Mediterranean Creamy Spinach-Stuffed Salmon with Garlic Shrimp, Asparagus
A restaurant-style Mediterranean dinner that’s surprisingly simple at home. Flaky salmon is stuffed with a creamy spinach mixture, topped with lemony garlic shrimp, and paired with roasted asparagus. Serving it over warm white rice turns it into a complete, satisfying meal. This dish is elegant enough for entertaining but quick enough for a weeknight.
Prep Time
15 minutes
Cook Time
25–30 minutes
Total Time
40–45 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
Spinach-Stuffed Salmon
4 salmon fillets, skin on
2 cups fresh spinach, chopped
3 tablespoons cream cheese
2 tablespoons grated Parmesan
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon dried oregano or Italian seasoning
1 teaspoon lemon zest
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Garlic Shrimp
12–16 medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
1 tablespoon olive oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon paprika
Salt and pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
Roasted Asparagus
1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
1 tablespoon olive oil
Salt and pepper, to taste
½ teaspoon garlic powder
Optional: lemon wedges for serving
Base
2 cups cooked white rice (warm)
Instructions
Prepare the Spinach Filling
Heat olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Add garlic and cook until fragrant. Stir in chopped spinach and cook until wilted. Remove from heat and mix in cream cheese, Parmesan, oregano, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Set aside.
Prepare the Salmon
Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
Cut a slit down the center of each salmon fillet to create a pocket. Spoon the spinach mixture into each pocket. Place fillets on a lined baking sheet.
Roast the Salmon
Drizzle a little olive oil over the fillets. Roast for 15–18 minutes, or until salmon flakes easily with a fork.
Roast the Asparagus
Toss asparagus with olive oil, garlic powder, salt, and pepper. Roast on a separate tray or alongside the salmon for 10–12 minutes until crisp-tender.
Cook the Garlic Shrimp
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add garlic and paprika. Add shrimp and cook 2–3 minutes per side until pink and opaque. Stir in lemon juice and parsley.
Assemble the Dish
Place a serving of warm cooked white rice on each plate. Top with a stuffed salmon fillet, spoon the garlic shrimp over it, and add roasted asparagus on the side. Serve with lemon wedges.
Tips
Pat salmon dry before cutting pockets for easier handling.
Don’t overstuff the salmon; too much filling can spill.
Room-temperature cream cheese mixes more smoothly with spinach.
Cook shrimp quickly to keep it tender; add garlic at the end to prevent burning.
Roast asparagus on high heat to retain crispness.
Brush extra olive oil over salmon halfway through baking for more moisture.
For extra flavor, drizzle pan juices over the rice before serving.
Variations
Cheese Swap: Use feta or mozzarella instead of Parmesan.
Greens Swap: Use kale or Swiss chard instead of spinach.
Spicy Twist: Add crushed red pepper to shrimp or sprinkle paprika on salmon.
Tomato Boost: Roast cherry tomatoes with asparagus for extra sweetness.
Creamy Sauce: After cooking shrimp, add a splash of cream to the pan and pour over salmon and rice.
Grain Alternatives: Swap rice for quinoa or brown rice.
FAQ
Can I use frozen salmon or shrimp?
Yes, but thaw completely and pat dry before cooking.
Can I make the filling ahead?
Yes, up to a day in advance. Keep chilled until use.
How do I know the salmon is done?
It should flake easily and reach an internal temperature of ~145°F.
Can I air fry it?
Yes. Cook salmon at 370°F for 10–12 minutes and asparagus separately.
Can I prepare this for meal prep?
Yes. Keep shrimp, salmon, asparagus, and rice in separate containers. Add shrimp and salmon fresh or reheat gently.
What can I serve with it?
It’s complete with the rice, but a simple side salad works well for extra greens.
Nutrition (Approx. per serving)
Calories: 580
Protein: 47 g
Carbs: 28 g
Fat: 32 g
Fiber: 4 g
Sodium: varies with seasoning and cheese
Conclusion
This Mediterranean creamy spinach-stuffed salmon with garlic shrimp and asparagus over white rice is a vibrant, balanced meal. The creamy, cheesy filling elevates the salmon, while garlic shrimp adds brightness and flavor. Roasted asparagus and warm rice complete the plate, making it filling and nutritious. It’s an elegant, healthy, and approachable Mediterranean-style dinner perfect for weeknights or special occasions.