This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a quick, elegant, and nutritious dinner ready in just 30 minutes. Oven-baked salmon fillets are filled with a Mediterranean-inspired mixture of sautéed spinach, feta cheese, roasted red peppers, and parmesan. The dish feels special enough for entertaining but is easy enough for any weeknight meal. It’s high in protein, packed with healthy fats, and filled with savory, melty flavor in every bite.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

4 (6-ounce) salmon fillets (preferably fresh, skin-on)
2 tablespoons olive oil (divided)
3 cups baby spinach, packed
1 teaspoon Italian seasoning
½ teaspoon paprika
A pinch of cayenne pepper
~5.3 ounces (150g) feta cheese, crumbled
¼ cup freshly grated parmesan (parmigiano-reggiano recommended)
¼ cup roasted red peppers, chopped
Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.

Cut a slit lengthwise down the center of each salmon fillet, being careful not to cut all the way through. Place the fillets on the baking sheet, brush with 1 tablespoon of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper.

Heat the remaining olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add spinach, Italian seasoning, paprika, cayenne, salt, and pepper. Sauté until wilted, then remove from heat.

Stir in the feta, parmesan, and chopped roasted red peppers. Press the mixture with a spoon to help the cheese bind everything together.

Spoon the filling into the cut center of each salmon fillet.

Bake for 12–17 minutes, depending on the thickness of your salmon, until it’s fully cooked and opaque throughout.

Serve hot with your favorite grain or vegetable side.

Nutrients (Per Serving – Approximate)

Calories: 438
Protein: 42g
Fat: 28g
Saturated Fat: 9g
Carbohydrates: 4g
Fiber: 1g
Cholesterol: 132mg
Sodium: 750mg
Potassium: 1019mg
Vitamin A: 2568 IU
Vitamin C: 10mg
Calcium: 295mg
Iron: 3mg

Why Stuffed Salmon Is a Brilliant Weeknight Choice

Stuffing salmon might sound complicated, but it’s actually one of the easiest ways to elevate a fish fillet. Rather than making a separate side dish, the spinach and cheese filling adds flavor, texture, and nutrition—all in one step. And because salmon cooks quickly, this entire dish can be ready in under half an hour, making it ideal for time-pressed evenings or last-minute hosting.

The key is the technique: a simple slit down the center of each fillet creates a natural pocket for the filling. No rolling, tying, or elaborate folding required. Just a few spoonfuls of the creamy filling transform each fillet into a complete meal that’s moist, flavorful, and satisfying.

The Mediterranean-Inspired Flavor Profile

What sets this dish apart is its Mediterranean heart. The filling brings together some of the region’s most iconic ingredients:

• Baby spinach, sautéed until tender, forms the earthy green base.

• Feta cheese, with its salty tang, adds sharpness and creaminess.

• Parmesan, especially Parmigiano-Reggiano, deepens the flavor and binds the filling together.

• Roasted red peppers provide sweetness and smoky complexity.

• Italian seasoning, paprika, and a pinch of cayenne lend warmth and spice without overwhelming the palate.

Together, this mixture turns what could be a plain piece of fish into something deeply savory, slightly spicy, and utterly indulgent. The contrast between the moist salmon and the slightly crisp, cheesy filling on top creates a delicious interplay of textures.

Nutrition That Supports Wellness

Not only is this dish delicious—it’s a powerhouse of nutritional benefits. Each serving provides approximately 42 grams of protein, making it ideal for supporting muscle health and keeping you full. Salmon is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are linked to improved heart health, reduced inflammation, and better brain function.

Here’s a quick look at the approximate nutrients per serving:

• Calories: 438

• Protein: 42g

• Fat: 28g

• Carbohydrates: 4g

• Cholesterol: 132mg

• Sodium: 750mg

• Potassium: 1019mg

• Vitamin A: 2568 IU

• Calcium: 295mg

• Iron: 3mg

This low-carb, high-protein meal is also gluten-free and naturally low in sugar, making it suitable for a variety of dietary needs, including keto and Mediterranean-style eating.

Tips for Perfectly Stuffed Salmon

While this recipe is beginner-friendly, a few tips can help you get the best results every time:

• Use fresh, high-quality salmon fillets with the skin on. The skin helps the fish hold its shape and adds flavor as it cooks.

• Make the slit deep enough to hold the filling, but don’t cut all the way through the fish.

• Squeeze out excess liquid from the cooked spinach to prevent a watery filling.

• Don’t overstuff the fillets—about 2–3 tablespoons of filling per fillet is just right.

• Bake until opaque and flaky, which usually takes 12–17 minutes depending on the thickness of your fish.

If you’re cooking for a group, this dish also scales well. Simply double the ingredients and bake on a large sheet pan.

What to Serve with Stuffed Salmon

Stuffed salmon is a standalone star, but pairing it with the right sides can turn it into a complete and well-balanced meal. Here are a few serving suggestions:

• Lemon-herb couscous or quinoa for a bright, light grain pairing

• Steamed asparagus, green beans, or roasted zucchini for added fiber and color

• Cauliflower rice or mashed sweet potatoes for a lower-carb option

• A simple Greek salad with cucumbers, olives, and tomatoes to echo the Mediterranean flavors

• Crusty artisan bread to soak up any juices from the salmon

For a lighter take, consider serving the stuffed salmon atop a bed of arugula or baby spinach tossed with a lemon vinaigrette.

Make-Ahead and Meal Prep Options

This stuffed salmon is also surprisingly friendly for meal prep. You can prepare the filling up to two days in advance and store it in the fridge. Just stuff and bake the fillets when you’re ready to serve.

Leftovers reheat well in the oven at 300°F for 8–10 minutes or can be enjoyed cold as part of a salad or wrap. Since the recipe is naturally low in carbs and high in protein, it’s a great choice for balanced lunches during a busy workweek.

Variations and Customizations

Once you’ve mastered the technique, it’s easy to riff on this dish with your own flavor twists:

• Swap cheeses: Try goat cheese or ricotta for a creamier filling.

• Add herbs: Fresh dill, parsley, or basil can add new dimensions of flavor.

• Use sun-dried tomatoes instead of red peppers for a tangier, sweeter punch.

• Add chopped artichokes or olives for more Mediterranean flair.

• Use arugula or kale in place of spinach if desired.

You can also swap salmon for other sturdy fish fillets like trout or arctic char, or even chicken breasts—simply adjust the cook time accordingly.

Conclusion

This Stuffed Salmon with Spinach & Feta is a recipe that effortlessly combines elegance with ease. It delivers rich Mediterranean flavors, nourishing ingredients, and restaurant-quality presentation in just 30 minutes. Whether you’re cooking to impress or just looking to enjoy a nourishing, flavorful dinner, this recipe offers the best of both worlds.

With its creamy filling, flaky salmon, and vibrant color, it’s a dish that feels both comforting and refined. Serve it with your favorite sides and a squeeze of lemon, and you’ll have a meal that tastes as stunning as it looks—every time. Once you try it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a new staple in your dinner rotation.