This Spinach Salmon Casserole is a delicious and nutritious meal that combines creamy cream cheese, tender salmon, and sautéed spinach topped with melted mozzarella. It’s quick, easy, and perfect for a weeknight dinner. The flavors meld beautifully in the oven, making it a comforting and satisfying dish. Whether you’re following a low-carb or keto diet, or just looking for a wholesome meal, this dish is sure to please.

Full Recipe:

Ingredients

• 4 individual slices of salmon fillets

• 8 oz cream cheese, softened

• 2 cups spinach, rinsed

• 2 tablespoons olive oil, divided

• 4 oz mozzarella cheese, shredded

• 3 cloves garlic, minced

• ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

• ½ teaspoon Italian seasoning (optional)

• Salt and pepper, to taste

Directions

1. Preheat the Oven: Position a rack in the center of the oven and preheat to 400°F (200°C).

2. Marinate the Salmon: In a small bowl, combine olive oil, garlic, Italian seasoning, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Coat the salmon fillets with this marinade and let them sit for 10-15 minutes while you prepare the other ingredients.

3. Wilt the Spinach: In a skillet, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add the spinach and cook until wilted, then set aside.

4. Assemble the Casserole: Spread softened cream cheese over each salmon fillet, layer with the wilted spinach, and sprinkle mozzarella cheese on top.

5. Bake: Place the assembled salmon fillets in the oven and bake for 20-25 minutes, until the salmon is cooked through and flaky.

6. Serve: Garnish with red chili flakes and parsley if desired. Serve warm with a side of cauliflower rice, roasted veggies, or a crisp salad.

Nutritional Information (estimated per serving)

• Calories: 350-400 kcal

• Protein: 35g

• Fat: 25g

  • Saturated Fat: 10g

• Carbohydrates: 5-7g

  • Fiber: 2g

• Cholesterol: 75mg

• Sodium: 500-600mg

• Potassium: 700-800mg

The Salmon: Tender and Flaky

The star of this casserole is the salmon, which provides a rich, tender texture and a naturally sweet, savory flavor. Salmon is an excellent source of high-quality protein and heart-healthy omega-3 fatty acids. It’s a fish that pairs well with a variety of seasonings, making it an ideal main ingredient for this casserole. When baked, the salmon becomes flaky and moist, with the cream cheese and spinach adding even more richness and flavor.

Marinating the salmon with olive oil, garlic, and Italian seasoning helps infuse it with aromatic flavors before it’s baked. The subtle seasoning complements the natural flavors of the salmon without overpowering them, allowing the fish to shine in the casserole.

The Spinach: Nutritious and Flavorful

Spinach is the perfect vegetable for this casserole, providing a mild, slightly earthy flavor that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the cream cheese and salmon. It’s also a nutritional powerhouse, packed with vitamins A, C, and K, as well as iron and fiber. Cooking the spinach in olive oil and garlic helps bring out its natural flavors, and it wilts down to a soft texture that adds a satisfying layer to the casserole.

The spinach not only enhances the dish with its flavor and texture but also adds a fresh, green contrast to the richness of the salmon and cream cheese. It’s a great way to incorporate more vegetables into your meal while adding both flavor and nutritional value.

The Cream Cheese: Rich and Creamy

Cream cheese serves as the base for the casserole’s creamy layer, creating a smooth and rich texture that perfectly complements the flaky salmon. When spread over the salmon fillets, the cream cheese helps lock in moisture, ensuring that the fish remains tender during baking. The cream cheese also melds beautifully with the spinach, forming a luscious, flavorful layer that elevates the overall dish.

You can use full-fat or reduced-fat cream cheese depending on your dietary preferences. Either way, the cream cheese provides a luxurious mouthfeel and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the richness of the salmon and the mozzarella cheese.

Mozzarella Cheese: Melty and Savory

Shredded mozzarella cheese is sprinkled on top of the assembled casserole before baking. As it melts, the mozzarella creates a golden, gooey layer that binds the ingredients together and adds a savory, cheesy finish to the dish. Mozzarella’s mild flavor complements the richness of the salmon and the cream cheese without overpowering the other ingredients. The melted cheese also provides a satisfying texture contrast to the tender salmon and soft spinach, making each bite more indulgent.

For a more robust flavor, you could experiment with other cheeses like Parmesan or cheddar, but mozzarella offers a classic, milder option that works well in this dish.

Assembling and Baking the Casserole

Assembling this casserole is straightforward and takes very little time. After marinating the salmon, you’ll spread a layer of softened cream cheese over each fillet. Next, the wilted spinach is added, followed by a generous sprinkle of mozzarella cheese. The assembled salmon fillets are then baked in the oven at 400°F (200°C) for 20-25 minutes. The high heat ensures that the salmon cooks quickly and evenly, becoming flaky and tender while the cheese melts and turns golden.

The result is a flavorful, comforting casserole with layers of tender fish, creamy cheese, and savory spinach, all brought together by the richness of the cream cheese and mozzarella. It’s a dish that feels indulgent yet is light enough to be enjoyed on a weeknight.

Nutritional Benefits

This Spinach Salmon Casserole is a protein-packed meal that offers a healthy dose of essential nutrients. Each serving provides around 35 grams of protein, which is great for muscle repair and growth. The salmon offers omega-3 fatty acids, which are beneficial for heart health and reducing inflammation. Spinach adds fiber, vitamins, and minerals, making this dish a well-rounded and nutritious option.

The dish is relatively low in carbohydrates (around 5-7 grams per serving), making it a great choice for those following a low-carb or keto diet. It’s also rich in healthy fats from the olive oil and salmon, with about 25 grams of fat per serving, including a moderate amount of saturated fat from the cream cheese and mozzarella. The fiber content of the spinach helps to balance the fats and makes the dish feel satisfying and filling.

If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can adjust the amount of salt used to season the dish, but keep in mind that the mozzarella cheese and cream cheese already contribute some sodium.

Serving Suggestions

This casserole is delicious on its own, but you can serve it with a variety of sides to make it a complete meal. For a low-carb or keto-friendly option, serve the casserole with cauliflower rice, which will absorb the creamy sauce and complement the flavors of the dish. You could also serve it with roasted vegetables like zucchini, asparagus, or bell peppers for added fiber and nutrients.

If you’re looking for a lighter side, a crisp salad with a tangy vinaigrette would provide a refreshing contrast to the rich casserole. You can also serve it with crusty bread for dipping, allowing you to enjoy every bit of the flavorful cream cheese and mozzarella sauce.

Conclusion

This Spinach Salmon Casserole is a satisfying, flavorful, and easy-to-make meal that’s perfect for busy weeknights or when you want to treat yourself to something comforting. The combination of tender salmon, creamy cheese, sautéed spinach, and melted mozzarella creates a dish that’s rich in flavor and nutrition. Whether you’re following a low-carb diet, looking for a wholesome meal, or just craving a comforting dinner, this casserole is sure to please. It’s a versatile dish that can be enjoyed with a variety of sides and is guaranteed to become a family favorite.