Elegant Stuffed Salmon Fillet with Creamy Spinach & Celery: Your Go-To Recipe for Effortless Entertaining
Imagine a dish that looks incredibly impressive yet comes together with surprising ease. Our **Stuffed Salmon Fillet with Spinach and Celery** is precisely that—a culinary masterpiece perfect for special occasions, yet simple enough for a weeknight dinner. This elegant salmon recipe combines the rich, flaky texture of perfectly baked salmon with a vibrant, creamy filling, making it an instant favorite for any table. Whether you’re planning a festive Easter brunch, a cozy family gathering, or simply want to elevate your everyday meals, this dish delivers on both flavor and presentation.
The beauty of this **baked stuffed salmon** lies in its simplicity and the guaranteed delicious outcome. The salmon remains wonderfully moist and tender as it bakes, encasing a fresh and flavorful filling of sautéed spinach and crisp celery, brought together with a touch of creamy Greek yogurt. Each bite offers a delightful contrast of textures and a harmonious blend of tastes. Requiring only a few accessible ingredients and straightforward steps, this recipe builds confidence in the kitchen, proving that gourmet-level results are well within reach for any home cook.
Beyond its undeniable deliciousness, this **spinach and celery stuffed salmon** is a wholesome choice. Salmon is a powerhouse of omega-3 fatty acids, while spinach adds essential vitamins and minerals. The light, fresh filling keeps the dish balanced, ensuring a satisfying meal that doesn’t feel heavy. Get ready to impress your guests and delight your family with this foolproof and incredibly tasty recipe!
The Secret to a Perfectly Baked Stuffed Salmon Roll
This **salmon roll filled with spinach and herbs** has become my trusted go-to whenever I want a main course that feels celebratory without requiring extensive prep time. The magic lies in the light, fresh flavor profile of the spinach and celery, perfectly complemented by the subtle tang and richness of Greek yogurt. It’s a combination that keeps the dish from feeling heavy, making it an excellent choice for any season, especially spring.
One of the best aspects of this **easy stuffed salmon recipe** is its flexibility. You can assemble the salmon roll in the morning, let it rest in the refrigerator, and simply pop it into the oven later in the day. This makes it ideal for busy hosts or for those who prefer to get meal prep out of the way early. I’ve personally relied on this recipe for numerous Easter celebrations and birthday dinners, always with rave reviews.
Typically, I serve this elegant **stuffed salmon fillet** alongside crispy roasted potatoes and a vibrant, fresh green salad. The balance of flavors and textures is always a hit, and I can honestly say there’s rarely a slice left over! This recipe is a testament to how practical cooking can also be incredibly special and satisfying, bringing joy to both the chef and those gathered around the table.
Expert Tips for Flawless Garlic Spinach Stuffed Salmon
Achieving a perfectly cooked, beautifully presented **stuffed salmon fillet** is easier than you think, especially with a few insider tips. These pointers will help ensure your dish is moist, flavorful, and holds its shape every time:
- Precision Slicing is Key: When butterflying the salmon fillet, ensure you **don’t cut all the way through**. The goal is to create a pocket or a “book-like” opening for your filling. This keeps the spinach and celery mixture securely inside, preventing it from escaping during baking and maintaining the elegant rolled shape. A sharp knife and careful, even strokes are essential.
- Thoroughly Drain Spinach: If you opt for frozen spinach, it’s crucial to **drain it very, very well**. Excess water from the spinach can make your filling watery and impact the texture of the dish. After thawing, press the spinach firmly between paper towels or in a fine-mesh sieve to remove as much moisture as possible. This step ensures a rich, creamy, and concentrated filling.
- Creamy Texture Options: While Greek yogurt lends a delightful creaminess and a slightly tangy flavor that brightens the filling, **sour cream works beautifully as a substitute**. Sour cream will offer a richer, more indulgent flavor profile. Choose the option that best suits your preference or what you have on hand. Full-fat versions of either will provide the best texture.
- Moisture Retention with Baking Paper: To keep your **stuffed salmon** exceptionally moist and tender, especially during baking, **covering it with baking paper (parchment paper) is a game-changer**. This creates a steamy environment, preventing the salmon from drying out and ensuring a flaky, succulent result. You can remove the paper for the last 5 minutes of baking if you prefer a slightly crisper exterior.
