A Seriously Easy Restaurant-Worthy Salmon Dinner At Home
Lately I’ve been craving weeknight dinners that feel comforting, but still a little elevated—and this spinach and artichoke stuffed salmon checks all the boxes. It’s creamy, savory, and baked until perfectly flaky, with just enough lemon to keep things bright. Simple enough for a casual meal at home, impressive enough for guests.
If you’ve been here a while, you know that restaurant-worthy salmon dinners are kinda my thing. 💁🏻♀️ If you’re a fan of my salmon florentine with sun-dried tomatoes and spinach (always a hit!) or these crab-stuffed salmon filets, you’ll likely love this one just as much.
Note: Frozen spinach can be used, but it must be thawed completely. Also, be sure to squeeze out all excess moisture. Personally, I don’t like frozen spinach and will always opt for fresh when possible.
Quick Tips For Restaurant-Worthy Results
- Don’t overcut the pocket. Leave about ½-inch on either side so the filling stays put while baking.
- Season the fish well. The creamy filling is rich, so the salmon itself needs proper seasoning to balance it out.
- Check early if using wild salmon, which are leaner and thinner than farmed salmon, so they cook faster.
Easier Than It Looks
A Few Serving Suggestions
I’m a big fan of serving stuffed baked salmon filets with rice, orzo, or lemony couscous.
For vegetable sides, tender roasted broccolini, sautéed garlic string beans, or a simple arugula salad with a citrusy vinaigrette would pair beautifully.
The salmon stays moist and flaky, while the filling turns silky and gently molten as it bakes, with pops of briny artichoke, mellow garlic, and nutty cheese in every bite. Honestly, people will think you worked way harder than you actually did. 😂
And yes, you can absolutely enjoy this filling with other fish! Arctic char and steelhead trout would offer a comparable flavor. Just keep an eye on the cook time, as they tend to be thinner than salmon.
Yum, yum, yum. This salmon dinner is too good not to share. Once you make it, don’t be surprised if it becomes a regular in your rotation.
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Creamy Spinach & Artichoke-Stuffed Salmon Filets
Equipment
Ingredients
For the Filling
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- 1 (5 oz) bag of fresh baby spinach
- 1 garlic clove, grated
- 6 oz jar of artichoke hearts drained, finely chopped
- 4 oz cream cheese room temperature
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- 2 oz (½ cup) Gruyere cheese, shredded
- 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan cheese
- ½ medium lemon, zested, about 1 tsp, remaining lemon cut into wedges
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
For the Salmon
- 4 (6 oz) salmon filets, skin on or off
- 1 Tbsp olive oil
- ½ tsp garlic powder
- ½ tsp onion powder
- ½ tsp paprika
- ½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
- ½ tsp kosher salt
- ¼ tsp cayenne pepper
- ¼ tsp freshly ground black pepper
- Flaky sea salt
Instructions
- Bring the salmon to room temperature. Preheat an oven to 375°F (190°C), then line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Allow the salmon to sit on the counter while you make the filling.
- Cook the spinach. Heat 1 Tbsp olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. When hot, add fresh spinach, then cook for 1-2 minutes, stirring often. When the spinach is almost wilted, add grated garlic and a generous pinch of kosher salt. Cook another minute, or until the spinach is wilted. Remove from the heat and set aside.
- Make the filling. Combine 4oz cream cheese, ¼ cup mayo, ½ cup shredded Gruyere, 2 Tbsp grated Parmesan, lemon zest, ½ tsp kosher salt, and ¼ tsp black pepper in a mixing bowl. Mix until well combined. Add chopped artichoke hearts and the cooked spinach, then stir together.
- Prepare the salmon. Pat the salmon filets dry with a paper towel. Working on a cutting board, use a paring knife to cut a long slit down the middle (top) of each filet, being careful not to cut all the way through. You should leave about ½-inch on either side of the cut. Drizzle each filet with a little olive oil. In a small mixing bowl, combine the garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, Italian seasoning, kosher salt, cayenne, and black pepper. Sprinkle evenly on top of the salmon.
- Stuff the salmon. Divide the mixture evenly between salmon filets, then gently press the spinach mixture into each salmon pocket. Place each filet on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake. Transfer to the oven, then cook for 15 minutes, or until the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 120°F (49°C). Note that wild salmon (thinner) should be checked around 12 minutes, while thicker cuts of salmon may take a few minutes more.
- Serve with lemon wedges and a pinch of flaky sea salt. Enjoy!
Notes
- Make-ahead: The filling can be prepped 1 day in advance, then stored in the fridge until ready to assemble. Leftover cooked salmon will keep for up to 3 days.
- Reheat the stuffed salmon gently in a low oven (300°F) or briefly in a microwave at a reduced power to avoid drying out the fish.
Nutrition
Photography by Jo Harding.
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