Description
This Mediterranean Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon is a gourmet, flavor-packed dish that combines the richness of salmon with a savory seafood stuffing made of crab, shrimp, herbs, and creamy cheese. Baked to perfection, this dish balances buttery salmon with the refreshing brightness of Mediterranean ingredients like lemon, garlic, sun-dried tomatoes, and fresh herbs. Perfect for dinner parties, special occasions, or a luxurious family meal, it’s healthy, filling, and absolutely stunning on the table.
Ingredients For Mediterranean Crab and Shrimp Stuffed Salmon
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4 salmon fillets (skinless, about 6 oz each)
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½ cup cooked crab meat (fresh or canned, well-drained)
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½ cup cooked shrimp (peeled, deveined, finely chopped)
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3 tbsp cream cheese (softened)
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2 tbsp feta cheese (crumbled)
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2 tbsp sun-dried tomatoes (chopped)
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2 cloves garlic (minced)
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2 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped)
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1 tbsp fresh dill (optional, for Mediterranean touch)
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1 tbsp lemon juice + zest of 1 lemon
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2 tbsp olive oil
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½ tsp paprika
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½ tsp black pepper
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½ tsp sea salt
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¼ tsp crushed red pepper flakes (optional for a mild kick)
Instructions
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Prep the Salmon:
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Preheat oven to 375°F (190°C).
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Using a sharp knife, cut a slit into the side of each salmon fillet to create a pocket for stuffing. Be careful not to cut all the way through.
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Make the Stuffing:
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In a bowl, mix together crab, shrimp, cream cheese, feta, sun-dried tomatoes, garlic, parsley, dill, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper.
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Stuff the Salmon:
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Spoon the seafood mixture into the pockets of each salmon fillet.
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Secure with toothpicks if needed.
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Season and Bake:
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Place stuffed salmon on a baking dish lined with parchment.
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Drizzle with olive oil, sprinkle paprika, lemon zest, and red pepper flakes.
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Bake for 20–25 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
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Serve:
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Garnish with fresh parsley and lemon wedges. Serve warm with roasted veggies, couscous, or a light Mediterranean salad.
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Servings
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Makes 4 servings (1 fillet per person).
Nutritional Info (per serving – approximate)
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Calories: 380
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Protein: 38g
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Carbohydrates: 4g
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Fat: 22g
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Fiber: 1g
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Sugars: 2g
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Omega-3 fatty acids: High
Benefits
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High in Omega-3s: Promotes heart and brain health.
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Rich in Protein: Supports muscle repair and satiety.
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Mediterranean Ingredients: Adds antioxidants, vitamins, and anti-inflammatory benefits.
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Low Carb, Keto-Friendly: Great for low-carb diets.
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Elegant & Nutritious: A restaurant-style meal made healthier at home.
Notes
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You can substitute goat cheese or ricotta for feta if preferred.
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Use lump crab meat for best flavor and texture.
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If using frozen shrimp or crab, make sure to drain well to avoid watery stuffing.
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Can be grilled instead of baked for a smokier taste.
Tips
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For extra flavor, marinate salmon in lemon juice, garlic, and olive oil for 15 minutes before stuffing.
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Don’t overcook salmon—remove from oven as soon as it flakes easily.
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Pairs beautifully with garlic roasted potatoes or Mediterranean quinoa salad.
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Add a drizzle of tzatziki or lemon butter sauce for richness.
Q&A
Q: Can I prepare this ahead of time?
A: Yes! You can stuff the salmon up to a day in advance, refrigerate, and bake when ready to serve.
Q: Can I use canned crab and shrimp?
A: Fresh is best, but canned works—just drain thoroughly and pat dry.
Q: What’s the best side dish for this recipe?
A: Light Mediterranean sides like roasted veggies, couscous, or Greek salad complement it perfectly.
Q: How do I prevent the stuffing from spilling out?
A: Don’t overfill, and secure with toothpicks if needed.
Q: Can I make this dairy-free?
A: Yes—skip the cream cheese and feta, and use mashed avocado or hummus instead for creaminess.