Description
Grilled Salmon with Spinach & Cheese
This delicious grilled salmon, paired with creamy spinach and melted cheese, is a perfect blend of flavors. The crispy skin of the salmon and the rich, savory filling create a satisfying meal that’s healthy yet indulgent.
Ingredients:
4 salmon fillets (6 oz each)
2 cups fresh spinach
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 teaspoon garlic powder
Salt and pepper to taste
1 tablespoon butter
Instructions:
Prepare the Spinach: In a pan, heat butter over medium heat. Add the fresh spinach and sauté until wilted, about 3-4 minutes. Season with salt, pepper, and garlic powder. Set aside.
Cook the Salmon: Preheat your grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Drizzle olive oil over the salmon fillets and season with salt and pepper. Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes on each side until golden and cooked through, with crispy skin.
Assemble the Dish: Once the salmon is cooked, top each fillet with a generous portion of sautéed spinach. Sprinkle shredded mozzarella cheese over the spinach.
Melt the Cheese: Return the salmon to the grill or place it in a hot oven for 2-3 minutes to melt the cheese over the spinach.
Serve hot and enjoy the perfect combination of crispy salmon, creamy spinach, and melted cheese!
Step-by-Step Guide
For perfect results, follow this detailed guide. Begin by patting your salmon fillets completely dry with a paper towel; this is crucial for achieving crispy skin. Next, preheat your grill or a heavy skillet (like cast iron) over medium-high heat. While it heats, prepare the spinach filling. In your pan, melt the butter and sauté the spinach just until wilted. Immediately transfer it to a bowl to stop the cooking and mix in half of the shredded cheese while the spinach is still warm. Season the dry salmon fillets generously with salt, pepper, and garlic powder just before cooking. Place the salmon skin-side down on the hot grill or skillet. Do not move it for 4-5 minutes to allow the skin to crisp. Carefully flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Remove from heat, top with the spinach-cheese mixture, and sprinkle the remaining cheese on top.
Serving Suggestions
This rich and flavorful dish pairs beautifully with lighter sides. Serve it alongside a fresh lemon-dill orzo pasta, a simple arugula salad with a lemon vinaigrette, or roasted asparagus. For a low-carb option, cauliflower rice or zucchini noodles are excellent choices. A wedge of lemon on the plate is essential for a bright, finishing squeeze over the salmon.
How-to Summary
To summarize: Dry the salmon, season, and cook skin-side down first for 4-5 minutes until crispy. Flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes. Sauté spinach in butter, mix with half the cheese, and spoon onto the cooked fillets. Top with remaining cheese and melt under a broiler or covered grill for 2-3 minutes.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use frozen spinach? Yes, but ensure it is thoroughly thawed and squeezed completely dry of all excess moisture to prevent a soggy topping.
What if I don’t have a grill? A stovetop skillet (preferably cast iron) works perfectly. For the melting step, you can briefly place the skillet under your oven’s broiler.
Can I use a different cheese? Absolutely. Feta, goat cheese, or a sharp cheddar are delicious alternatives that will change the flavor profile nicely.
How do I know when the salmon is done? The salmon is cooked when it flakes easily with a fork and has an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C). It will also become more opaque in color.
Is it necessary to keep the skin on? While the crispy skin adds great texture, you can use skinless fillets. Adjust cooking time slightly as they may cook faster.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Avoid these pitfalls for the best dish: Do not overcrowd the pan when cooking the salmon, as this steams the fish instead of searing it. Do not skip drying the salmon fillets, as moisture is the enemy of crispy skin. Do not overcook the spinach initially; it should be just wilted, not mushy, as it will cook further when the cheese melts. Finally, do not add the cheese topping too early, or it will burn before the salmon is fully cooked.
Conclusion
This Grilled Salmon with Spinach & Cheese is a restaurant-quality meal that is deceptively simple to make at home. By following the detailed steps and avoiding common errors, you can consistently create a dish with impressive textures and a luxurious, creamy topping. It’s a versatile recipe that proves healthy eating can be deeply satisfying and indulgent. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or for impressing guests with minimal effort.