If you’re craving a dish that feels both luxurious and fresh, the Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls Recipe is about to become your new favorite. This vibrant meal combines tender salmon fillets wrapped around a delightful blend of creamy ricotta, zesty lemon, fragrant basil, and crisp asparagus for an irresistible harmony of flavors and textures. It’s elegant enough to impress guests but simple enough to whip up on a weeknight, making every bite a celebration of freshness and finesse.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients is the heart of this recipe, and you’ll be delighted by how each one plays a crucial role. From the rich creaminess of ricotta to the bright zing of lemon zest, every element is essential to build layers of taste, color, and texture that make these salmon rolls sing.
- 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each): Choose fresh, firm fillets for the best rolling and flavor.
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese: Adds a smooth, creamy texture that perfectly balances the salmon’s richness.
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped: Offers a fragrant, herbal pop that elevates the filling.
- Zest of 1 organic lemon: Introduces a bright citrus aroma and tang to lighten every bite.
- 8 asparagus spears: Provide a satisfying crunch and subtle earthiness inside the rolls.
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil: Ensures a smooth bake and adds a hint of fruity richness.
- Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasoning to bring all the flavors together perfectly.
How to Make Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Oven and Baking Dish
Start by heating your oven to 375°F (190°C). Line a baking dish with parchment paper or lightly grease it with cooking spray to prevent sticking. This simple step sets the stage for perfectly cooked salmon rolls that won’t lose any of their delightful fillings or juices.
Step 2: Blanch the Asparagus
Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, then quickly blanch your asparagus spears for exactly 2 minutes to keep them tender yet crisp. Immediately plunge them into ice water to halt cooking and preserve that vibrant green color, which adds such visual appeal to your rolls.
Step 3: Mix the Ricotta Filling
In a mixing bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, chopped basil, lemon zest, and season with salt and pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly blended into a smooth, aromatic filling that’s bursting with fresh flavors and creamy texture. This is the heart of your Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls Recipe.
Step 4: Assemble the Salmon Rolls
Lay the salmon fillets flat on a clean surface. Spread a generous layer of the ricotta mixture over each fillet, then place an asparagus spear at one edge. Roll the fillet tightly from the end with the filling, creating neat, elegant rolls packed with flavor and texture.
Step 5: Season and Drizzle
Arrange the salmon rolls seam-side down in your prepared baking dish. Drizzle with extra virgin olive oil and sprinkle with salt and freshly cracked pepper. This seasoning and olive oil layer ensures a succulent, beautifully browned finish during baking.
Step 6: Bake Until Perfection
Pop the baking dish into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes, just until the salmon is cooked through and the filling is warmed. You’ll want tender, flaky salmon encasing the creamy, zesty filling with a slight golden touch on top.
How to Serve Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls Recipe
Garnishes
Dress up your salmon rolls with fresh basil leaves or a light drizzle of lemon-infused olive oil for an elegant presentation. A sprinkle of finely grated lemon zest over the top adds an extra burst of citrus aroma that beautifully complements the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these salmon rolls with simple, fresh sides like a mixed green salad, roasted baby potatoes, or a quinoa pilaf tossed with herbs. These accompaniments are perfect because they won’t overpower the delicate flavors of the Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls Recipe but will add balance and heartiness.
Creative Ways to Present
For a wow factor at your next dinner, slice the rolls into thick pinwheels to showcase the colorful filling, then arrange them neatly on a platter. Alternatively, serve them whole with a small wedge of lemon on the side and a vibrant herb garnish to make your plate as stunning as it is delicious.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover salmon rolls in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two days. This helps retain their freshness and moist texture, making them perfect for a quick lunch or dinner.
Freezing
If you want to freeze the rolls, it’s best to do so before baking. Wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer-safe container. They’ll keep well for up to 1 month. When ready to eat, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat leftovers, place them in an oven-safe dish and warm at 325°F (160°C) for 10-15 minutes until heated through. This gentle reheating ensures the salmon remains tender and the ricotta filling stays creamy without drying out.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
Yes, you can use frozen salmon fillets if fresh isn’t available. Just make sure to thaw them completely and pat dry before assembling the rolls to ensure the filling sticks well and the cooking is even.
Is it necessary to blanch the asparagus beforehand?
Blanching the asparagus briefly helps keep it bright green, tender-crisp, and flavorful inside the salmon rolls. Skipping this step might result in tougher asparagus and less vibrant color.
Can I substitute the ricotta cheese for something else?
If you want a different texture, soft goat cheese or cream cheese can work in this recipe, though ricotta gives the best mild creaminess that complements the lemon and basil without overpowering the salmon.
How do I know when the salmon rolls are done baking?
Look for salmon that flakes easily with a fork and has an opaque color throughout. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) for perfectly cooked salmon.
Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time before baking?
Absolutely! You can assemble the rolls a few hours ahead, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and keep them refrigerated until ready to bake. This is great for saving time on the day you want to serve them.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly special about the Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls Recipe that makes it perfect for both casual dinners and special occasions. The combination of fresh ingredients, vibrant flavors, and elegant presentation will have everyone asking for seconds. Give it a try and bring some sunshine and sophistication to your table—you’ll be so glad you did!
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Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls Recipe
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4 salmon rolls (serves 4)
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Italian-American
- Diet: Low Fat
Description
These Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls are a delightful and elegant dish featuring tender salmon fillets filled with a creamy ricotta, fresh basil, and zesty lemon mixture, paired with crisp asparagus spears. Perfect for a healthy yet flavorful meal, this recipe combines fresh ingredients and simple preparation to impress at any dinner.
Ingredients
Salmon Rolls
- 4 skinless salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
- 1 cup whole-milk ricotta cheese
- ½ cup fresh basil leaves, chopped
- Zest of 1 organic lemon
- 8 asparagus spears
- 2 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and prepare a baking dish by lining it with parchment paper or lightly greasing it with cooking spray to prevent sticking.
- Blanch Asparagus: Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Blanch the asparagus spears by boiling them for 2 minutes until tender-crisp, then immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process and maintain their vibrant green color.
- Prepare Filling: In a mixing bowl, combine the whole-milk ricotta cheese, chopped fresh basil, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Mix until the ingredients form a smooth and flavorful creamy filling.
- Assemble Rolls: Lay the salmon fillets flat on a clean surface. Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each fillet, then place two asparagus spears at one end of each fillet. Carefully roll up the salmon from the end with the filling, encasing the asparagus inside.
- Season and Place in Dish: Place each salmon roll seam-side down in the prepared baking dish. Drizzle the rolls with extra virgin olive oil and season them with additional salt and pepper to taste.
- Bake: Bake the salmon rolls in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
Notes
- Use fresh, high-quality salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Blanching asparagus briefly keeps it crisp and colorful after baking.
- You can substitute whole-milk ricotta with part-skim ricotta for a lighter filling.
- Make sure to roll the salmon tightly to keep the filling secure during baking.
- Serve immediately for best taste and presentation.
