Nothing feels quite as elegant and fresh as the Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with Asparagus and Warm Lemon Sauce Recipe—a dish that balances delicate salmon fillets with creamy ricotta, aromatic basil, and crisp asparagus, all brought together with a bright, luscious lemon sauce. This recipe transforms simple ingredients into a show-stopping plate perfect for a cozy dinner or impressing guests. Each bite bursts with vibrant flavors and smooth textures that make this meal unforgettable and joyful to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are straightforward yet essential, contributing to the perfect harmony of creamy, savory, and zesty elements in the Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with Asparagus and Warm Lemon Sauce Recipe. The freshness of basil and lemon zest brings brightness, while the ricotta and Parmesan add silky richness that complements the tender salmon and crisp asparagus.
- Salmon fillets (4, about 5 oz each): Use skinless, fresh salmon for the best flavor and easy rolling.
- Salt and freshly cracked black pepper: Simple seasonings to enhance natural flavors.
- Ricotta cheese (1½ cups): Creamy and mild, it adds a luscious texture inside the rolls.
- Parmesan cheese (½ cup, finely grated): Offers a nutty, salty punch that deepens the filling.
- Fresh basil (2 tablespoons, finely chopped): Infuses a fragrant herbal brightness.
- Lemon zest (2 teaspoons, finely grated): Adds a citrusy zing that wakes up the palate.
- Fresh asparagus spears (½ pound, trimmed): Provides a crisp, vibrant crunch inside the rolls.
- Unsalted butter (1 tablespoon): Used to enrich the warm lemon sauce.
- Chicken or vegetable broth (½ cup): Forms the flavorful base of the sauce.
- Fresh lemon juice (2 tablespoons): