Imagine creating a dish that’s as beautiful as it is delicious — tender salmon fillets rolled up with a flavorful filling and baked to perfection.
With a few simple steps, you can turn everyday ingredients into an elegant meal that looks like it came straight from a restaurant.
As the salmon cooks and the flavors meld together, you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to craft something so impressive.
Let’s dive into making these stunning Salmon Pinwheels.
Kitchen Tools Required
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 Sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 Aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet, skinless
- 4 ounces cream cheese, softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Cook & Prep Time
To efficiently manage your time while preparing and cooking the salmon pinwheel recipe, follow this timeline:
1. Reading the Recipe: Allocate about 5 minutes to thoroughly read and understand the recipe and instructions.
2. Preparation (20 minutes):
- Minute 1-5: Gather all the ingredients and equipment needed: salmon fillet, cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, black pepper, olive oil, baking sheet, sharp knife, cutting board, mixing bowl, spatula, and aluminum foil.
- Minute 6-10: Preheat the oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Minute 11-15: Lay the salmon fillet flat on the cutting board. In a mixing bowl, combine the cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Minute 16-20: Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the salmon fillet, roll the salmon into a tight pinwheel, and secure with toothpicks if necessary.
3. Cooking (15 minutes):
- Minute 21-25: Place the salmon pinwheel on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil. Drizzle olive oil over the top of the pinwheel.
- Minute 26-40: Bake the salmon pinwheel in the preheated oven for 15 minutes.
4. Resting (5 minutes):
– Minute 41-45: Remove the salmon pinwheel from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Recipe Instructions
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
Lay the salmon fillet flat on the cutting board.
In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the salmon fillet.
Carefully roll the salmon fillet into a tight pinwheel starting from one end.
Secure the roll with toothpicks if necessary.
Place the salmon pinwheel on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
Drizzle olive oil over the top of the pinwheel.
Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
Serving Tips
- Steamed Asparagus: A light and crisp side that complements the rich flavors of the salmon pinwheel.
- Wild Rice Pilaf: Adds a nutty flavor and hearty texture to balance the creaminess of the dish.
- Arugula Salad: Offers a peppery freshness that contrasts well with the savory salmon.
- Roasted Baby Potatoes: Provides a satisfying, rustic element that pairs beautifully with any fish dish.
- Lemon Butter Sauce: A zesty and buttery addition that enhances the citrus notes in the pinwheel.
Storage
To store salmon pinwheels, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to two days.
Make certain they’re cooled completely before refrigerating.
Reheat gently to maintain texture.
Freezing
To freeze salmon pinwheels, wrap them tightly in plastic wrap.
Then, cover with aluminum foil and store in an airtight container.
Thaw in the refrigerator before baking to maintain texture and flavor.
Reheating
To reheat salmon pinwheels, gently warm them in a preheated oven at 300°F (150°C) for 10 minutes.
Ensure they’re covered with foil to retain moisture and prevent drying out.
Final Thoughts
Salmon pinwheels are a delightful and elegant dish that’s simple to prepare and perfect for a variety of occasions.
The combination of creamy filling and flavorful salmon creates a harmonious blend of textures and tastes.
With a prep time of only 20 minutes and a cook time of 15 minutes, this dish is both quick and impressive, making it an excellent choice for dinner parties or a special family meal.
Remember to let the pinwheel rest for 5 minutes after baking to guarantee the flavors meld beautifully.
Enjoy your delicious creation!
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Substitute the Cream Cheese With a Non-Dairy Alternative?
You can substitute cream cheese with a non-dairy alternative like almond or cashew cream cheese. Make sure it’s softened for easy mixing. Spread it evenly, maintaining the pinwheel’s integrity. Adjust seasonings to suit the new flavor profile.
What Wine Pairs Well With Salmon Pinwheel?
Pair a Chardonnay or a Pinot Gris with your dish. They complement the flavors beautifully with their crisp notes and light body. Chill the wine to enhance the experience. Serve in a wide-brim glass for ideal aroma.
How Can I Make This Dish Gluten-Free?
Replace regular aluminum foil with gluten-free foil. Use gluten-free cream cheese and check all spices for gluten-free certification. Confirm your salmon is fresh and uncontaminated. Maintain tight rolling technique for a consistent shape. Enjoy your dish!
Is There a Recommended Side Dish to Serve With Salmon Pinwheel?
Pair your dish with a vibrant quinoa salad. Mix cooked quinoa, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and parsley. Dress with olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This invigorating side accentuates the flavors in your main.
Can I Prepare the Salmon Pinwheel Ahead of Time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead. Assemble your pinwheel, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 24 hours. When ready, bake as instructed. This allows flavors to meld, enhancing taste.

Salmon Pinwheel Recipe
Equipment
- 1 Baking sheet
- 1 sharp knife
- 1 Cutting board
- 1 Mixing bowl
- 1 Spatula
- 1 aluminum foil
Ingredients
- 1 pound salmon fillet skinless
- 4 ounces cream cheese softened
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C).
- Lay the salmon fillet flat on the cutting board.
- In a mixing bowl, combine cream cheese, dill, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the salmon fillet.
- Carefully roll the salmon fillet into a tight pinwheel starting from one end.
- Secure the roll with toothpicks if necessary.
- Place the salmon pinwheel on a baking sheet lined with aluminum foil.
- Drizzle olive oil over the top of the pinwheel.
- Bake in the oven for 15 minutes.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing and serving.