Baked Salmon with Spinach Mozzarella

This easy baked salmon with spinach and mozzarella blends fresh salmon with a creamy spinach base and a golden bubbly cheese topping for a healthy and satisfying dinner. The combination of tender fish, flavorful greens, and melted mozzarella offers a comforting meal that's both simple and impressive.

I first tried this recipe when craving something wholesome yet indulgent. The way the cheese bubbles over seawarmed salmon instantly became a favorite for family dinners.

Ingredients

• Salmon fillets: two pieces fresh and firm for best texture toasted lightly to lock in moisture
• Salt and pepper: to taste enhances the natural flavors of the fish
• Spinach: three hundred grams thawed and drained to avoid excess moisture and maintain creaminess
• Onion: one medium sliced for sweetness that complements the spinach
• Garlic: two cloves minced to add aromatic depth without overpowering
• Sour cream: two hundred grams stirred into spinach for a smooth, tangy richness
• Mozzarella: one hundred fifty grams shredded or sliced to create a golden melted topping
• Olive oil: one tablespoon for sautéing and a subtle fruity finish choose extra virgin if possible for quality

Step-by-Step Instructions

Sauté the Aromatics:

In a medium skillet over medium heat pour olive oil and warm until it just shimmers. Add the sliced onions and cook for three to four minutes, stirring regularly until they soften and become translucent. Follow with minced garlic and cook for another thirty seconds until fragrant but not browned.

Cook the Spinach:

Add the thawed and thoroughly drained spinach to the skillet. Stir gently and cook for two to three minutes until heated through and most moisture has evaporated. Season the mixture with salt and pepper, remove from heat, then fold in the sour cream until everything is creamy and evenly combined.

Prepare the Salmon:

Preheat your oven to one seventy five degrees Celsius (about three hundred forty-seven degrees Fahrenheit). While the oven heats, pat the salmon fillets dry and sprinkle salt and pepper generously on both sides. In a separate pan over medium heat, sear each side of the salmon for roughly two minutes each side to seal in juices without cooking the fish through completely.

Assemble the Dish:

Lightly grease a baking dish and place the salmon fillets skin side down. Spread the creamy spinach mixture evenly over each fillet, then sprinkle the mozzarella cheese over the top to cover. Place the dish in the oven and bake for fifteen to twenty minutes. The salmon should be opaque and flake easily, and the cheese should turn golden and bubbly.

Rest and Serve:

Remove the dish from the oven and allow it to rest for two minutes before serving. This helps the juices settle. Plate the salmon with a generous scoop of the creamy spinach mixture alongside, enjoying the blend of flavors and textures.

Save

This recipe captures my favorite ingredient the spinach because it makes the dish feel fresh and light yet luxurious. A memorable moment was sharing this meal on a chilly evening when everyone insisted on seconds because the cheesy topping was irresistible.

Storage Tips

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. Reheat gently in the oven to preserve the texture of the salmon and prevent the spinach from drying out.

Ingredient Substitutions

You can swap sour cream for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and add tang. If mozzarella is not available, try provolone or fontina for a different but delicious melt. Baby kale or chard can stand in for spinach if preferred.

Serving Suggestions

Pairs wonderfully with a simple lemon wedge, steamed new potatoes, or a crisp mixed green salad. A light white wine such as Sauvignon Blanc complements this meal perfectly.

Cultural Context

Baked salmon with greens is a comforting dish found in many cuisines but sees a fresh twist here with creamy spinach and classic mozzarella, bridging simple home cooking with elegant flavors.

Recipe FAQs

→ How do you keep the salmon moist during cooking?

Searing the salmon briefly on each side before baking helps seal in moisture. Avoid overcooking by baking until just opaque and flaky.

→ What’s the best way to prepare the spinach mixture?

Sauté the spinach with onions and garlic until wilted and fragrant, then mix in sour cream for a creamy texture that complements the salmon.

→ Can I use different cheeses instead of mozzarella?

Yes, try cheeses like fontina or gouda for a different flavor profile and similar melting qualities.

→ What temperature should the oven be set to?

Preheat the oven to 175°C (347°F) to ensure gentle baking that cooks the salmon thoroughly without drying the cheese topping.

→ Is this dish suitable for a quick weeknight dinner?

Absolutely, with about 40 minutes total time and straightforward steps, it’s ideal for a nutritious and flavorful meal any day.