Description
Delight in these elegant Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Stuffed Salmon Rolls, featuring tender salmon fillets wrapped around a creamy ricotta, fresh basil, and lemon zest filling, paired with crisp asparagus and a tangy lemon sauce. This recipe offers a flavorful, light, and nutritious meal perfect for a special dinner.
Ingredients
Scale
Salmon Rolls
- 4 skinless salmon fillets (6 oz each)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 cup asparagus spears (trimmed)
- 2 tbsp lemon zest
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves (chopped)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp olive oil
Lemon Sauce
- 1 cup vegetable broth
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C) and lightly grease a baking dish to prepare for baking the salmon rolls.
- Blanch Asparagus: Boil water and blanch the trimmed asparagus spears for about two minutes until just tender, then immediately transfer them to ice water to stop cooking and preserve their bright color.
- Prepare Ricotta Mixture: In a bowl, mix together ricotta cheese, lemon zest, chopped fresh basil leaves, garlic powder, salt, and pepper until smooth and well combined to create a flavorful filling.
- Assemble Salmon Rolls: Spread the ricotta mixture evenly over each salmon fillet. Place two to three blanched asparagus spears at one end of each fillet, then carefully roll each piece up tightly. Secure with toothpicks if necessary to maintain the shape.
- Bake Salmon Rolls: Arrange the salmon rolls seam-side down in the prepared baking dish, drizzle with olive oil, and season with additional salt and pepper. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 to 25 minutes until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Make Lemon Sauce: While the salmon bakes, combine vegetable broth and fresh lemon juice in a saucepan and simmer until slightly reduced and thickened to intensify the flavors.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks from the baked salmon rolls, plate them, and drizzle with the warm lemon sauce before serving for a delicious finish.
Notes
- Blanching the asparagus keeps it crisp and vibrant in color.
- Use fresh basil and lemon zest for the best aromatic flavor.
- To ensure salmon rolls stay intact while baking, secure them with toothpicks if needed.
- The lemon sauce is optional but adds a bright, tangy element that complements the richness of the salmon and ricotta filling.
- Adjust seasoning according to your taste, especially the salt and pepper.
