How to Make Delicious Baked Salmon Pinwheels

Elegant and tasty, salmon pinwheels are a great starter or main dish that doesn’t take long to make. Salmon fillets are wrapped around creative fillings like cheeses, fresh vegetables, and herbs in these savory rolls. Then they’re baked in the oven until perfectly cooked and browned.

I’ll show you how to make salmon pinwheels at home using simple ingredients and quick steps in this step-by-step guide. Let’s get started!.

Why Make Salmon Pinwheels?

Here are some of the benefits of whipping up a batch of salmon pinwheels

• They have an upscale, restaurant-quality appearance with minimal effort.

• The fillings add extra flavor and texture beyond just salmon.

• Baking them results in moist, tender salmon encasing the creamy fillings.

• You can prep them ahead of time and just bake before serving.

• Kids love the unique look and taste of these salmon rolls!

• The recipe is endlessly adaptable with different fillings and seasoning.

Tips for Prepping the Salmon

To yield tender, flaky pinwheels, it’s key to start with high-quality salmon fillets:

• Opt for wild-caught salmon if possible for better flavor and texture.

• Choose fillets that are about 1/2 inch thick so they’re easy to roll up.

• Look for uniform fillets without major thickness variations.

• Pat the fillets dry before assembling and seasoning the pinwheels.

• Only use fresh salmon, not frozen, which can turn mushy when baked.

Step 1: Pick Your Filling

The fun part about salmon pinwheels is customizing them with your favorite flavors. Here are some delicious filling ideas:

• Whipped cream cheese + chives + lemon zest
• Goat cheese + sundried tomatoes + basil
• Ricotta + baby spinach + garlic
• Caramelized onions + thyme
• Mushrooms + Parmesan + oregano

Mix up the ingredients until thoroughly combined. The filling should be easy to dollop and spread onto the salmon.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Take a large salmon fillet and carefully slice it lengthwise into long, thin strips about 1/2 inch wide. I find 4 long strips work well per fillet.

Season the strips lightly with salt, pepper, and any other spices you desire. Herbs like dill or rosemary are also delicious additions.

Step 3: Spread on the Filling

Lay a salmon strip flat on your work surface. Place dollops of the filling evenly down the length of the strip, leaving about 1/2 inch margin on the sides.

Use an offset spatula or knife to spread the filling across the salmon strip, covering it evenly from edge to edge.

Repeat with the remaining salmon strips and filling until all are prepared.

Step 4: Roll Up the Pinwheels

Starting at one end, roll up each seasoned salmon strip enclosing the filling inside. Roll tightly but be gentle to avoid tearing the salmon.

Place the rolled up pinwheels seam side down on a parchment-lined baking sheet. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes before baking to help them hold their shape better.

Step 5: Bake the Pinwheels

Preheat your oven to 400°F. Brush the tops of the chilled pinwheels with olive oil or melted butter. Season again if desired.

Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon is just opaque throughout and flakes easily with a fork. Baking time varies based on thickness of rolls.

Let pinwheels rest for 5 minutes before serving warm. Garnish with fresh herbs or edible flowers for a pop of color!

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

One benefit of salmon pinwheels is that they can be prepped in advance:

• Assemble pinwheels up to a day ahead and refrigerate until ready to bake.

• You can also freeze assembled, unbaked pinwheels for up to 3 months. Thaw before baking.

• Store leftover baked pinwheels in the fridge for 3-4 days. Reheat briefly before serving.

Recipe Adaptations and Add-Ins

Here are some easy ways to put your own spin on salmon pinwheels:

• Use cucumber, bell peppers, or zucchini for a refreshing veggie filling.

• Mix in crumbled bacon, caramelized onions, or roasted garlic.

• Top with toasted pine nuts or panko breadcrumbs before baking for crunch.

• Swap out salmon for thin fillets of halibut, cod, or rainbow trout.

• Brush pinwheels with maple syrup, brown sugar, or your favorite barbecue sauce in the last 5 minutes of baking.

Side Dishes for Serving

Salmon pinwheels pair beautifully with these light sides:

• Steamed asparagus or green beans

• Garlic mashed potatoes or herbed rice pilaf

• A fresh garden salad with vinaigrette

• Couscous or quinoa tossed with herbs

• Roasted root vegetables like carrots and parsnips

Serve pinwheels as an elegant starter for a dinner party, or make it a full meal by pairing them with your favorite sides.

Storing and Reheating Leftovers

Have leftover baked salmon pinwheels? Here are some storage tips:

• Allow pinwheels to cool completely before storing in an airtight container.

• Refrigerate for 3-4 days maximum. Freeze for longer storage.

• When ready to eat, reheat gently in the oven at 300°F for 10 minutes until warmed through.

• You can also reheat wrapped in a damp paper towel in the microwave.

• Avoid overheating or salmon can turn dry and rubbery. Just warm through.

The Health Benefits of Salmon

In addition to being delicious, salmon offers some stellar nutritional perks:

• Excellent source of anti-inflammatory omega-3 fatty acids that promote heart and brain health.

• High in muscle-strengthening protein – about 20g per 3oz serving.

• Loaded with B-vitamins like niacin, riboflavin and B12 for energy.

• Contains the antioxidant astaxanthin which has anti-aging effects.

So enjoy these savory salmon pinwheels guilt-free knowing you’re doing your body good!

Troubleshooting Common Pinwheel Problems

If your salmon pinwheels don’t turn out perfectly, try these fixes:

Problem: Pinwheels won’t stay rolled up.

Solution: Chill assembled pinwheels for at least 15-30 minutes before baking to help “set” the shape.

Problem: Salmon tears when rolling up.

Solution: Use a very sharp knife to slice fillets evenly into thin strips. Work slowly and gently.

Problem: Pinwheels dry out while baking.

Solution: Brush pinwheels with oil or melted butter before baking. Don’t overbake them.

Problem: Filling leaks out when cutting pinwheels.

Solution: Allow pinwheels to cool for 5 minutes after baking so the filling can set. Use a very sharp, thin knife to slice.

Smoky Maple-Balsamic Salmon Variation

Want to change up the flavors? Try this sweet and smoky marinade:

Ingredients:

• 3 tbsp maple syrup
• 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
• 1 tsp smoked paprika
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions:

Whisk together ingredients to make marinade. Place salmon strips in a baking dish, coat with marinade, and refrigerate 30 mins – 1 hour. Assemble into pinwheels and bake until done.

Baking up a batch of scrumptious salmon pinwheels is easier than it looks. With a simple assembly method, quality ingredients, and the right baking time, you’ll have restaurant-worthy appetizers ready in no time.

Feel free to get creative with different fillings and seasonings until you find your favorite combinations. Serve these elegant yet hearty salmon rolls at your next dinner party – guests will be impressed!