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Welcome to a culinary delight that will elevate your dinnertime with its exquisite flavors and ease of preparation: Baked Salmon Creamy Spinach Sauce. This recipe is a harmonious blend of succulent baked salmon fillets and a luscious creamy spinach sauce that will turn your weeknight dinner into a gourmet experience.
When you crave a comforting yet elegant meal without the fuss, this Baked Salmon Creamy Spinach Sauce is the answer. The salmon, perfectly tender and flaky, is embraced by a velvety spinach cream sauce that is both indulgent and simple to make. Parmesan cheese and a hint of nutmeg add depth to the sauce, creating a symphony of flavors that will delight your taste buds.
Whip up this dish when you need a mood booster or when you want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort. The combination of fresh spinach, garlic, and cream creates a sauce so delightful that even picky eaters will be asking for seconds. Whether served over creamy polenta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes, this Baked Salmon Creamy Spinach Sauce is a versatile recipe that promises pure culinary bliss.
Quick Benefits
- Luxurious and comforting meal without spending hours in the kitchen
- Nutty, salty Parmesan balances the gentle flavor of spinach
- Easy to customize: swap ingredients like cream and cheese, add sautéed mushrooms or cherry tomatoes
- Versatile pairing options: serve over polenta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes, with green beans or a fresh salad on the side
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Spinach Baked Salmon: Delicious Seafood Recipe Recipe
- Luxurious and Easy: This recipe offers a comforting and special meal without the need to spend hours in the kitchen, making it perfect for both weeknights and special occasions.
- Balanced Flavors: The nutty saltiness of Parmesan cheese balances the gentle flavor of spinach, creating a harmonious and delicious sauce that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Kid-Approved: Even picky eaters will love this dish – the creamy spinach sauce earned the nickname “green sunshine sauce” from a young fan, making it a great way to get little ones to enjoy fish and greens.
- Versatile: You can customize the recipe by adding sautéed mushrooms, cherry tomatoes, or swapping out ingredients like heavy cream for half-and-half or Greek yogurt, making it adaptable to your preferences and what you have on hand.
- Make Ahead-Friendly: Leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to two days and reheated gently for an equally delicious meal the next day, making it a great option for meal prep or busy schedules.
- European Inspired: The classic pairing of salmon with creamy sauces is a staple in European kitchens, making this recipe a nod to traditional flavors and a timeless way to enjoy seasonal fish.
- Special Touch: The addition of a glass of chilled white wine and serving suggestions like creamy polenta, fluffy quinoa, or buttery mashed potatoes elevate this dish, making it perfect for a relaxed and elegant dinner experience.
Ingredients for Creamy Spinach Baked Salmon: Delicious Seafood Recipe
For the Salmon
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
- 2–3 salmon fillets (150–200 g each)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce
- Black pepper, to taste
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 120 ml heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Pro Tips for Creamy Spinach Baked Salmon: Delicious Seafood Recipe
To make the Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce, ensure your salmon is cooked to perfection by checking for flakiness with a fork and that it is opaque throughout. This typically takes around 12–15 minutes in the oven, depending on the thickness of the fillets. Thaw and drain frozen spinach thoroughly before adding it to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
For a lighter version of the sauce, swap heavy cream with half-and-half or incorporate Greek yogurt for a tangier twist. To enhance the dish, consider adding sautéed mushrooms or sweet cherry tomatoes to the spinach sauce for extra depth and flavor. Lastly, you can leave the skin on the salmon fillets while baking to help retain moisture, and if preferred, remove it after cooking for easier consumption.
How to Make Creamy Spinach Baked Salmon: Delicious Seafood Recipe
Step 1: Prepare and Bake Salmon
1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease. Place salmon fillets on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
Step 2: Cook Creamy Spinach Sauce
As the salmon bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat, pour in heavy cream, and mix. Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
Step 3: Plate and Serve
Place the baked salmon fillets on serving plates. Top each fillet generously with spinach sauce. Garnish with lemon slices and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve promptly.
Storage Tips
After making the Baked Salmon with Creamy Spinach Sauce, any leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two days. To maintain the best texture, ensure the salmon and creamy spinach are tightly covered. When ready to enjoy the dish again, gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or cream. To prevent the salmon from becoming tough, if using a microwave for reheating, cover loosely and set the power to fifty percent.
For those looking to modify the recipe, heavy cream can be substituted with half-and-half for a lighter version, or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a tangier sauce. Additionally, Parmesan cheese can be replaced with pecorino or asiago based on personal preference or availability. For added richness, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or sweet cherry tomatoes into the spinach sauce. This versatile dish pairs well with creamy polenta, fluffy quinoa, or buttery mashed potatoes, and can be accompanied by crispy green beans or a simple tomato and cucumber salad for a balanced meal.
