Elegant Salmon Florentine Recipe

Velvety Salmon Florentine Recipe: A Luxurious Dinner Gem

Simmering with rich, velvety goodness, this salmon florentine recipe beckons with irresistible Mediterranean charm.

Tender salmon nestles into a dreamy, creamy sauce that whispers pure comfort.

Spinach adds vibrant green complexity to every delectable bite.

The dish marries delicate fish with robust flavors in a dance of culinary elegance.

Remarkably simple yet sophisticated, this recipe brings restaurant-quality magic to your kitchen.

Each forkful promises a luxurious experience that satisfies deeply and delights completely.

Get ready to savor a meal that turns an ordinary evening into something extraordinary.

Quick Recipe Overview

Prep Time: 10 minutes

Cook Time: 25 minutes

Total Time: 35 minutes

Calories: 360 kcal

Servings: 5

Creamy Salmon Florentine Ingredients You’ll Need

For Protein:
  • Salmon Fillets: Wild-caught varieties offer richer flavor and superior nutrition, selecting fresh fish with firm, glistening texture ensures best taste.
  • Red Chili Flakes: Delivers spicy kick and enhances overall salmon's warmth, choose high-quality flakes for robust heat.
For Sauce Base and Aromatics:
  • Vegetable Oil: Creates smooth cooking surface and prevents sticking.
  • Onion, Garlic: Foundation of deep, savory flavor profile, selecting fresh produce guarantees maximum taste intensity.
  • Half & Half: Provides creamy, luxurious texture for sauce, opt for higher fat content for richer consistency.
  • Cornstarch: Magical thickening agent that transforms liquid into silky sauce, ensure fresh and lump-free.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Introduces nutty, sharp undertones, selecting freshly grated version elevates entire dish.
For Fresh and Vibrant Elements:
  • Baby Spinach: Adds nutritional boost and delicate green freshness, choose crisp, bright leaves.
  • Mushrooms: Contributes earthy depth and meaty texture, selecting firm, unblemished specimens.
  • Lemon Juice: Brightens flavors and cuts through richness, fresh-squeezed preferred.
  • Broccoli or Asparagus: Provides complementary side with nutritional punch, select vibrant, firm vegetables.

Tools to Prepare Creamy Salmon Florentine Without Hassle

  • Large non-stick pan: Essential for searing salmon and creating the creamy sauce.
  • Cutting board: Perfect for chopping onions, mushrooms, and prepping ingredients.
  • Chef's knife: Sharp tool for precise ingredient preparation.
  • Measuring spoons: Helps accurately season the dish with salt and chili flakes.
  • Wooden spoon or spatula: Great for stirring and mixing sauce ingredients.
  • Plate: Used for setting aside cooked salmon during sauce preparation.

How to Make Creamy Salmon Florentine for Dinner

  • Salmon Preparation

Select fresh salmon fillets and season with a blend of salt and spicy red chili for an extra kick of flavor.

  • Initial Searing

Create a golden crust by cooking salmon in a hot pan with vegetable oil, achieving a perfect outer layer while keeping the inside tender.

  • Aromatic Foundation

Develop a rich base by softening onions until translucent and releasing garlic’s fragrant essence in the same pan.

  • Mushroom Dimension

Introduce sliced mushrooms, browning them to enhance their earthy depth and create layers of complex taste.

  • Creamy Sauce Creation

Blend half & half with Parmesan cheese, simmering gently to form a silky, luxurious sauce that coats the ingredients with velvety smoothness.

  • Spinach Infusion

Fold in fresh baby spinach, allowing it to wilt and integrate its vibrant green color and nutritious profile into the dish.

  • Final Seasoning

Elevate the sauce with a splash of bright lemon juice, additional salt, and chili flakes to balance and intensify the overall flavor profile.

  • Serving Presentation

Nestle the perfectly seared salmon back into the creamy spinach sauce, creating a stunning centerpiece that’s ready to be enjoyed with your favorite green vegetable side.

Cooking Tips for Rich and Flavorful Salmon Florentine

  • Select wild-caught or high-quality farm-raised salmon with bright color and firm texture for the best flavor and nutrition.
  • Adjust red chili flakes according to personal heat preference, ranging from mild to extra spicy by increasing or decreasing the amount.
  • Swap salmon with white fish like cod, halibut, or substitute chicken breasts for a different protein experience without changing core cooking techniques.
  • Replace half & half with coconut milk or unsweetened almond milk and use nutritional yeast instead of Parmesan cheese to create a lactose-free version of this recipe.
  • Prepare sauce ingredients ahead of time and store separately, allowing for faster meal assembly during busy evenings while maintaining fresh, delicious flavors.

