Baked Salmon with Spinach: A Simple and Delicious Delight

When it comes to quick-and-easy weeknight dinners, Baked Salmon with Spinach is a total lifesaver. Seriously, you can whip it up in no time, and it’s packed with flavors that make your taste buds dance! Plus, there’s something so satisfying about preparing a healthy meal that feels like a treat. I love serving it on busy nights when I want something nourishing but don’t have hours to spend in the kitchen.

What Is Baked Salmon with Spinach?

This dish is all about the juicy, flaky salmon fillets nestled on a bed of vibrant, sautéed spinach. The combo makes for a perfectly balanced meal that’s not only delicious but also healthy. You get your omega-3s from the salmon and a bunch of vitamins from the spinach. What’s not to love? Imagine a colorful plate full of nutrients ready to give you all the good feels.

Ingredients Overview for Baked Salmon with Spinach

Here’s what you will need to create this tasty dish, along with some handy swaps that you can consider:

Salmon fillets: Fresh or frozen, just make sure to thaw if you’re using frozen.
Fresh spinach: You can even use baby spinach for a milder flavor.
Olive oil: A great healthy fat; feel free to sub with avocado oil if you prefer.
Minced garlic: Fresh is best, but jarred works too in a pinch.
Fresh lemon juice: Brightens everything up! If you’re in a hurry, bottled lemon juice is okay too.
Salt: Regular kosher salt will do, but sea salt adds a nice touch!
Pepper: Freshly cracked tastes better, but ground is perfectly fine.
Fresh herbs (dill or parsley): Both are delicious. Dill offers a more unique flavor, while parsley is classic.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Baked Salmon with Spinach

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Trust me, this is key to getting that perfectly cooked salmon.
Rinse and pat dry your salmon fillets and spinach. This keeps everything super clean and ensures even cooking.
Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium heat, add minced garlic, and sauté for a few seconds until fragrant. That aroma is everything!
Toss in the spinach and cook until wilted (2-3 minutes), then remove from heat. It will shrink quite a bit.
On a baking sheet, lay salmon fillets, drizzle with olive oil, season with salt, pepper, and herbs, and add a splash of fresh lemon juice. Make it look pretty!
Layer the sautéed spinach over the salmon. Just pile it right on top.
Bake for about 12-15 minutes or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork. You want it tender, not dry.
Serve with an optional squeeze of lemon. Because who doesn’t love a bit of zesty goodness?

Serving Suggestions

This dish is as versatile as it is tasty! Pair it with a side of quinoa or brown rice for a fuller meal. You could also serve it alongside roasted veggies or a refreshing salad. If you want to keep things light, serving it with lemon wedges and a simple green salad gives a refreshing contrast to the richness of the salmon and spinach.

Tips for the Perfect Baked Salmon with Spinach

Use fresh salmon for the best flavor, but don’t stress if you’re stuck with frozen; just make sure to thaw.
Adjust the garlic according to your preferences. If you’re like me and love garlic, feel free to add an extra clove or two.
The key to perfectly flaky salmon is not overcooking it. Keep an eye on it; it should flake easily but stay moist.
Experiment with herbs! Fresh basil could be a fun twist if you’re in the mood for something different.

Q&A Section

Can I use frozen spinach?
Absolutely! Just make sure you thaw it first and drain any excess water.

What should I do if I can’t find fresh salmon?
You can use canned salmon as a quick substitute, just heat it through when making the dish.

Can I make this dish ahead of time?
You can prep everything and keep it in the fridge. I recommend baking it just before serving for the freshest taste.

What’s the best way to store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Reheat gently in the oven or microwave.

Why You’ll Love It

You’ll fall head over heels for this dish! Not only is it wholesome and comforting, but it also plays a starring role in getting your daily veggies in a fun way. The salmon is rich and buttery while the spinach adds a beautiful, fresh touch. Plus, with just a handful of ingredients and simple steps, you can have a charming meal on your table without breaking a sweat!

What Went Down in the Kitchen

When I first tried out this recipe, I was nervous about the fish drying out. I played around with cooking times and found that checking for the flakiness really worked wonders for perfecting it. One time, I forgot to add my herbs until after baking – oops! But it turned out to be a happy accident because I just sprinkled them on top with the lemon juice and it blended beautifully. Cooking is all about having fun, right?

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