Picture this: succulent salmon wrapped around a flavorful, creamy filling, all rolled up into bite-sized pinwheels and baked to golden perfection. These Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are not only visually impressive but also bursting with rich flavors that’ll make you feel like you’re dining at a fancy restaurant, all from the comfort of your kitchen. Trust me, you’re going to love this!
Each pinwheel combines the mild, delicate taste of salmon with a rich, savory stuffing, giving you a delightful combination of textures and flavors in every bite. Whether you’re entertaining guests or treating yourself to a special meal, these pinwheels are the perfect choice.
Why You’ll Love Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
This recipe isn’t just about creating something delicious—it’s about making an impression with every bite. Here’s why it’s a favorite:
Versatile:
Perfect for a fancy dinner party, a romantic night in, or even a meal prep option for the week. These pinwheels fit any occasion and are sure to elevate your dining experience.
Budget-Friendly:
Despite looking and tasting like something you’d order at a high-end restaurant, this dish is made with affordable ingredients, making it a wonderful choice for those special moments without the special price tag.
Quick and Easy:
While these may look fancy, they’re surprisingly easy to prepare. The most difficult part is rolling them up, and once they’re in the oven, you can sit back and relax as they bake to perfection.
Customizable:
Want to make these even more decadent? Add a little extra cheese or herbs to the stuffing. You can play with the flavors and fillings to make them truly your own.
Crowd-Pleasing:
With its combination of tender salmon and rich stuffing, this dish is a guaranteed crowd-pleaser. Whether you’re cooking for family, friends, or just yourself, these pinwheels are always a hit.
Ingredients
Let’s take a look at the simple ingredients that come together to make these pinwheels the star of the show:
Salmon Fillets:
The tender, flaky salmon is the base of this dish. You’ll want to use skinless, boneless fillets so that rolling them up is a breeze.
Cream Cheese:
This creamy base for the stuffing is what makes the pinwheels rich and smooth. It adds a luxurious feel to each bite.
Spinach:
Fresh spinach adds a burst of color and a mild, slightly earthy flavor that perfectly balances the richness of the cream cheese.
Garlic:
A touch of garlic in the stuffing adds depth of flavor and a wonderful savory aroma.
Lemon Zest:
Zesty lemon adds a refreshing citrusy kick that complements the salmon beautifully, brightening up the overall dish.
Parmesan Cheese:
For an extra layer of flavor and a slightly nutty bite, Parmesan cheese is mixed into the stuffing. It also helps bind everything together.
Dill:
Fresh dill is a classic herb that pairs perfectly with salmon, giving the pinwheels that unmistakable, fresh, herbal note.
(Note: the full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.)
Instructions
Ready to create these delicious pinwheels? Let’s get started:
Preheat Your Oven:
Start by preheating your oven to 375°F (190°C). This ensures a quick, even cook that will give you perfectly flaky salmon.
Prepare the Filling:
In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, garlic, spinach, lemon zest, Parmesan cheese, and dill. Stir everything together until smooth and well-mixed. You should have a thick, creamy filling with just the right amount of flavor.
Prepare the Salmon Fillets:
Lay the salmon fillets flat on a clean surface, skin side down (if they have skin). Gently press on them to flatten them slightly. Season the fillets with salt and pepper to taste.
Stuff the Salmon:
Spread a generous layer of the cream cheese mixture evenly over each fillet. Be sure to cover the entire surface for a rich, creamy bite in every roll.
Roll Them Up:
Carefully roll up each fillet into a tight pinwheel shape, starting from one end and rolling toward the other. Secure the rolls with toothpicks if needed to ensure they stay in place during baking.
Bake to Perfection:
Place the pinwheels on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Bake for about 20-25 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and the filling is bubbling and golden.
Finishing Touches:
Remove the pinwheels from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. This helps set the filling and makes them easier to cut.
Serve and Enjoy:
Carefully slice the pinwheels into rounds and serve warm. You can garnish with extra fresh dill or a squeeze of lemon juice for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts:
Servings: 4 pinwheels
Calories per serving: 300 (may vary based on ingredients used)
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 25 minutes
Total Time: 40 minutes
How to Serve Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
These pinwheels are the perfect centerpiece for any meal. Here are a few serving suggestions to complement them:
- Asparagus: Roasted asparagus adds a simple, fresh side that pairs perfectly with the rich flavors of the salmon pinwheels.
