These elegant salmon rolls feature fresh Atlantic fillets stuffed with a creamy, herbaceous ricotta filling and crisp, blanched asparagus. The vibrant lemon zest and aromatic basil perfectly cut through the richness of the salmon, creating a sophisticated, heart-healthy seafood dinner. Perfect for special occasions, these rolls are as visually stunning as they are delicious, offering a refined balance of textures and flavors in every bite.
4 salmon fillets (6oz each), skinless and thinly sliced horizontally
1 cup whole milk ricotta cheese, strained
12 asparagus spears, woody ends trimmed and blanched for 2 minutes
1 tablespoon organic lemon zest
1/4 cup fresh basil, finely chiffonade
2 cloves garlic, minced finely
2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
Kosher salt to taste
Cracked black pepper to taste
Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Combine the strained ricotta, lemon zest, minced garlic, and fresh basil in a mixing bowl until uniform.
Season the ricotta mixture lightly with salt and pepper.
Pat the salmon fillets dry and lay them flat on a cutting board.
Spread a generous tablespoon of the ricotta mixture over the surface of each fillet.
Place 3 blanched asparagus spears at one end of each fillet and roll the fish tightly around the asparagus.
Secure the rolls with a toothpick if necessary and place them seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
Drizzle the tops of the salmon rolls with olive oil.
Bake for 15 minutes or until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.
Remove toothpicks before serving.
Ensure the ricotta is well-strained to prevent the filling from leaking. Use high-quality, fresh Atlantic salmon for the best flavor and texture. Blanching the asparagus beforehand is crucial to ensure it reaches the perfect tenderness during the short baking time of the fish.