Description
Discover the perfect balance of flavors and nutrition with this Baked Salmon with Spinach and Mozzarella recipe. Tender salmon fillets are topped with garlicky sautéed spinach and melted mozzarella cheese, then baked to golden perfection. A simple yet elegant dish that’s quick to prepare and sure to impress.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon and Toppings
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 2 cups fresh spinach, washed and chopped
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella cheese
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon dried Italian herbs (optional)
For Serving
- Lemon wedges (optional)
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Set your oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure it reaches the right temperature for baking the salmon perfectly.
- Prepare Baking Dish: Lightly grease a baking dish with olive oil to prevent the salmon from sticking during baking.
- Sauté Spinach and Garlic: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add minced garlic and sauté for about 30 seconds until fragrant. Then add chopped spinach and cook until wilted, approximately 2-3 minutes. Remove from heat.
- Season Salmon: Place the salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle them evenly with lemon juice and season with salt, black pepper, and dried Italian herbs, if using, for added flavor.
- Add Spinach Layer: Evenly spread the sautéed spinach over each salmon fillet, ensuring every piece is well-covered for a fresh, savory layer.
- Top with Mozzarella: Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese evenly on top of the spinach-covered salmon fillets for a rich, melty finish.
- Bake Salmon: Place the baking dish in the preheated oven and bake for 20-25 minutes until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and the cheese is bubbly and golden brown.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the dish from the oven and allow the salmon to rest for a few minutes to let the juices settle. Serve warm with lemon wedges if desired for a fresh citrus touch.
Notes
- Make sure not to overcook the salmon; it should flake easily but remain moist.
- For a stronger garlic flavor, you can increase the garlic to 3 cloves.
- Dried Italian herbs are optional but add a lovely aromatic touch.
- Serve with a side of steamed vegetables or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days and reheated gently.
