Name: Asparagus Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 25 min
Total time: 45 min
Ingredients: 4 fillets salmon (skinless, about 6 oz each); 8 spears asparagus (trimmed and blanched until just tender); 1 cup ricotta cheese (whole milk or part-skim); 1 tablespoon fresh basil (finely chopped); 1 teaspoon lemon zest (freshly grated); 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed); 1 clove garlic (minced); ¼ teaspoon salt (or to taste); ¼ teaspoon black pepper; 1 tablespoon olive oil (for drizzling); 2 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese (optional, for topping); 4 slices lemon (for garnish); 1 tablespoon fresh basil leaves (for garnish)

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Let’s be honest, weeknight dinners can sometimes feel like a culinary Groundhog Day. Same old recipes, same old routine. But what if I told you that you could break free from the mundane with a dish that looks like it belongs in a fancy restaurant but is secretly one of the best easy dinner recipes you’ll ever make? Enter the glorious world of Asparagus Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls. I know, it’s a mouthful to say, but trust me, it’s a delightful mouthful to eat.

I stumbled upon this concept while trying to find a new way to serve salmon and asparagus, a classic pairing that, let’s face it, can get a little boring. Roasting them on a sheet pan is great and all, but I was craving something with a bit more… pizzazz. These stuffed salmon rolls are the answer. They’re elegant, bursting with fresh flavors, and surprisingly simple to whip up. Perfect for a quick family meal or for when you want to impress guests without breaking a sweat. So, are you ready to elevate your seafood dish game? I thought so.

Why You’ll Absolutely Love This Salmon Recipe (Besides the Obvious)

Still on the fence? Let me paint a picture for you. Imagine tender salmon fillets, generously slathered with a creamy, zesty mixture of ricotta, fresh basil, and lemon. Now, picture crisp-tender asparagus spears nestled inside, all rolled up into a beautiful pinwheel. As it bakes, the salmon becomes incredibly moist, the filling turns into a luscious, savory cloud, and the asparagus adds a delightful crunch. It’s a symphony of textures and flavors that will have you reaching for seconds (and maybe even thirds, no judgment here).

But the deliciousness factor is just the beginning. Here’s why this salmon rolls recipe will become a staple in your kitchen:

It’s incredibly versatile. Don’t have basil? Try dill or parsley. Not a fan of asparagus? Green beans or even thinly sliced zucchini would work beautifully. The world is your oyster… or, in this case, your salmon roll.
It’s a nutritional powerhouse. Salmon is packed with omega-3 fatty acids, and asparagus is a great source of vitamins and fiber. So, you can feel good about indulging in this seemingly decadent dish.
It’s a visual stunner. These rolls look seriously impressive on a plate, making them perfect for special occasions or when you just want to treat yourself to something a little fancy.

Gather Your Arsenal of Ingredients

Before we dive into the nitty-gritty of creating these culinary masterpieces, let’s make sure you have everything you need. The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity; you won’t need any obscure ingredients that require a trip to a specialty store.

For the Salmon Rolls:

4 salmon fillets (about 5-6 ounces each), skinless: Try to get fillets that are relatively thin and uniform in thickness. This will make rolling them up a breeze.
1 bunch of asparagus, trimmed: Look for spears that are on the thinner side, as they’ll cook more quickly and evenly.
1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese: The creaminess of the ricotta is what makes the filling so luxurious.
1/2 cup grated Parmesan cheese: For a salty, nutty kick.
2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped: The fresh, aromatic flavor of basil is a game-changer.
1 lemon, zested and juiced: The lemon zest and juice add a bright, zesty flavor that cuts through the richness of the salmon and ricotta.
Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste: Because every dish needs a little seasoning.

For the Optional (but Highly Recommended) Lemon Butter Sauce:

2 tablespoons unsalted butter
1/2 cup chicken or vegetable broth
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 teaspoon of water (a slurry): This will help to thicken the sauce.

The Step-by-Step Battle Plan for Culinary Glory

Ready to roll? (Pun absolutely intended.) Follow these simple steps, and you’ll have a restaurant-worthy meal on the table in no time.

Step 1: Preheat and Prep

First things first, preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). While the oven is heating up, lightly grease a baking sheet or line it with parchment paper for easy cleanup. Trust me, you’ll thank me for this later.

