
It’s also naturally gluten-free, making it a great option for people with dietary restrictions or preferences.
Why This Recipe is a Must-Try
If you’ve ever wanted to impress guests (or yourself!) without spending hours in the kitchen, this recipe offers the perfect balance of convenience and elegance.
It’s a no-fuss, high-impact meal that showcases the best of Mediterranean ingredients. With just a few fresh components and simple steps, you can create a dish that looks gourmet and tastes amazing.
It’s also one of those recipes that makes you feel good after eating — not too heavy, not too light, just satisfying and nourishing. From the creamy stuffing to the crispy edges of the baked salmon, every bite is layered with flavor and texture.
Conclusion
Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is more than just a meal — it’s a celebration of vibrant, fresh ingredients, smart nutrition, and effortless cooking. Whether you’re a busy professional looking for healthy dinner options, a home cook wanting to impress guests, or someone exploring Mediterranean cuisine, this dish deserves a place in your recipe rotation.
It’s quick, flexible, and foolproof — all while offering bold flavor and wholesome goodness in every forkful. Give it a try and let your kitchen become your new favorite restaurant.