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes make a classic pairing, offering a soft, buttery contrast to the crispy salmon.
- Crisp Salad: A light, crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette will help balance the richness of the salmon while adding some fresh crunch.
Additional Tips
- Don’t overcook the salmon: Keep an eye on the salmon as it bakes. Overcooking can make it dry, so bake just until it’s opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
- Add a topping: For extra flavor, top the pinwheels with a dollop of sour cream or a drizzle of hollandaise sauce before serving.
FAQ’s
1. Can I make these pinwheels ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels and refrigerate them for up to a few hours before baking. Just pop them in the oven when you’re ready to serve.
2. Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, frozen salmon works well! Just be sure to thaw it completely before using it for the pinwheels.
3. Can I add other vegetables to the filling?
Definitely! You can add finely chopped mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini to the filling for added flavor and texture.
4. How do I know when the salmon is cooked properly?
The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when it’s done. You can also use a meat thermometer—salmon is perfect when it reaches 145°F (63°C).
5. Can I use a different cheese?
If you prefer, you can substitute Parmesan with another hard cheese, such as Pecorino or Asiago, though Parmesan gives it a classic taste.
6. Can I grill these instead of baking them?
Absolutely! Grill the pinwheels on medium heat for about 10-12 minutes, flipping halfway through to ensure they cook evenly.
7. How do I store leftovers?
Store leftover pinwheels in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop to maintain their crispy texture.
8. Can I make these with chicken instead of salmon?
Yes, you can use boneless, skinless chicken breasts for a chicken version of these pinwheels. Just be sure to cook the chicken thoroughly before rolling it up.
9. Can I freeze the pinwheels?
Yes, you can freeze the assembled but unbaked pinwheels. Wrap them tightly in plastic wrap or foil and bake them from frozen when you’re ready to cook them.
10. Can I serve these pinwheels with a sauce?
Yes, a lemon butter sauce, dill sauce, or even a garlic aioli would be delicious on the side to dip these pinwheels in!
Conclusion
These Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are the perfect balance of elegance and comfort, offering a rich, flavorful filling wrapped in tender, flaky salmon. Whether you’re preparing them for a special occasion or a cozy dinner at home, they’re sure to wow everyone at the table. So, roll up your sleeves, grab your salmon, and get ready to enjoy a dish that’s as fun to make as it is to eat!
Print
Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels
- Prep Time: 10min
- Cook Time: 15min
- Total Time: 25min
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking, Searing
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Stuffed Salmon Pinwheels are an elegant and flavorful dish perfect for special occasions. Tender salmon fillets are rolled up with a creamy filling of cream cheese, spinach, and herbs, then baked to perfection for a savory and indulgent bite.
Ingredients
– 4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
– 1/2 cup cream cheese, softened
– 1/4 cup cooked spinach, drained and chopped
– 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
– 1 tablespoon lemon zest
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 2 teaspoons garlic powder
– 1/2 teaspoon salt
– 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
– 2 tablespoons olive oil
– Lemon wedges for serving
Instructions
1. Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
2. In a small bowl, mix the cream cheese, cooked spinach, dill, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.
3. Lay the salmon fillets flat on a cutting board. Use a sharp knife to carefully cut a small pocket in each fillet, ensuring not to cut all the way through.
4. Stuff each fillet with the cream cheese mixture, spreading it evenly inside the pocket.
5. Carefully roll the fillets up to create pinwheels.
6. Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium-high heat.
7. Sear the salmon pinwheels for 2-3 minutes on each side until golden brown.
8. Transfer the skillet to the oven and bake for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through.
9. Serve with lemon wedges for an extra burst of freshness.
Notes
– You can use fresh spinach instead of cooked spinach if you prefer. Just sauté it briefly before using.
– For a richer flavor, add a little grated Parmesan cheese to the stuffing mixture.
– These pinwheels are perfect for a dinner party or special occasion, as they look impressive and are easy to prepare.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 pinwheel
- Calories: 280 kcal
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 26g
- Cholesterol: 75mg