How to Plate and Serve Creamy Salmon Florentine

  • Elegant Dinner Party Centerpiece: Transform this salmon dish into a stunning main course by arranging fillets on a large white platter, draping the creamy spinach sauce elegantly around the fish, and garnishing with fresh parsley sprigs.
  • Mediterranean-Style Side Companion: Serve alongside warm crusty bread or garlic crostini to soak up the delicious sauce, creating a complete and satisfying meal that highlights the rich flavors of the salmon.
  • Nutrient-Packed Plate Balance: Complement the salmon with a light quinoa pilaf or herbed rice to add extra texture and nutritional value, making the dish more filling and providing a perfect grain accompaniment to the protein-rich seafood.
  • Wine and Dine Pairing: Select a crisp white wine like Pinot Grigio or Sauvignon Blanc that cuts through the creamy sauce and enhances the delicate salmon flavor, elevating the entire dining experience with a sophisticated touch.

Proper Storage for Creamy Salmon Florentine Leftovers

  • Smart Refrigeration Strategy: Store leftover Salmon Florentine in an airtight container within the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Keep the salmon separate from the sauce to maintain its original texture and prevent sogginess.
  • Quick Reheating Technique: Gently warm the dish in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of half & half to refresh the creamy sauce. Avoid microwave reheating to prevent overcooking the delicate salmon.
  • Freezer-Friendly Approach: Separate the salmon and sauce before freezing. Place components in freezer-safe containers, where they can stay fresh for approximately 1 month. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating.
  • Meal Prep Magic: Prepare the sauce and salmon components in advance during weekend cooking sessions. Store separately in the refrigerator, allowing quick assembly of a gourmet meal during busy weeknights. Label containers with preparation dates for easy tracking.
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Elegant Salmon Florentine Recipe

Elegant Salmon Florentine Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 5 1x

Description

Homemade creamy salmon florentine delivers rich Mediterranean flavors with elegant Italian influences. Delicate fish nestles among spinach and silky sauce, inviting passionate cooks to savor classic culinary magic.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 4 salmon fillets (skin off)
  • 0.5 lbs (250g) mushrooms, sliced
  • 7 oz (200g) baby spinach
  • 1 onion, finely chopped
  • 2 tbsps vegetable oil
  • 1 tbsp garlic, minced
  • 1 ¼ cups half & half
  • 1 tbsp cornstarch
  • 2 tbsps grated Parmesan cheese
  • ¼ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp red chili flakes
  • 1 tbsp lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste

Instructions

  1. Sear Salmon: Heat skillet with vegetable oil over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and red chili flakes, then sear each side for approximately 5 minutes until golden and fully cooked. Transfer to a separate plate.
  2. Create Aromatic Base: In the same pan, sauté diced onions until translucent, then add minced garlic and sliced mushrooms. Cook until mushrooms develop a rich, caramelized texture.
  3. Prepare Creamy Sauce: Whisk cornstarch into half & half, creating a smooth mixture. Pour into the pan, incorporating Parmesan cheese and stirring continuously. Simmer until sauce thickens and develops a luxurious consistency.
  4. Integrate Spinach: Gently fold baby spinach into the sauce, allowing leaves to wilt and merge with the creamy base. Season with additional salt, red chili flakes, and a vibrant splash of lemon juice.
  5. Combine and Serve: Return salmon to the pan, coating each fillet generously with the creamy spinach sauce. Plate immediately, accompanied by steamed broccoli or roasted asparagus for a complete, elegant dining experience.

Notes

  • Prevent Salmon Overcooking: Watch salmon closely during searing; 5 minutes per side ensures golden exterior without drying out the delicate fish.
  • Master Sauce Consistency: Whisk cornstarch thoroughly into half & half to prevent lumps and achieve a silky, smooth sauce texture.
  • Maximize Flavor Layering: Brown mushrooms and onions separately to develop deep, caramelized notes before combining with creamy sauce.
  • Quick Wilting Technique: Add spinach at the last moment, allowing leaves to gently wilt without losing vibrant green color or becoming mushy.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 25 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Lunch
  • Method: Sautéing
  • Cuisine: Italian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 5
  • Calories: 360
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 300mg
  • Fat: 25g
  • Saturated Fat: 10g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 12g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 8g
  • Fiber: 2g
  • Protein: 28g
  • Cholesterol: 80mg
Sophie Martin

Sophie Martin

Co-Founder & Content Creator

Expertise

  • Nutrition and Healthy Eating
  • Creating Balanced Recipes
  • Meal Planning
  • Food Safety
  • Teaching About Nutrition

Education

Stellenbosch University, South Africa

  • Degree: Bachelor of Science in Human Nutrition
  • Focus: Studying how food affects health, learning about balanced diets, and understanding the nutritional needs of different people.

South African Chefs Academy, Cape Town

  • Program: Professional Culinary Arts Diploma
  • Focus: Practical cooking skills, focusing on healthy meal preparation and understanding various cooking methods.

Sophie Martin is the nutrition brain and feel-good foodie at Good Tasting Meals. With a degree in Human Nutrition from Stellenbosch University and chef training from the South African Chefs Academy, Sophie brings balance to the table, literally. She loves creating meals that are easy to make, great to eat, and good for your body too.

Her recipes are made for everyday living, with a little flair and a lot of heart. Sophie’s not here to count calories, she’s here to show you how fresh, simple food can fit into your life, taste amazing, and still be nourishing.

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