Foolproof Baked Salmon with Spinach in Just 15 Minutes

Okay, so, picture this: You’re staring into the fridge, it’s 6 PM, and the last thing you want is a complicated dinner. That’s when my baked salmon with spinach comes to the rescue! Seriously, it’s been my go-to healthy weeknight meal for, like, ever. I first threw it together when I was trying to impress a friend with my “cooking skills” (ha!), and it’s been a winner ever since. This easy peasy recipe combines the omega-3 goodness of salmon with the vitamin-packed punch of spinach, and trust me, it tastes way fancier than it is to make!

Why You’ll Love This Baked Salmon with Spinach Recipe

Listen, there’s a million fish recipes out there, I know. But *this* baked salmon with spinach? It’s special. Here’s why you’re gonna be obsessed:

• Ready in a flash: Seriously, we’re talking from fridge to table in under 20 minutes. Perfect for those crazy weeknights!
• Super healthy (but you’d never know it): Packed with protein, omega-3s, and a whole lotta vitamins from that spinach. You’re feeding your body good stuff!
• Flavor explosion: Garlicky, lemony, and perfectly seasoned. Each bite is just…mmm!
• Cleanup is a breeze: One pan, people! Less time scrubbing, more time relaxing.

Ingredients for Baked Salmon with Spinach

Alright, let’s talk ingredients! Nothing too crazy here, promise. We’re keeping it simple and fresh for our baked salmon with spinach. Here’s the lowdown on what you’ll need:

• Salmon Fillet: 1 pound, and honestly, skin on or off is totally up to you. I usually go with skin on ’cause I like how it crisps up a bit, but hey, do your thing!
• Fresh Spinach: 10 ounces. Make sure it’s washed, nobody wants sandy spinach!
• Garlic: 2 cloves, minced. And I mean *minced*. We want that garlicky goodness evenly distributed.
• Olive Oil: 2 tablespoons, extra virgin. This is gonna help everything get nice and flavorful.
• Lemon: 1, sliced thinly. These are going on top of the salmon, so make ’em pretty!
• Salt and Pepper: To taste! Don’t be shy, season it up!

How to Make Baked Salmon with Spinach: Step-by-Step Instructions

Okay, friends, time to get cookin’! This baked salmon with spinach is so simple, you’ll be amazed. Just follow these super easy steps, and you’ll have a delish dinner on the table in no time!

1. Preheat, baby, preheat! Crank that oven up to 400°F (200°C). Seriously, don’t skip this. A hot oven is key to perfectly cooked salmon.
2. Spinach bed: Grab your favorite baking dish and toss in that spinach. Spread it out evenly, like you’re tucking it in for the night.
3. Garlic & oil massage: Sprinkle that minced garlic all over the spinach. Drizzle with the olive oil. Now give it a little toss to make sure everything’s coated. This step is where the flavor magic starts!
4. Salmon throne: Place the salmon fillet right on top of the spinach. It’s like a little throne for your fishy friend.
5. Seasoning time! Sprinkle salt and pepper all over that salmon. Don’t be shy, but don’t go overboard either. Trust your taste buds!
6. Lemon love: Arrange those lemon slices prettily over the salmon. They’ll add a lovely zing and keep the salmon nice and moist.
7. Bake it ’til you make it! Pop that dish into the preheated oven and bake for 12-15 minutes. Keep an eye on it – you want the salmon cooked through, but not dried out. It should flake easily with a fork.
8. Serve it up! Carefully take the dish out of the oven (hot, hot, hot!) and serve that gorgeous baked salmon with spinach immediately. Mmm, enjoy!

Tips for the Best Baked Salmon with Spinach

Wanna take your baked salmon with spinach from “meh” to “OMG!”? Of course, you do! Here are a few little secrets I’ve learned along the way to make sure it’s perfect *every* time.

• Don’t you dare overbake it! Seriously, salmon goes from juicy to dry faster than you can say “fish sticks.” Keep a close eye on it!
• Fresh spinach is your friend. Frozen spinach works in a pinch, but fresh spinach wilts beautifully and adds a much better flavor.
• Seasoning is KEY. Don’t be afraid to experiment with different herbs & spices. A little garlic powder, a sprinkle of paprika… get creative!
• Lemon, lemon, lemon! Don’t skip the lemon slices. They add so much brightness and keep the salmon super moist. A squeeze of lemon juice after baking is also a great idea!

Variations for Your Baked Salmon with Spinach

Okay, so you’ve nailed the basic baked salmon with spinach recipe, right? Awesome! Now, let’s get a little adventurous! This recipe is super easy to customize to your own taste. Here are a few fun variations to try!

• Cherry Tomato Burst: Toss in a handful of cherry tomatoes along with the spinach. They burst in the oven and add a sweet, juicy pop of flavor. Seriously, it’s divine!
• Asparagus Upgrade: Add some asparagus spears to the baking dish. They cook right alongside the salmon and spinach, adding a lovely earthy flavor and some extra greens. Just make sure they’re tender-crisp!

Serving Suggestions for Baked Salmon with Spinach

So, you’ve got this amazing baked salmon with spinach… now what? Don’t just eat it straight out of the pan (tempting, I know!). It’s begging for a little company! I usually serve mine with some garlic roasted vegetables for an extra healthy and flavorful meal. Quinoa or rice also works great to soak up all those yummy juices. Or, you know, a simple side salad never hurts!

Frequently Asked Questions About Baked Salmon with Spinach

Got questions about baking salmon with spinach? Don’t worry, I’ve got answers! Here are some of the most common questions I get asked about this easy peasy recipe:

Can I use frozen spinach?

Okay, so, while fresh spinach is *always* my first choice (it just tastes better, ya know?), frozen spinach can work in a pinch. Just make sure you thaw it completely and squeeze out *all* the excess water before adding it to the baking dish. Nobody wants soggy salmon!

How do I know when the salmon is done?

This is the big one, right? You want that salmon cooked through, but not dry! The easiest way to tell is to gently flake it with a fork. If it flakes easily and is opaque throughout, it’s ready to go! If it still looks a little translucent in the center, give it another minute or two.

Can I make this baked salmon with spinach ahead of time?

Hmmm, I wouldn’t recommend making the *entire* dish ahead of time, as the spinach can get a little mushy. However, you *can* prep the ingredients ahead of time. Wash the spinach, mince the garlic, slice the lemon – get all that stuff out of the way. Then, when you’re ready to cook, it’ll come together in a snap!

What if I don’t have lemon?

Alright, so lemons really do add a great flavor! But, if you haven’t got any, a little squeeze of lime will do just fine! You could even add like a tiny splash of white wine vinegar if you’re feeling fancy!

Estimated Nutritional Information for Baked Salmon with Spinach

Okay, so just a heads up: all the nutritional info below is just an estimate! It really depends on the exact brands and ingredients you use, so don’t take it as gospel, alright?

Enjoy Your Delicious Baked Salmon with Spinach!

Alright, friends, that’s it! You’ve got all the secrets to making the perfect baked salmon with spinach. Now it’s your turn to get in the kitchen and give it a whirl! And hey, when you do, be sure to leave a comment below and let me know how it turned out! Bonus points if you share a photo on social media – tag me, so I can see your masterpiece! Happy baking!

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