- Secure the Roll: To prevent the delicious stuffing from spilling out during baking, it’s vital to **tie the salmon roll firmly with kitchen twine**. Use several pieces of twine spaced evenly along the length of the roll. This technique helps the salmon maintain its elegant shape and keeps the filling intact, ensuring a stunning presentation when sliced.
- Choose the Right Salmon Fillet: For the easiest rolling and best results, select a **fresh salmon fillet with the skin removed**. Skin-on fillets can be more challenging to butterfly and roll smoothly. Look for a thick, even fillet, as this will provide a good surface area for the stuffing and allow for uniform cooking. If your fillet is very thin, you might consider making individual, smaller rolls instead of one large one.
By following these expert tips, you’ll be well on your way to creating a truly spectacular **stuffed salmon fillet** that will become a staple in your recipe collection!
Made this delightful **Stuffed Salmon Fillet with Spinach and Celery**? We absolutely love seeing your culinary creations! Don’t forget to tag #byandreajanssen on Instagram! Your beautiful photos inspire us and other home cooks, and we regularly share our favorites. If you enjoyed this recipe, please take a moment to leave a rating on the recipe card below. Your valuable feedback is incredibly helpful to both me and others looking for their next favorite meal.
Hungry for more inspiration and delicious recipes?
- Discover a world of visual cooking with my video recipes on my YouTube channel. You’ll find step-by-step guides for many of my popular dishes.
- And be sure to save all your favorite recipes on Pinterest! It’s the perfect way to organize your culinary ideas and easily find them for your next meal planning session.
Your support means the world, and I’m thrilled to be a part of your cooking journey!
📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
10 minutes
20 minutes
30 minutes
Dinner
Other
4
persons
484
kcal
Prevent your screen from going dark
Ingredients
-
2
tablespoons
butter,
unsalted -
1
clove
garlic,
finely chopped -
3
stalks
celery ,
cut into small rings -
9
oz.
fresh spinach,
or thawed from freezer -
4
tablespoons
Greek yogurt -
1
teaspoon
mustard -
¼
teaspoon
salt -
â…›
teaspoon
ground black pepper -
2½
pound
salmon fillet
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
US Customary
Instructions
-
Preheat the oven to 440 ℉ (220 °C). -
Melt the butter in a large frying pan over medium heat. Add the finely chopped garlic and stir-fry for 30 seconds until fragrant, being careful not to burn it.2 tablespoons butter,
1 clove garlic -
Add the thinly sliced celery and fresh spinach to the pan. Cook for about 5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the spinach has wilted and the celery is tender-crisp. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s thoroughly drained before adding.3 stalks celery,
9 oz. fresh spinach -
Transfer the cooked vegetable mixture to a medium bowl. Stir in the Greek yogurt and mustard until well combined. Season generously with salt and ground black pepper to taste, ensuring the filling is well-balanced.4 tablespoons Greek yogurt,
1 teaspoon mustard,
¼ teaspoon salt,
â…› teaspoon ground black pepper -
Carefully place the large 2½ pound salmon fillet (skin removed) on a clean cutting board. Using a sharp knife, slice the salmon fillet horizontally along its length, starting from one side, but **do not cut all the way through**. You want to create a hinge, allowing the fillet to open up like a book, essentially doubling its surface area for stuffing.2½ pound salmon fillet -
Evenly spread the prepared spinach and celery mixture over one half of the butterflied salmon fillet, leaving a small border around the edges. Carefully fold the other half of the salmon over the filling to create a log or roll. Roll it tightly and secure it with several pieces of kitchen twine, tying them around the roll at even intervals to hold its shape during baking. -
Carefully transfer the tied salmon roll to a baking dish. Cover the dish loosely with baking paper (parchment paper) to retain moisture. Bake in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork (internal temperature should reach 145 ℉ / 63 °C). Cooking time may vary based on the thickness of your fillet. -
Once baked, carefully remove the kitchen twine. Slice the stuffed salmon into thick portions and serve immediately. Garnish with fresh herbs if desired for an extra touch of color and flavor. Enjoy your elegant and delicious creation!
Notes
2. Can I prepare this ahead of time? This **stuffed salmon recipe** is wonderfully convenient for meal planning! You can assemble the entire salmon roll with its filling in the morning, or even the night before. Once assembled, cover it tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake it. This prep-ahead option makes it fantastic for entertaining or busy weekdays. Just remember to add a few extra minutes to the baking time if cooking from cold.
