Italian Salmon Pinwheels (Mediterranean Style)
Italian Salmon Pinwheels are tender salmon fillets rolled with a creamy ricotta–spinach filling, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic, and fresh herbs. Baked until flaky and finished with lemon and basil, they look impressive but come together effortlessly. Perfect for dinner guests, holidays, or a cozy but special meal.
⏱ Time Required
Prep time: 20 minutes
Cooking time: 18–22 minutes
Total time: ~40 minutes
🛒 Ingredients
Salmon
4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 120–150 g each)
2 tbsp olive oil
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Zest of 1 lemon
Filling
¾ cup ricotta cheese (whole milk preferred)
½ cup cooked spinach, finely chopped & squeezed dry
¼ cup sun-dried tomatoes, finely chopped (oil-packed, drained)
¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 clove garlic, finely minced
1 tbsp fresh basil or parsley, finely chopped
½ tsp dried Italian seasoning
For Baking
2–3 tbsp marinara sauce or olive oil (optional but recommended)
Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Lemon wedges, for serving
👩🍳 Instructions
1. Prepare the Salmon
Preheat oven to 190°C (375°F).
Place salmon fillets between two sheets of parchment paper.
Gently pound with a rolling pin until evenly flattened (about ½ cm thick).
Season both sides with salt, pepper, and lemon zest.
2. Make the Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta, spinach, sun-dried tomatoes, Parmesan, garlic, herbs, and Italian seasoning.
Taste and adjust salt if needed.
3. Assemble the Pinwheels
Spread 2–3 tablespoons of filling evenly over each salmon fillet.
Starting from the narrow end, roll tightly to form a pinwheel.
Secure with toothpicks if needed.
4. Bake
Lightly grease a baking dish.
Spread marinara sauce or drizzle olive oil on the base.
Arrange salmon pinwheels seam-side down.
Brush tops lightly with olive oil.
Bake uncovered for 18–22 minutes, until salmon flakes easily.
5. Finish & Serve
Remove toothpicks.
Garnish with fresh basil and a squeeze of lemon.
Serve warm.
🌟 Tips for Best Results
Always squeeze spinach very dry to avoid watery filling.
Use fresh salmon, not frozen, for cleaner rolls.
If salmon cracks while rolling, don’t worry—pinwheels still bake beautifully.
For extra richness, add 1 tbsp cream cheese to the filling.
🍽 Serving Suggestions
With garlic mashed potatoes or lemon rice
Alongside roasted zucchini, carrots, or asparagus
With a simple arugula salad and balsamic dressing
Great with crusty bread to scoop the juices
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I prepare these ahead of time?
Yes! Assemble up to 1 day ahead, cover, refrigerate, and bake fresh.
Can I pan-sear instead of baking?
Yes—sear seam-side down first, then cover and cook gently until done.
Can I make it dairy-free?
You can replace ricotta with mashed white beans and olive oil.
Is this kid-friendly?
Very! Mild, creamy, and non-spicy—great for kids.
🥗 Nutritional Information
Calories: 390 kcal
Protein: 34 g
Fat: 26 g
Saturated fat: 7 g
Carbohydrates: 6 g
Fiber: 1 g
Calcium: 18% DV
Omega-3 rich