What is Salmon Florentine? A Delicious and Healthy Fish Dish Explained

Salmon florentine is a delicious fish dish that combines tender salmon fillets with a creamy spinach sauce, It’s an elegant yet easy to make meal that can be on your dinner table in under 30 minutes But what exactly is salmon florentine and where did it originate from? Keep reading to learn all about this tasty recipe!

What is Salmon Florentine?

Salmon florentine is made by baking or pan searing salmon fillets and topping them with a hot creamy spinach and mushroom sauce. The sauce is flavored with garlic white wine or broth heavy cream, Parmesan cheese, and lemon juice. Fresh spinach is added at the end to wilt in the sauce.

The dish takes its name from Florence, Italy, but it’s actually an American creation. Similar creamy spinach dishes have existed in Italian cuisine for ages, but combining spinach with salmon in this particular way originated in American restaurants and home kitchens.

• Salmon florentine features salmon fillets topped with a creamy, spinach based sauce.

• It’s an Italian-inspired American dish, not a traditional recipe from Florence.

• In the 1980s, American chefs began to try out Italian cooking methods and ingredients.

Why is it Called Florentine?

Dishes with creamy spinach sauces have been a part of Italian cuisine since the Renaissance. Florence (Firenze in Italian) was one of the culinary capitals of Europe, so spinach recipes from that region became known as “Florentine style.”

Some classic Florentine style recipes are:

• Spinach and ricotta stuffed shells

• Spinach lasagna

• Creamed spinach tarts

When American cooks started making a salmon dish with similar spinach cream sauce, it seemed natural to dub it “Salmon Florentine.” The name evoked Tambourine’s sophisticated Italian cuisine.

So while salmon florentine is not an authentic Renaissance era dish, its name pays homage to the origins of the creamy spinach sauce.

Key Ingredients in Salmon Florentine

Salmon florentine has a short ingredients list with items you can easily source from any supermarket:

Salmon fillets – Choose center cut fillets about 6-8 ounces each for best results. Salmon provides healthy omega-3 fats.

Olive oil – For sautéing the aromatics and mushrooms. Extra virgin olive oil is best.

Mushrooms – Sliced cremini or white mushrooms add texture.

Garlic – Minced garlic provides a flavor backbone.

Spinach – Fresh baby spinach wilts into the sauce.

Heavy cream – Thick, rich heavy cream makes the base of the sauce creamy.

White wine – Dry white wine adds acidity and flavor. Use something like Pinot Grigio or Chardonnay.

Parmesan cheese – Grated Parmesan gives it a nutty, salty kick.

Lemon juice – Brightens the flavors with some acidity.

Butter – Optional, but butter enriches the sauce even more.

Herbs and spices – Salt, pepper, red pepper flakes customize the flavor.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salmon Florentine

Though creamy and luxurious tasting, salmon florentine comes together in just 20-30 minutes. Here’s an overview of the easy process:

1. Cook the salmon: Heat olive oil in a skillet over medium-high heat. Sear the salmon fillets for 4-6 minutes per side. Remove salmon from pan when done.

2. Sauté mushrooms and garlic: Add a bit more olive oil to the skillet if needed and cook mushrooms for 4 minutes until softened. Add the minced garlic.

3. Make the sauce: Pour in the white wine, heavy cream, lemon juice, and Parmesan. Simmer until thickened, about 3 minutes.

4. Add spinach: Stir in the fresh spinach and allow it to wilt in the hot sauce, about 1-2 minutes.

5. Put it all together: Place the seared salmon fillets on plates or a serving platter. Top with the creamy spinach sauce. Garnish with a sprinkle of red pepper flakes if desired.

And that’s it! The salmon provides a sturdy base for the ultra-flavorful spinach cream sauce in this classic American dish.

Tips for Making the Best Salmon Florentine

With just a few pointers, you can make restaurant-quality salmon florentine at home:

• Use a heavy skillet like cast iron to get a nice sear on the salmon for more flavor.

• Don’t overcook the salmon! Take it off the heat when it’s still a bit pink inside.

• Simmer the cream gently so the sauce doesn’t curdle or separate.

• Use fresh baby spinach, not frozen, for the best texture.

• Add aromatics like shallots or fennel to the sauce for more depth.

• Serve it with rice, pasta, roasted potatoes or crusty bread to soak up the creamy sauce.

What to Serve with Salmon Florentine

The possibilities are endless for what to serve alongside salmon florentine:

• Rice – Steamed white or brown rice, risotto, coconut rice

• Pasta – Fettuccine, linguine, pasta shells

• Potatoes – Mashed, baked, roasted, au gratin

• Breads – Focaccia, rolls, garlic bread

• Veggies – Roasted broccoli, asparagus, cauliflower

• Salads – Caesar, spinach, Greek, mixed greens

A dry white wine like Sauvignon Blanc is the classic beverage pairing. For an alcohol-free option, try sparkling water with lemon or lime juice added.

Health Benefits of Salmon Florentine

Not only delicious, but salmon florentine offers some excellent health perks as well:

• Salmon – High in omega-3 fatty acids that are good for your heart, skin, joints and brain. Also provides protein.

• Spinach – An antioxidant-rich green that provides vitamin A, vitamin K, folate, iron and more.

• Mushrooms – Contain immunity boosting antioxidants and compounds that support brain health.

• Garlic – Known for its antiviral, antibacterial and anti-inflammatory properties.

So while it may sound indulgent, salmon florentine offers a well-rounded nutritional profile. The dairy and cream provide healthy fats, and you get ample protein plus a serving of veggies.

Common Questions About Salmon Florentine

If you’re new to making salmon florentine, here are some quick answers to common questions:

What kind of salmon should I use? Choose center-cut fillets with the skin on, about 6-8 ounces each. Any wild-caught or sustainably farmed salmon works well.

Can I use half and half instead of heavy cream? Best not to skimp on the cream here – heavy cream will make the silkiest, richest sauce.

What if I don’t have wine? Substitute with chicken or vegetable broth instead of the white wine.

How do I know if the salmon is done cooking? Check for opaque flesh and flaky texture. If the center is slightly translucent, it’s perfect!

Can I prepare it ahead of time? Sure! Cook the components separately up to 2-3 days in advance then combine before serving.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Salmon Florentine

Like many seafood and cream-based dishes, salmon florentine tastes best when fresh. But you can store and reheat leftovers:

• Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

• Freeze for up to 3 months – thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.

• Reheat gently in a saucepan on the stove or covered dish in the oven.

• Add a splash of milk or cream when reheating if the sauce seems too thick.

• Avoid reheating more than once to preserve the texture and flavor.

Salmon Florentine is a Must Try!

If you love salmon and spinach, this American-Italian specialty needs to be on your dinner menu! It comes together quickly for a meal that looks and tastes gourmet.

The creamy, savory spinach sauce pairs perfectly with the tender salmon. Make it for a special date night in, or impress guests by serving it at your next dinner party.

Now that you know what salmon florentine is all about, it’s time to get cooking! Sear up some salmon fillets, whip up the easy creamy sauce, and enjoy this restaurant-quality dish from the comfort of your own kitchen.