Description
Lemon basil ricotta salmon delivers a fresh, zesty seafood experience that brings Mediterranean flavors right to your dinner plate. Creamy ricotta and aromatic basil elevate this salmon to a restaurant-worthy meal you can easily create at home.
Ingredients
Scale
Proteins:
- 4 salmon fillets
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- ¼ cup grated Parmesan cheese
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 8 asparagus spears
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil
- Zest of 1 lemon
- Fresh dill or parsley
Seasonings and Oils:
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon capers
- Salt and pepper
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C) to ensure the perfect cooking environment for your salmon rolls.
- Carefully butterfly each salmon fillet by slicing horizontally, keeping one edge connected to hold the filling.
- Mix 1 cup ricotta cheese, lemon zest, 2 tablespoons chopped basil, salt, and pepper in a bowl until the mixture becomes smooth and well-combined.
- Place two asparagus spears at one end of each salmon fillet, creating a foundation for your filling.
- Spread approximately 2 tablespoons of the ricotta mixture directly over the asparagus spears, ensuring even coverage.
- Gently roll the salmon tightly around the asparagus and ricotta, creating compact cylinders.
- Secure each salmon roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to maintain its shape during cooking.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat for quick searing.
- Sear the salmon rolls for 1-2 minutes on each side until a light golden-brown crust develops.
- Transfer the seared salmon rolls to a baking dish, preparing them for final cooking.
- Bake the salmon rolls for 15-18 minutes, checking that they flake easily with a fork when done.
Notes
- Choose fresh, wild-caught salmon for the best flavor and texture in this dish.
- Ensure your ricotta is at room temperature to create a smooth, easy-to-spread filling.
- When rolling salmon, use gentle pressure to keep the filling intact and prevent tearing.
- If avoiding dairy, substitute ricotta with mashed white beans or a dairy-free alternative for a similar creamy texture.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 18-22 minutes
- Category: Salmon
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 24 g
- Saturated Fat: 6 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 5 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg