This creamy salmon dish with spinach and tomatoes is a delicious and comforting meal, packed with flavor and healthy ingredients. The rich cream sauce, combined with the tender salmon fillets, spinach, and sweet tomatoes, creates a satisfying dish that is perfect for any occasion.
Preparation, Cook, and Total Times
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
Cuisine: Mediterranean, Seafood
Ingredients
- 4 salmon fillets (500g or 1.1 lbs)
- 1 tsp salt (5g)
- 1/2 tsp black pepper (2g)
- 2 tbsp butter (28g or 1/8 cup)
- 12 cherry tomatoes, halved (200g or 1 1/3 cups)
- 2 garlic cloves, finely chopped (6g)
- 400g spinach (4 cups packed)
- 1 tsp dried spring onions (2g)
- 250 ml heavy cream (1 cup)
- 40g grated cheese (1/3 cup)
- 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese (6g)
Step-by-Step Cooking Directions
-
Prepare the Salmon:
Season the salmon fillets with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Set aside. -
Cook the Salmon:
In a large skillet, melt 2 tbsp of butter over medium heat. Once the butter is melted, add the seasoned salmon fillets to the pan. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and set it aside. -
Sauté the Tomatoes and Garlic:
In the same skillet, add the halved cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes, stirring occasionally. Add the chopped garlic and sauté for another minute, until fragrant. -
Cook the Spinach:
Add the spinach to the skillet, stirring until it wilts down, about 3-4 minutes. Season with 1 tsp dried spring onions. -
Prepare the Creamy Sauce:
Pour in 250 ml of heavy cream, stirring to combine. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, then add 40g of grated cheese and 1 tbsp Parmesan cheese. Stir until the cheese is melted and the sauce thickens, about 3-5 minutes. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary with salt and pepper. -
Combine the Salmon and Sauce:
Return the cooked salmon fillets to the skillet, spooning the creamy spinach and tomato sauce over the top. Let the salmon heat through for a couple of minutes, then remove from heat. -
Serve and Enjoy:
Serve the creamy salmon with the spinach and tomato sauce immediately. You can garnish with extra Parmesan or fresh herbs if desired.
Nutritional Information
- Serving size: 1 fillet with sauce
- Calories: 480
- Total Fat: 34g
- Saturated Fat: 18g
- Cholesterol: 115mg
- Sodium: 650mg
- Total Carbohydrates: 6g
- Dietary Fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 4g
- Protein: 40g
- Vitamin A: 80%
- Vitamin C: 35%
- Calcium: 20%
- Iron: 10%
The Origins and Popularity of the Recipe
This creamy salmon dish draws inspiration from Mediterranean cuisine, where fresh ingredients like fish, tomatoes, and greens are commonly used in rich, flavorful sauces. Salmon, being a healthy and versatile fish, pairs beautifully with the creamy sauce, making this dish a popular choice for weeknight dinners or special occasions. The combination of spinach and tomatoes adds a touch of freshness and color to the meal.
Reasons Why You’ll Love the Recipe
- Rich and Creamy: The heavy cream and cheese create a luxurious, velvety sauce that complements the salmon beautifully.
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights.
- Healthy and Flavorful: Packed with omega-3 fatty acids from the salmon and vitamins from the spinach and tomatoes, this dish is both delicious and nutritious.
- Customizable: You can switch up the vegetables or cheeses depending on what you have on hand, making it a flexible and adaptable recipe.
Health Benefits
- Rich in Omega-3s: Salmon is an excellent source of omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation.
- Packed with Vitamins: Spinach is a great source of vitamins A and C, which support immune function and skin health.
- High in Protein: The salmon fillets provide a generous amount of protein, which is essential for muscle building and repair.
- Calcium: The cheese in the sauce adds calcium, which is important for bone health.
Serving Suggestions
- With Rice or Quinoa: Serve this creamy salmon dish over a bed of rice or quinoa to make it a complete meal.
- With Roasted Vegetables: Pair the salmon with roasted vegetables like broccoli, carrots, or asparagus for a well-rounded dinner.
- With a Side Salad: A light green salad with a simple vinaigrette can balance out the richness of the dish.
- With Crusty Bread: Serve with a slice of crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.
Cooking Tips
- Don’t Overcook the Salmon: Be careful not to overcook the salmon. It should flake easily but still be moist and tender.
- Use Fresh Spinach: Fresh spinach wilts down nicely and provides a delicate texture. If using frozen spinach, ensure it’s fully thawed and drained.
- Adjust the Creaminess: If you prefer a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer. If you like it thinner, add a splash of milk or chicken broth.
Variations to Try
- Add Mushrooms: For an earthy flavor, sauté mushrooms along with the garlic and tomatoes.
- Use Different Cheeses: Feel free to experiment with different cheeses like feta, goat cheese, or a sharp cheddar for a unique flavor.
- Spicy Version: Add red pepper flakes or a chopped chili pepper to the sauce for a bit of heat.
- Herbs: Add fresh herbs like basil or dill to the sauce for a fragrant boost of flavor.
Conclusion
This creamy salmon with spinach and tomatoes is a simple yet elegant dish that’s full of flavor. The rich cream sauce, combined with tender salmon, fresh spinach, and sweet tomatoes, makes for a meal that’s both comforting and nutritious. Easy to prepare and customizable, it’s the perfect dish for a weeknight dinner or a special occasion.
10 Comprehensive FAQs
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Can I use frozen salmon?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon. Just be sure to thaw it properly before cooking. -
Can I make this dish without cream?
Yes, you can substitute the cream with half-and-half or even coconut milk for a lighter version. -
What if I don’t have cherry tomatoes?
You can use regular tomatoes instead. Just chop them into smaller pieces. -
Can I use other greens instead of spinach?
Yes, kale, Swiss chard, or arugula would also work well in this recipe. -
Can I add more vegetables?
Absolutely! You can add mushrooms, bell peppers, or even zucchini to the sauce for more texture and flavor. -
How do I know when the salmon is cooked?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and the flesh is opaque in the center. -
Can I make this dish ahead of time?
While the dish is best served fresh, you can make the creamy spinach sauce ahead of time and then cook the salmon just before serving. -
What should I serve with this dish?
Serve with rice, quinoa, roasted vegetables, or a simple salad for a complete meal. -
Can I make this recipe without cheese?
Yes, you can skip the cheese if you’re looking for a lighter version of the dish. -
Can I use non-dairy milk for the sauce?
Yes, you can substitute dairy milk or cream with a non-dairy alternative like almond milk or coconut cream.