Ricotta, Feta, and Spinach Stuffed Salmon: A Symphony of Creamy Delights

There’s a particular magic that happens when simple, high-quality ingredients are treated with a little bit of love and imagination. For me, this Ricotta, Feta, and Spinach Stuffed Salmon is a perfect embodiment of that culinary philosophy. I remember the first time I encountered a variation of this dish, it was at a small, sun-drenched trattoria on the Italian coast, where the freshness of the seafood was paramount. The filling, though different then, sparked an idea – to marry the delicate, flaky texture of salmon with the creamy richness of ricotta and the salty tang of feta, all brightened by the earthy notes of spinach. It’s a dish that transports me back to that coastal breeze with every bite, a testament to how a few thoughtfully combined elements can create something truly unforgettable.

Recipe Overview

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15-20 minutes
• Total Time: 35-40 minutes
• Servings: 4
• Yield: 4 stuffed salmon fillets
• Dietary Type: High Protein, Gluten-Free (naturally)

Ingredients

This recipe sings with the quality of its components, so sourcing fresh, good ingredients will elevate the final dish.

• 1 ½ lbs salmon fillets (about 4 fillets, 6-8 ounces each), skin on or off, as you prefer
• 200 g ricotta cheese, full-fat or part-skim, drained if very wet
• 125 g feta cheese, crumbled
• 1 teaspoon ground pepper
• 1 cup fresh spinach, roughly chopped
• ¼ – ⅓ cup fat-free Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise if you prefer)
• ½ lemon, juice of

Equipment Needed

• Sharp knife
• Small mixing bowl
• Baking dish or casserole dish
• Aluminum foil
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Cutting board
• Fork for flaking

Instructions

The beauty of this dish lies in its straightforward execution, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully without fuss.

1. Prepare the Salmon: Begin by butterflying your salmon fillets. To do this, carefully insert a sharp knife into the side of each fillet, horizontally, about halfway through its thickness. Run the knife lengthwise along the fillet, opening it up like a book. Ensure you do not cut all the way through; the fillet should remain in one piece, with a pocket created for the filling. This technique provides more surface area for the delicious stuffing and ensures even cooking.

2. Craft the Cheesy Filling: In a small mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese and the crumbled feta cheese. Add the ground pepper. Stir these ingredients together until they are well combined and appear smooth. This mixture will form the creamy, savory base of your stuffing.

3. Assemble the Stuffing: Lay one half of the butterflied salmon fillet flat. Evenly spread the cheese mixture over this half of the salmon. Next, layer the roughly chopped fresh spinach on top of the cheese mixture. This adds a lovely green hue and a subtle earthy flavor that complements the cheeses beautifully.

4. Close and Secure: Carefully fold the top half of the salmon fillet over the filling, enclosing it within the fish. Gently press the edges to seal in the stuffing, though it’s not crucial for it to be perfectly airtight. The baking process will hold everything in place.

5. Add the Finishing Touches: Place the stuffed salmon fillets into a greased casserole dish or baking dish. Spoon the fat-free Miracle Whip (or mayonnaise) evenly over the top of each stuffed salmon fillet. Squeeze the fresh lemon juice over the Miracle Whip coating. This creates a lovely, slightly tangy crust as it bakes.

6. Bake to Perfection: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Cover the casserole dish tightly with aluminum foil. Bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The cooking time will vary slightly depending on the thickness of your salmon fillets.

Expert Tips & Tricks

• Draining Ricotta: If your ricotta cheese seems particularly wet, it’s a good idea to drain it using a fine-mesh sieve for about 15-20 minutes before mixing. This prevents the filling from becoming too liquidy.
• Choosing Your Salmon: For the best results, opt for salmon fillets that are relatively uniform in thickness. This ensures that all the fillets cook at the same rate. While skin-on salmon is delicious and can add flavor, you can also use skinless fillets if that’s your preference.
• Miracle Whip vs. Mayo: While Miracle Whip offers a touch of sweetness and tang that pairs exceptionally well with the rich salmon and cheese, regular mayonnaise is a perfectly acceptable substitute. If you’re looking for a lighter option, you could also try a plain Greek yogurt, though the flavor profile will be slightly different.
• Doneness Check: The best way to tell if your salmon is cooked is by using a fork to gently press into the thickest part of the fillet. If it flakes easily and the flesh is opaque, it’s ready. Avoid overcooking, as salmon can become dry.

Serving & Storage Suggestions

This Ricotta, Feta, and Spinach Stuffed Salmon is a showstopper on its own, but it pairs beautifully with a variety of accompaniments. A simple mixed green salad with a light vinaigrette provides a refreshing contrast. For a more substantial meal, consider serving it with a side of roasted asparagus, steamed broccoli, or a flavorful tomato basil rice, as I often do.

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm the salmon in a low oven (around 300°F or 150°C) or in a covered skillet over low heat to prevent drying out.

Nutritional Information

Here’s an approximate breakdown of the nutritional content per serving:

Nutrient	Amount per Serving	% Daily Value
Calories	385.3 kcal	–
Calories from Fat	–	175 g
Total Fat	19.5 g	30%
Saturated Fat	9.9 g	49%
Cholesterol	143.4 mg	47%
Sodium	637.3 mg	26%
Total Carbohydrate	6.4 g	2%
Dietary Fiber	0.6 g	2%
Sugars	3.2 g	12%
Protein	44.4 g	88%

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and can vary based on specific ingredients used.

Variations & Substitutions

While this recipe is wonderfully balanced as is, feel free to experiment!

• Herbal Infusion: Incorporate a tablespoon or two of finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, parsley, or chives into the cheese mixture for an extra layer of flavor.
• Spicy Kick: For those who enjoy a bit of heat, a pinch of red pepper flakes added to the cheese filling can be a delightful surprise.
• Sun-Dried Tomatoes: A few finely chopped sun-dried tomatoes (oil-packed, drained well) can add a lovely chewy texture and intense tomato flavor to the stuffing.
• Artichoke Hearts: Similarly, finely chopped marinated artichoke hearts can bring a wonderful briny depth to the filling.

FAQs

Q: Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can prepare the stuffing and stuff the salmon fillets a few hours in advance. Cover them tightly with plastic wrap and refrigerate. Add the Miracle Whip and lemon juice just before baking.

Q: What if I don’t have fat-free Miracle Whip?
A: Regular mayonnaise is a perfectly suitable substitute. For a lighter option with a different flavor profile, you could consider plain Greek yogurt, though it may not brown in the same way.

Q: How do I know if my salmon is cooked through?
A: The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork at its thickest point, and the flesh has turned opaque. Avoid overcooking, as this can lead to dry salmon.

Q: Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh?
A: If using frozen spinach, ensure it is thoroughly thawed and squeezed dry to remove as much excess moisture as possible before adding it to the filling.

Q: Is this recipe suitable for a crowd?
A: Absolutely. Simply increase the number of salmon fillets and adjust the quantities of the stuffing ingredients proportionally. Ensure your baking dish is large enough to accommodate them without overcrowding.

Final Thoughts

This Ricotta, Feta, and Spinach Stuffed Salmon is a dish that truly speaks to the joy of cooking and sharing delicious food. It’s elegant enough for a special occasion yet simple enough for a weeknight meal that feels like a treat. The interplay of the rich, creamy stuffing with the perfectly cooked, flaky salmon is a culinary harmony that never fails to impress. I encourage you to try this recipe; it’s a testament to how a few quality ingredients, combined with a touch of care, can create a meal that is both satisfying and memorable. Serve it with your favorite sides and savor every delightful bite.