Ingredient Substitutions
If heavy cream is not available, you can use half-and-half or a spoonful of Greek yogurt for a lighter sauce with a tangy flavor. Additionally, if you don’t have Parmesan cheese on hand, you can substitute it with pecorino or asiago for a different but equally delicious taste profile in the creamy spinach sauce. For added texture and flavor, consider incorporating sautéed mushrooms or sweet cherry tomatoes into the spinach sauce, enhancing the dish with extra depth and complexity.
If you prefer to remove the skin from the salmon fillets, you can do so after cooking to suit your personal preference. To elevate the dish further, serve the salmon with creamy spinach sauce over creamy polenta, fluffy quinoa, or buttery mashed potatoes. For a well-rounded meal, consider pairing it with sides like steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad to complement the richness of the salmon and sauce.
Serving Suggestions
For a creative serving suggestion, try plating the baked salmon with creamy spinach sauce over a bed of lemon-infused risotto. The creamy texture of the risotto complements the richness of the sauce, while the bright lemon flavor adds a refreshing twist to the dish. Garnish with fresh herbs like chopped parsley or dill for a pop of color and added freshness.
Another creative idea is to serve the baked salmon and creamy spinach sauce in individual puff pastry shells. Simply bake the puff pastry shells until golden brown, then fill them with the salmon and sauce mixture. This elegant presentation adds a touch of sophistication to the dish, perfect for a dinner party or special occasion. Top with a sprinkle of grated Parmesan or a drizzle of balsamic glaze for an extra layer of flavor.
FAQs for Creamy Spinach Baked Salmon: Delicious Seafood Recipe
Can I use frozen spinach instead of fresh in this recipe?
Yes. Thaw and drain frozen spinach well before adding, to avoid excess moisture in the sauce.
What are some good side dishes to serve with this salmon and creamy spinach sauce?
Steamed rice, roasted potatoes, or a crisp green salad complement the richness of this salmon and sauce.
Can I use a lighter alternative to heavy cream in the sauce?
Try half-and-half or Greek yogurt to reduce richness while keeping a creamy texture.
Is it necessary to keep the skin on the salmon fillets?
It’s optional. Leaving the skin on helps keep fillets moist during baking, but can be removed after cooking if preferred.
Conclusion
As you take your last bite of this delectable Baked Salmon Creamy Spinach Sauce, I hope you feel the warmth and comfort this dish brings. The creamy spinach sauce perfectly complements the tender salmon, creating a meal that is both elegant and easy to prepare. Don’t hesitate to make this recipe whenever you need a culinary hug or want to impress your loved ones with minimal effort.
Remember, the beauty of the Baked Salmon Creamy Spinach Sauce lies in its versatility. Feel free to customize the dish with your favorite ingredients or pair it with different sides to suit your taste. Whether served over polenta, quinoa, or mashed potatoes, this dish will always bring a touch of luxury to your table. So, indulge in this delightful creation and savor every bite of this delicious and comforting meal.
Creamy Spinach Baked Salmon: Delicious Seafood Recipe
Indulge in tender baked salmon draped in a luxurious creamy spinach sauce, a comforting yet elegant dish perfect for a weeknight treat.
Prep Time10 Minutes
Cook Time15 Minutes
Total Time25 Minutes
CuisineEuropean
Skill LevelEasy
Servings3 Servings (2–3 fillets with sauce)
Ingredients
For the Salmon
- Salt, to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, sliced (for garnish)
- 2–3 salmon fillets (150–200 g each)
- Black pepper, to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional)
For the Creamy Spinach Sauce
- Black pepper, to taste
- 30 g grated Parmesan cheese
- 120 ml heavy cream (or half-and-half for lighter version)
- Salt, to taste
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon butter
- Pinch of ground nutmeg (optional)
Instructions
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Prepare and Bake Salmon: 1. Preheat oven to 200°C. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease. Place salmon fillets on the sheet, drizzle with olive oil, and season with salt, pepper, and smoked paprika. Bake for 12–15 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
-
Cook Creamy Spinach Sauce: As the salmon bakes, melt butter in a skillet over medium heat. Sauté minced garlic until aromatic, about 30 seconds. Add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, about 2–3 minutes. Reduce heat, pour in heavy cream, and mix. Stir in grated Parmesan, salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg. Cook until sauce thickens slightly.
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Plate and Serve: Place the baked salmon fillets on serving plates. Top each fillet generously with spinach sauce. Garnish with lemon slices and extra Parmesan, if desired. Serve promptly.
