Looking for an elegant dish that’s both impressive and achievable?
Want to serve something that combines visual appeal with gourmet flavors?
Stuffed salmon offers the perfect solution for your next dinner party or special meal at home.
You’ll find that these eight recipes transform ordinary salmon fillets into extraordinary culinary creations, each with its own distinct flavor profile and presentation style.
From Mediterranean-inspired combinations to Asian fusion options, these stuffed salmon variations will elevate your cooking reputation and leave your guests wondering about your secret techniques.
Spinach and Feta Stuffed Salmon With Lemon Herb Crust
This elegant yet simple stuffed salmon features a zesty lemon herb crust and creamy spinach-feta filling. Perfect for special occasions or a nutritious weeknight dinner.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
- 4 oz feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup breadcrumbs
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Cut a pocket in each salmon fillet.
Step 2: Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 30 seconds. Add spinach and cook until wilted, about 2 minutes.
Step 3: Remove from heat and mix in crumbled feta. Season with salt and pepper.
Step 4: In a small bowl, combine breadcrumbs, lemon zest, dill, parsley, and paprika.
Step 5: Stuff salmon fillets with spinach-feta mixture. Place on a lined baking sheet.
Step 6: Drizzle fillets with lemon juice, then press the herb crust mixture on top.
Step 7: Bake for 15-18 minutes until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 380 per serving
- Protein: 34g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Calcium: 20% DV
Mediterranean Olive and Sun-Dried Tomato Stuffed Salmon
This Mediterranean-inspired stuffed salmon combines the briny flavors of olives with sweet sun-dried tomatoes for a protein-packed meal that’s both elegant and simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and chopped
- 1/3 cup sun-dried tomatoes (not in oil), chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tsp dried basil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine olives, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, feta, lemon juice, 1 tbsp olive oil, oregano, parsley, and basil.
Step 3: Cut a pocket into each salmon fillet horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 4: Stuff each pocket with the Mediterranean mixture, dividing evenly between fillets.
Step 5: Brush the salmon with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Place stuffed fillets on the prepared baking sheet and bake for 15-18 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Garnish with additional fresh herbs if desired and serve immediately.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 28g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 410mg
Crab and Herb Cream Cheese Stuffed Salmon Fillets
This elegant seafood dish pairs flaky salmon with a rich crab and herb cream cheese filling.
Perfect for special occasions yet simple enough for weeknight dinners when you want to impress.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 8 oz cream cheese, softened
- 6 oz crab meat, drained and flaked
- 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh chives, chopped
- 1 lemon, zested and juiced
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, crab meat, dill, chives, lemon zest, half the lemon juice, and garlic. Mix until well incorporated.
Step 3: Cut a pocket in each salmon fillet horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 4: Stuff each pocket with the crab mixture, about 2-3 tablespoons per fillet.
Step 5: Place stuffed fillets on prepared baking sheet. Brush with olive oil and season with paprika, salt, and pepper.
Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Drizzle with remaining lemon juice before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 38g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sodium: 380mg
- Cholesterol: 145mg
Spicy Cajun Shrimp Stuffed Salmon Parcels
These flavor-packed salmon parcels combine tender shrimp with Cajun spices, wrapped in foil for a perfectly moist result.
Ready in under 30 minutes, they’re ideal for a quick weeknight dinner or special occasion.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 lb shrimp, peeled and deveined
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp Cajun seasoning
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
- 2 tbsp honey
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 400°F. Cut four large pieces of aluminum foil.
Step 2: In a bowl, combine shrimp, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp Cajun seasoning, bell pepper, onion, and garlic.
Step 3: Place salmon fillets on foil pieces. Cut a pocket in each fillet and stuff with the shrimp mixture.
Step 4: In a small bowl, whisk remaining olive oil, Cajun seasoning, lemon juice, and honey. Drizzle over stuffed salmon.
Step 5: Fold and seal foil to create parcels. Place on baking sheet and bake for 18-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
Step 6: Carefully open parcels, sprinkle with fresh parsley, and serve immediately.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 48g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 1g
- Sodium: 580mg
Garlic Mushroom and Wild Rice Stuffed Salmon
This elegant stuffed salmon combines earthy mushrooms, fluffy wild rice, and aromatic garlic for a restaurant-quality meal that’s surprisingly easy to prepare at home.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup cooked wild rice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 2 cups mushrooms, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 small onion, diced
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- ½ cup low-sodium vegetable broth
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add onions and cook until translucent, about 3 minutes.
