This Baked Salmon Florentine is simple to prepare yet packed with gourmet flavor. The creamy spinach topping complements the buttery, flaky salmon beautifully. It’s a balanced meal that feels indulgent without being heavy. Plus, it’s a great way to include more greens and healthy fats in your diet without sacrificing taste.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
Salmon fillets, skinless or skin-on
Fresh baby spinach
Garlic, minced
Shallots or onion, finely chopped
Cream cheese or heavy cream
Grated Parmesan cheese
Olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper
Lemon juice
Nutmeg (optional, for added warmth)
Mozzarella or shredded cheese (optional topping)
Directions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
In a skillet over medium heat, add olive oil or butter and sauté the chopped shallots (or onion) until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add the spinach and cook until wilted. Drain any excess moisture.
Stir in cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream and Parmesan. Mix until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and a pinch of nutmeg if using.
Place salmon fillets in a lightly greased baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and a squeeze of lemon juice.
Spoon the creamy spinach mixture over each salmon fillet. Top with a bit of shredded mozzarella if desired.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and is cooked through.
Serve hot, optionally garnished with fresh herbs or an extra squeeze of lemon.
Servings and timing
This recipe serves 4 people. Prep time is about 15 minutes, and bake time is approximately 20 minutes.
Variations
Low-Dairy Option: Use dairy-free cream cheese or coconut cream and skip the cheese topping.
Keto-Friendly: Keep it low-carb by serving with cauliflower mash or roasted vegetables.
Add Mushrooms: Sauté sliced mushrooms with the spinach for more depth of flavor.
Extra Herbs: Mix fresh basil or dill into the spinach mixture for added freshness.
Crust Option: Top with a mixture of breadcrumbs and Parmesan for a golden crust.
Storage/Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently in the oven at 300°F (150°C) until warmed through, or microwave in short intervals. Avoid overheating to keep the salmon tender and the sauce creamy.
Freezing is not recommended, as the creamy spinach topping may separate upon reheating.
FAQs
What does “Florentine” mean in cooking?
“Florentine” refers to dishes prepared with spinach in the style of Florence, Italy. In this case, the salmon is topped with a creamy spinach mixture.
Can I use frozen spinach?
Yes, just thaw it completely and squeeze out all excess water before using it in the recipe to avoid a watery topping.
Do I have to use cream cheese?
No, you can use heavy cream, mascarpone, or a béchamel-style white sauce as an alternative.
How do I know when the salmon is done?
The salmon is done when it flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Can I use skin-on salmon?
Yes, just place the fillets skin-side down. The skin helps retain moisture during baking.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Yes, it’s naturally gluten-free as long as no breadcrumbs or flour-based thickeners are added.
What can I serve with Salmon Florentine?
Great side options include rice, mashed potatoes, roasted vegetables, or a simple green salad.
Can I prepare this dish ahead of time?
You can prepare the spinach topping ahead and refrigerate. Assemble and bake the dish just before serving for best results.
What type of salmon should I use?
Fresh Atlantic, Coho, or King salmon are ideal. You can also use frozen fillets—just thaw them completely before cooking.
Can I add cheese on top?
Yes, a sprinkle of mozzarella, Parmesan, or even Gruyère cheese adds a delicious melty finish.
Conclusion
Baked Salmon Florentine is a flavorful, creamy, and satisfying dish that looks impressive but is simple enough for any night of the week. With its nutrient-rich spinach topping and tender salmon, it’s a wholesome meal that doesn’t skimp on indulgence. Whether you’re cooking for guests or just treating yourself, this dish delivers elegance and comfort in every bite.
Baked Salmon Florentine is a flavorful and elegant dish featuring tender salmon fillets topped with a creamy spinach and garlic sauce. It’s a simple, healthy, and indulgent meal perfect for weeknights or special occasions.
Author:Catherine
Prep Time:15 minutes
Cook Time:20 minutes
Total Time:35 minutes
Yield:4 servings
Category:Main Dish
Method:Baking
Cuisine:Italian-Inspired
Diet:Gluten Free
Ingredients
4 salmon fillets (skinless or skin-on)
4 cups fresh baby spinach
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 shallot or 1/4 onion, finely chopped
3 oz cream cheese or 1/4 cup heavy cream
1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
1 tablespoon olive oil or butter
Salt and black pepper, to taste
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/8 teaspoon ground nutmeg (optional)
1/2 cup shredded mozzarella cheese (optional topping)
Instructions
Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C). Lightly grease a baking dish.
In a skillet over medium heat, heat olive oil or butter. Add chopped shallots and sauté until translucent.
Add minced garlic and cook for 1 minute until fragrant.
Add spinach and cook until wilted. Drain any excess liquid.
Stir in cream cheese or heavy cream and Parmesan cheese. Mix until creamy. Season with salt, pepper, and nutmeg (if using).
Place salmon fillets in the prepared baking dish. Season with salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
Spoon the spinach mixture evenly over the salmon fillets. Top with shredded mozzarella if using.
Bake uncovered for 15–20 minutes, or until the salmon flakes easily with a fork and reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
Serve hot, optionally garnished with extra lemon juice or fresh herbs.
Notes
Use thawed frozen spinach if needed—just squeeze out all excess water.For a low-dairy version, use dairy-free cream cheese and skip the cheese topping.Add sautéed mushrooms to the spinach mixture for extra flavor.Serve with rice, mashed potatoes, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.Prepare the spinach topping in advance and refrigerate to save time at dinner.
