Ingredients
Scale
For the filling:
- 3 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- ½ cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp cream cheese, softened
- 2 tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 tsp lemon zest
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
For the salmon:
- 1 large salmon fillet (about 1 ½ lbs), skinless
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for brushing)
- ½ tsp smoked paprika
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
Optional garnishes and sides:
- Lemon wedges
- Fresh dill or parsley, chopped
- Steamed asparagus, couscous, or roasted potatoes
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Filling
- Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Stir in the chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the cooked spinach, feta cheese, cream cheese, Parmesan cheese, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until smooth and evenly combined. Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Salmon
- Lay the salmon fillet flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully butterfly the fillet, cutting horizontally to open it like a book. Do not cut all the way through.
- Once butterflied, place plastic wrap over the salmon and use a meat mallet or rolling pin to gently pound it into an even thickness, about ½ inch. This ensures the salmon will cook evenly and roll easily.
Step 3: Assemble the Pinwheels
- Remove the plastic wrap and spread the spinach and feta filling evenly over the salmon, leaving a ½-inch border around the edges.
- Starting at one end, carefully roll the salmon into a tight log, similar to rolling sushi. Use your fingers to keep the filling in place as you roll.
- Once rolled, use kitchen twine to tie the salmon log at 1- to 2-inch intervals, ensuring the roll stays intact during cooking.
Step 4: Season the Outside
- Brush the outside of the salmon log with olive oil and season with smoked paprika, salt, and pepper for added flavor and a beautiful golden crust.
Step 5: Slice and Bake
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Use a sharp knife to slice the salmon log into 1 ½-inch-thick pinwheels. Place the pinwheels cut-side up on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Step 6: Garnish and Serve
- Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them rest for 5 minutes.
- Garnish with fresh dill or parsley and serve with lemon wedges. Pair with your favorite side dishes for a complete meal.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 stuffed salmon pinwheel
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 1g
- Fat: 20g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 35g