Step 2: Add mushrooms and garlic, cook until mushrooms release moisture and become tender, about 5 minutes. Stir in wild rice, vegetable broth, dill, and half the lemon juice. Season with salt and pepper. Remove from heat and let cool slightly.
Step 3: Cut a pocket into each salmon fillet. Season inside and outside with salt, pepper, and paprika.
Step 4: Stuff each salmon pocket with the mushroom-rice mixture.
Step 5: Place stuffed salmon on a lined baking sheet, drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
Step 6: Bake for 18-20 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Garnish with fresh parsley before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 420 per serving
- Protein: 35g
- Carbohydrates: 22g
- Fat: 21g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 310mg
Middle Eastern Za’atar and Apricot Stuffed Salmon
This exotic salmon dish combines aromatic za’atar with sweet dried apricots for a perfect balance of Middle Eastern flavors.
A stunning centerpiece that’s surprisingly simple to prepare.
Ingredients:
- 2 lb salmon fillet, skin on
- 3 tablespoons za’atar spice blend
- 1/2 cup dried apricots, chopped
- 1/4 cup chopped pistachios
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh mint, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Place salmon on a cutting board and slice lengthwise down the middle, creating a pocket for stuffing (don’t cut all the way through).
Step 2: In a bowl, combine za’atar, chopped apricots, pistachios, garlic, cilantro, and mint. Add 1 tablespoon olive oil and honey, mix well.
Step 3: Season the salmon cavity with salt and pepper, then fill with the za’atar-apricot mixture, pressing gently to distribute evenly.
Step 4: Place stuffed salmon on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Drizzle with remaining olive oil and lemon juice.
Step 5: Bake for 18-22 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork but remains moist.
Step 6: Let rest for 5 minutes before slicing into portions. Serve with additional fresh herbs as garnish.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 320 per serving
- Protein: 29g
- Fat: 18g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 180mg
Coconut Curry Vegetable Stuffed Salmon Pockets
These fragrant salmon pockets combine the richness of coconut curry with fresh vegetables for a delicious, elegant dinner.
The flavors meld beautifully while baking, creating pockets of juicy goodness.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup mixed vegetables (bell peppers, zucchini, carrots), diced small
- 1/2 cup coconut milk
- 2 tablespoons curry powder
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 2 tablespoons fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. In a bowl, mix vegetables, garlic, ginger, curry powder, 1 tablespoon olive oil, and salt and pepper.
Step 2: Cut a pocket into each salmon fillet. Season inside and outside with salt and pepper.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk coconut milk and lemon juice. Add half to the vegetable mixture and combine.
Step 4: Stuff each salmon pocket with the vegetable mixture. Place fillets on a lined baking sheet.
Step 5: Drizzle remaining coconut mixture over salmon. Bake for 15-18 minutes until salmon flakes easily.
Step 6: Garnish with fresh cilantro before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sodium: 220mg
Honey Mustard Apple and Walnut Stuffed Salmon
This elegant stuffed salmon pairs the richness of fresh fish with sweet apples, crunchy walnuts, and tangy honey mustard for a sophisticated yet simple dinner option perfect for special occasions.
Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 medium apple, diced small
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 small shallot, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
Step 1: Preheat oven to 375°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Step 2: In a bowl, mix diced apple, walnuts, shallot, and 1 tablespoon dill.
Step 3: In a separate bowl, whisk together honey, mustard, lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon olive oil to make the dressing. Add half to the apple mixture and stir.
Step 4: Cut a pocket into each salmon fillet horizontally, being careful not to cut all the way through.
Step 5: Stuff each pocket with the apple-walnut mixture. Brush fillets with remaining olive oil and season with salt and pepper.
Step 6: Bake for 15-18 minutes until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Step 7: Drizzle remaining honey mustard dressing over salmon and garnish with remaining dill before serving.
Nutrition:
- Calories: 385 per serving
- Protein: 32g
- Fat: 22g
- Carbohydrates: 14g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 10g
- Sodium: 210mg
Final Thoughts
With these eight stuffed salmon recipes, you’ll transform your dining experience from ordinary to extraordinary.
When chef Michael Stevenson prepared the Crab and Herb Cream Cheese variation for his restaurant’s reopening, guests demanded it become a permanent menu fixture.
The precise balance of delicate seafood flavors, complemented by thoughtfully selected accompaniments, creates a culinary masterpiece that elevates your home cooking to restaurant-quality standards without demanding professional expertise.
