If you’re looking to wow your tastebuds (and your dinner guests) with something truly special, you need to try these Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls. Each roll is a celebration of bright, zesty flavors and beautiful colors — tender salmon wrapped around crisp asparagus and a creamy, herb-flecked ricotta filling. It’s a dish that feels fancy but is secretly so simple to make, and it always delivers that perfect balance of freshness and comfort in every bite.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Let’s break down the stars of this show! Each ingredient in these rolls has a purpose: from the juicy salmon that forms the base to the aromatic basil and lemon zest that make the filling pop. With just a few simple components, you’ll create layers of flavor and texture that come together in a truly memorable meal.
- Salmon fillets: Go for skinless pieces for easy rolling and even cooking.
- Ricotta cheese: This brings creamy richness and helps bind the filling — opt for whole milk ricotta for best texture.
- Lemon zest: Adds bright, sunny flavor that lifts the whole dish.
- Lemon juice: A splash adds tang and helps cut through the richness.
- Fresh basil: Chopped basil brings a fragrant, herby note that pairs beautifully with both salmon and ricotta.
- Salt: Enhances all the natural flavors and keeps everything in balance.
- Black pepper: A little bit of pepper adds just enough gentle heat.
- Thin asparagus spears: These add crunch, color, and that signature springtime flavor; trim them so they fit neatly inside the rolls.
- Olive oil: Brushed on top, it helps the salmon stay moist and develops a gorgeous sheen while baking.
- Garlic powder: A dusting gives a subtle savory kick that ties everything together.
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine: These are your secret weapons for keeping the rolls secure as they bake — don’t skip them!
How to Make Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls
Step 1: Prep Your Oven and Baking Sheet
Start by preheating your oven to 400°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper for easy cleanup and to prevent sticking. This little bit of prep sets you up for success and helps the rolls bake evenly without any fuss.
Step 2: Mix Up the Ricotta Filling
In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped basil, salt, and black pepper. Stir until everything’s well mixed and flecked with bright green basil and lemon. This is the creamy, zesty heart of your Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls, so taste and adjust the salt or lemon if you want even more punch.
Step 3: Blanch the Asparagus
Steam or blanch your trimmed asparagus spears for just 2–3 minutes until they turn vibrant green and are barely tender. Immediately rinse them under cold water to stop the cooking and lock in that color. Pat them dry — you want them crisp, not soggy, so every bite of your salmon rolls has a lovely snap.
Step 4: Assemble the Salmon Rolls
Lay each salmon fillet skin-side down on a cutting board. Generously spread the lemon basil ricotta mixture over each piece, going almost to the edges. Place three asparagus spears at one end of each fillet, then gently roll up the fillet around the asparagus and filling. Secure each roll with toothpicks or tie it with a little kitchen twine to hold everything in place.
Step 5: Season and Bake
Set the rolls seam-side down on your prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle with garlic powder for a hint of golden, savory flavor. Slide the pan into your hot oven and bake for 15–18 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Don’t forget to remove the toothpicks or twine before serving!
How to Serve Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls
Garnishes
For a finishing touch, sprinkle your rolls with extra chopped basil, a little more lemon zest, or even a dusting of flaky sea salt. These simple garnishes make each plate look restaurant-ready and add a burst of fresh aroma right before you dig in.
Side Dishes
Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls shine alongside couscous, roasted baby potatoes, or a crisp green salad. The mild, creamy flavors pair especially well with citrusy vinaigrettes or herby grains for a meal that feels light but satisfying.
Creative Ways to Present
Try slicing the rolls into thick rounds and arranging them on a platter for a stunning appetizer. Or serve each roll whole atop a bed of greens with lemon wedges for a striking main course presentation. Either way, these salmon rolls are guaranteed to turn heads!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. The creamy ricotta filling and tender salmon hold up beautifully, making this a great next-day lunch option.
Freezing
While you can freeze these rolls after baking, the texture of the ricotta and asparagus may soften a bit on thawing. For best results, wrap each cooled roll tightly in plastic wrap and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating.
Reheating
To reheat, place the rolls on a baking sheet and warm in a 325°F oven for about 10 minutes, or until heated through. This keeps the salmon moist and the filling creamy without overcooking.
FAQs
Can I use a different cheese if I don’t have ricotta?
Absolutely! Goat cheese or cream cheese both work beautifully and give a slightly different flavor profile to your Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls. You’ll get a tangier or richer filling, depending on your choice.
How do I keep the salmon from falling apart when rolling?
Start by choosing fillets that are about the same thickness and handle them gently. Using toothpicks or kitchen twine to secure each roll will help them hold together perfectly while baking.
Can I prepare these rolls ahead of time?
Yes, you can assemble the rolls a few hours in advance, cover, and refrigerate until you’re ready to bake. This is a great make-ahead option for dinner parties or busy nights.
What wine pairs best with these salmon rolls?
A crisp, aromatic white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio is a fantastic match for the lemony, herby flavors in these Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls.
Are they suitable for gluten-free diets?
They sure are! All the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so you can serve them with confidence to anyone avoiding gluten.
Final Thoughts
If you’re ready to add a touch of elegance and a lot of flavor to your dinner table, give Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls a try. They’re easy enough for a weeknight, impressive enough for guests, and every bite is a little celebration of fresh, vibrant ingredients. Happy cooking!
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Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls Recipe
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Non-Vegetarian
Description
These Delightful Asparagus and Lemon Basil Ricotta Salmon Rolls combine tender salmon fillets stuffed with a zesty lemon basil ricotta mixture and fresh asparagus, baked to perfection for a flavorful and healthy main course that’s perfect for any dinner occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon Rolls
- 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each, skinless)
- 1 cup ricotta cheese
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh basil
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 12 thin asparagus spears (trimmed)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Toothpicks or kitchen twine (for securing)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Make the ricotta filling: In a small bowl, combine the ricotta cheese, lemon zest, lemon juice, chopped fresh basil, salt, and black pepper. Mix thoroughly until smooth and evenly blended to form the flavorful filling.
- Cook asparagus: Steam or blanch the asparagus spears for 2–3 minutes until just tender but still slightly crisp. Immediately rinse them with cold water to stop the cooking process and pat dry with a paper towel.
- Prepare salmon fillets: Lay each salmon fillet skin-side down on a clean flat surface. Spread an even layer of the lemon basil ricotta mixture over the top of each fillet to create the flavorful stuffing.
- Assemble rolls: Place 3 asparagus spears at one end of each fillet. Carefully roll the salmon up tightly around the asparagus, securing each roll with toothpicks or kitchen twine to hold its shape during cooking.
- Prepare for baking: Place the secured salmon rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Brush the tops with olive oil and sprinkle evenly with garlic powder for added flavor and a golden finish.
- Bake salmon rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15–18 minutes or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork, ensuring moist and tender rolls.
- Serve: Remove toothpicks or twine carefully before serving. Enjoy the salmon rolls warm, optionally paired with your choice of side dishes such as couscous, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad.
Notes
- You can substitute ricotta cheese with goat cheese or cream cheese for a different flavor and creaminess.
- Serve these salmon rolls with couscous, roasted potatoes, or a fresh green salad to complete the meal.
- Ensure not to overcook the asparagus during blanching to retain its vibrant color and crunch.
- To secure the rolls well, use kitchen twine if toothpicks are not available, but remove before eating.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 roll
- Calories: 340
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 370mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 5g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 33g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