3. What can I substitute for celery in the filling? If celery isn’t your preference or you don’t have it on hand, **leek is an excellent substitute**. Finely chopped leek offers a milder, sweeter flavor profile that pairs exceptionally well with spinach and garlic. Ensure you wash the leek thoroughly to remove any grit. Other options include finely chopped bell peppers for a touch of sweetness and color, or even finely diced zucchini.
4. Delicious Variations to try:
- Creaminess Boost: For an even richer and more decadent filling, you can **swap Greek yogurt for sour cream**. Cream cheese, softened, is another fantastic option for a thicker, more luxurious filling.
- Herbal Freshness: Elevate the aromatic profile by adding freshly **chopped dill, parsley, chives, or a mix of your favorite herbs** to the spinach and celery filling. About 1-2 tablespoons will add a burst of freshness. Lemon zest can also brighten the flavors beautifully.
- Greens Galore: Feel free to experiment with different greens! Instead of spinach, you could use **Swiss chard or kale**. If using heartier greens like kale, make sure to chop them finely and sauté them slightly longer until tender. A mix of greens also works wonderfully.
- Add a Crunchy Element: For added texture, consider mixing a tablespoon or two of toasted pine nuts or finely crushed walnuts into the filling.
- Spicy Kick: A pinch of red pepper flakes in the filling can add a subtle heat if you enjoy a little spice.
5. Storage and Leftovers:
- Eat Immediately: This **stuffed salmon fillet** is truly at its best when enjoyed fresh out of the oven, when the salmon is perfectly flaky and the filling is warm and creamy.
- Refrigerator: Should you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container or covered tightly with foil in the refrigerator for **up to 1 day**. While the texture may change slightly, it’s still delicious. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave, or consider flaking the salmon and using it in an omelet, a quick salad, or even a pasta dish the next morning for a delightful twist.
- Freezer: Due to the creamy filling, this dish is **not ideally suited for freezing**. The texture of the filling can become watery and the salmon can dry out upon thawing and reheating. It’s best enjoyed fresh or from short-term refrigeration.
Nutrition
Calories:
484
kcal
Carbohydrates:
4
g
Protein:
60
g
Fat:
24
g
Saturated Fat:
7
g
Polyunsaturated Fat:
8
g
Monounsaturated Fat:
8
g
Trans Fat:
0.2
g
Cholesterol:
172
mg
Sodium:
412
mg
Fiber:
2
g
Sugar:
1
g
Vitamin A:
6409
IU
Vitamin C:
19
mg
Iron:
4
mg
Stuffed salmon recipe, baked salmon, spinach salmon, celery salmon, easy salmon dish
Tried this recipe?
Let us know how it was!
Delicious Serving Suggestions for Your Stuffed Salmon
This versatile **Stuffed Salmon Fillet** pairs beautifully with a variety of side dishes, allowing you to tailor your meal to any occasion. For a lighter, healthier option, consider serving it with a simple green salad tossed with a vinaigrette dressing, or steamed asparagus and green beans. The vibrant colors and fresh flavors will complement the richness of the salmon perfectly.
If you’re looking for something more substantial, roasted vegetables are an excellent choice. Roasted potatoes, sweet potatoes, or a medley of seasonal root vegetables can create a hearty and comforting meal. A creamy risotto or a fluffy quinoa pilaf would also make for an elegant accompaniment, soaking up any delicious juices from the salmon. For a touch of citrus, a squeeze of fresh lemon juice over the cooked salmon and sides always enhances the flavors.
More Irresistible Salmon Recipes to Explore
If you’ve enjoyed the elegance and ease of this **Stuffed Salmon Fillet with Spinach and Celery**, you’re in for a treat! Salmon is a incredibly versatile fish, perfect for a myriad of preparations, from quick weeknight meals to impressive holiday spreads. Dive into more of our favorite salmon creations, each offering a unique flavor profile and a delightful culinary experience. Whether you prefer baked, smoked, or wrapped, there’s a salmon recipe waiting to become your next obsession.
- Raclette recipe salmon baked in dill cream sauce
- Salmon package baked in the oven
- Dutch Smoked Salmon Sandwich with Cream Cheese
Whether you’re exploring new cooking techniques or seeking fresh ideas for your favorite fish, our collection of **salmon recipes** offers something for everyone. From quick weeknight dinners to gourmet centerpieces, embark on a culinary adventure with the incredible flavor of salmon!