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This stuffed salmon recipe cooks in under 20 minutes and makes an easy, elegant dinner. It yields tender and flaky salmon with a creamy, cheesy spinach center.

★★★★★ REVIEW
“Just made it, along with twice-baked potatoes and broccoli. It was amazing…I was not a fan of salmon, but this one has made me a fan… Thank you for sharing…” – Joyce
Table of Contents
This cheese and spinach-stuffed salmon is one of my go-to dinners when I need something elegant and satisfying…but easy to make. From prep to plate, stuffed salmon cooks in just 20 minutes. It’s accidentally low-carb and full of flavor- Every bite features perfectly cooked, flaky fish with a creamy, cheesy spinach filling. It’s no wonder my family requested it every week!
I typically cook the salmon in the skillet, but I’ve included alternative cooking methods so you have options.
If you love cooking salmon like we do, try my salmon Wellington, salmon bowls, miso salmon, and coho salmon next.
Ingredients needed
- Salmon. I like to use skinless fillets of an even size and thickness for this recipe. Opt for thicker salmon, as it makes it easier to stuff.
- Olive oil and butter. We’ll use olive oil to rub into the salmon with the seasonings, and the butter to pan-fry them.
- Kosher salt and black pepper. To taste.
- Lemon juice. Finishing the salmon with a splash of lemon juice gives it a refreshing citrusy kick.
For the spinach filling.
- Spinach. I prefer using baby spinach as there is much less prep work than traditional English spinach. Of course, if that is all you have, that is fine. Frozen spinach also works, but you’ll need to thaw it first.
- Cream cheese and parmesan cheese. For crreaminess, richness, and flavor.
- Italian seasoning. I find the all-in-one mix adds extra flavor.
- Salt and pepper. To taste.
How to make stuffed salmon
This is an overview with step-by-step photos. Full ingredients & instructions are in the recipe card below.

Step 1 – Prep. Pat salmon dry, rub with olive oil, and season both sides with salt and pepper. Slice slits lengthwise.

Step 2 – Make the filling. Sauté spinach with a splash of water, drain, and add to a bowl. Mix in cream cheese, parmesan, Italian seasoning, salt, and pepper.

Step 3 – Stuff. Stuff salmon pockets with the cheese mixture and secure with toothpicks if needed.

Step 4- Cook. Heat butter in a non-stick pan and cook stuffed fillets for 6–7 minutes per side on medium heat.
Arman’s recipe tips
- The cuts in the salmon should be deep enough to fit some filling but not as deep as to cause the salmon to break. If anything, err on the side of caution.
- Use center-cut salmon fillets. The centerpieces of salmon are thicker and work well for stuffing.
- You’ll know the salmon is cooked once it reaches an internal temperature of 145F. Use a meat thermometer to check.
- Prepare the filling ahead of time. You can prepare the cheese filling up to 2 days in advance and store it in the fridge. Having the filling ready will make the dinner preparation even faster.
Storage instructions
To store. Transfer leftover salmon to an airtight container and store it in the fridge for up to 3 days.
To reheat. The best way to reheat leftovers is in the oven. Loosely cover the fish with foil and reheat it in the oven at 180C/350F for 5-6 minutes.
To freeze. You can also freeze leftovers too. Once the salmon cools, transfer it into an airtight container or bag and freeze it for up to 3 months. Defrost the salmon in the fridge before you reheat it.

Serving suggestions
If you are wondering what is good to eat with stuffed salmon, here are some of my family’s favorites that pair beautifully with it:
- Cauliflower mashed potatoes. It’s lower in carbs than traditional mash but just as rich and creamy.
- Air fryer baked potato. The best and quickest way to bake a potato.
- Sauteed brussels sprouts. Crisp, tender, and cooks up in no time.
- Cauliflower casserole. A truly impressive side dish to match the elegance of the salmon.
If you tried this stuffed salmon recipe or any other recipe on my website, please rate the recipe and let me know how it went in the comments below. It really helps others thinking of making the recipe.

Stuffed Salmon
Video
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets skinless
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 3 cups baby spinach
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1/4 cup parmesan cheese
- 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
- 2 tablespoons butter
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Instructions
- Pat dry the salmon fillets, then drizzle the olive oil over them. Season both sides with salt and pepper.
- Cut slits in the salmon lengthways, ensuring you don’t cut too deeply so that the salmon breaks.
- In a small saucepan, saute the spinach with one tablespoon of water until wilted. Drain the spinach, then add it to a bowl. Add the cream cheese, parmesan cheese, and Italian seasoning, and mix well.
- Stuff the salmon fillets with the spinach filling and if needed, use a toothpick to seal the ends.
- Add the butter to a non-stick skillet and place over medium heat. Once hot, add the salmon fillets and cook for dix minutes, flip, and cook for another six minutes Once the salmon reaches an internal temperature of 145F, drizzle with lemon juice and serve.
Super delicious and incredibly easy to make! Thank you for sharing!
So welcome, Lori!
Delicious
Gotta make this! Thank you so much for your work to bring great recipes!
How bout air fryer recipes??
Thx!!!
Tons on my website.
Just made it, along with twice baked potatoes and broccoli.. It was amazing…I was not a fan of salmon, but this one has made me a fan… Thank you for sharing…
Thank you, Joyce!