Description
Fresh, zesty, flaky Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls – a light, flavorful, elegant appetizer or lunch perfect for spring, summer, or entertaining.
Ingredients
Scale
For the Salmon Rolls
- 4 skinless salmon fillets, sliced thin lengthwise for rolling
- 1 bunch asparagus, trimmed
For the Filling
- ½ cup ricotta or cream cheese
- Zest and juice of 1 lemon
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, chopped (plus more for garnish)
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
For Baking
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or melted butter
Instructions
- Blanch the asparagus: Bring a pot of water to a boil and add the trimmed asparagus. Cook for 2 minutes, then immediately transfer the asparagus to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Drain and set aside.
- Prepare the cheese filling: In a medium bowl, combine the ricotta or cream cheese with lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh basil, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt and black pepper. Mix until smooth and well combined.
- Assemble the salmon rolls: Lay each salmon fillet slice flat. Spread an even layer of the cheese mixture over the surface of the salmon. Place an asparagus spear at one end and roll up tightly to encase the asparagus and filling.
- Brush and arrange: Gently brush each rolled salmon piece with olive oil or melted butter. Place the rolls seam-side down in a lightly greased baking dish.
- Bake: Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Bake the salmon rolls for 10-12 minutes, or until the salmon is just cooked through and opaque.
- Garnish and serve: Remove the baking dish from the oven and let the salmon rolls cool slightly. Garnish with additional fresh basil and serve warm, or refrigerate and enjoy chilled.
Notes
- You can substitute the ricotta with cream cheese for a richer filling.
- For extra flavor, try adding a sprinkle of grated Parmesan to the cheese mixture.
- The salmon rolls can be made ahead and served chilled for a party or brunch.
- Choose thin, uniform asparagus stalks for easy rolling and even cooking.
- Prep Time: 15 mins
- Cook Time: 12 mins
- Category: Appetizers
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Contemporary, Mediterranean-inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll (1/4 of recipe)
- Calories: 280
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 65mg