Step 2: Create the Creamy Filling

In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, and lemon zest. Give it a good mix until everything is well combined. Season with a pinch of salt and pepper, but don’t go too crazy, as the Parmesan is already quite salty. Taste it and adjust the seasonings as needed. This creamy, fragrant mixture is the heart and soul of our stuffed salmon rolls.

Step 3: Prepare the Salmon and Asparagus

Lay your salmon fillets on a clean, dry surface. Gently pat them dry with a paper towel. This will help the filling adhere better. Season both sides of the fillets with a little salt and pepper.

Now, for the asparagus. You can either leave the spears whole or blanch them for a minute or two in boiling water. Blanching helps to retain their vibrant green color and gives them a head start on cooking. I’m usually too lazy for this extra step, and they turn out just fine. Your call.

Step 4: Assemble Your Masterpieces

It’s time for the fun part! Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. Don’t be shy here; you want a good amount of that creamy goodness in every bite. Place a few asparagus spears at one end of each fillet and gently roll them up. Secure each roll with a toothpick or a piece of kitchen twine to keep them from unraveling in the oven.

Step 5: Bake to Perfection

Carefully place the salmon rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the preheated oven and bake for 15-20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. The exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of your salmon fillets.

Step 6: Whip Up the Lemon Butter Sauce (Optional)

While the salmon is baking, you can whip up the optional lemon butter sauce. And let’s be real, is more sauce ever a bad thing? In a small saucepan, melt the butter over medium heat. Add the chicken or vegetable broth and lemon juice, and bring the mixture to a simmer. Whisk in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce has thickened slightly, which should take about 3-5 minutes.

Step 7: Serve and Devour

Once the salmon rolls are cooked to perfection, remove them from the oven and let them rest for a few minutes. Drizzle the warm lemon butter sauce over the top and garnish with some extra fresh basil, if you’re feeling fancy. Serve immediately and prepare for the oohs and aahs.

Pro-Tips for Nailing Your Salmon Rolls Every Time

Want to take your stuffed salmon rolls from great to absolutely divine? Here are a few of my favorite tips and tricks:

Don’t overcook the salmon. This is the cardinal sin of cooking fish. Overcooked salmon is dry and sad, and nobody wants that. Keep a close eye on it and remember that it will continue to cook a little bit after you take it out of the oven. An instant-read thermometer is your best friend here; the internal temperature should be around 120°F to 130°F for medium-rare.
Get creative with the filling. The ricotta, basil, and lemon combination is a classic for a reason, but don’t be afraid to experiment. Add some chopped sun-dried tomatoes, spinach, or even a little bit of feta cheese to the filling for a different flavor profile.
Pair it with the perfect side dish. These salmon rolls are fantastic on their own, but they also play well with others. Serve them alongside a bed of quinoa, some roasted potatoes, or a simple green salad. For a truly decadent meal, you could even serve them with a creamy pasta dish.

Let’s Talk Pairings, Shall We?

So, you’ve created these magnificent salmon rolls. Now what? You can’t just serve them with any old thing. This dish deserves a supporting cast that will complement its flavors without overshadowing them.

For a light and healthy meal, I love to serve these with a simple arugula salad dressed with a lemon vinaigrette. The peppery arugula is a nice contrast to the rich salmon. If you’re looking for something a bit more substantial, roasted baby potatoes with rosemary and garlic are always a winner. And, if you’re feeling particularly indulgent, a creamy Parmesan risotto would be an absolutely heavenly pairing.

As for wine, a crisp, dry white wine like a Sauvignon Blanc or a Pinot Grigio would be an excellent choice. The acidity of the wine will cut through the richness of the salmon and the creamy ricotta filling, cleansing your palate with each sip.

Final Thoughts on This Culinary Masterpiece

I think it’s pretty clear by now that I’m a huge fan of these Asparagus Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls. They’re a game-changer for weeknight dinners and a surefire way to impress your guests. This seafood dish recipe is more than just a meal; it’s an experience. It’s a testament to the fact that you don’t need to be a professional chef to create something truly special in your own kitchen.

So, the next time you’re staring into the abyss of your refrigerator, wondering what to make for dinner, I urge you to give this recipe a try. It’s one of the best easy dinner recipes out there, and I guarantee it will become a new family favorite. Who knows, it might even make you fall in love with cooking all over again. And if not, well, at least you’ll have a delicious meal to show for it. 😉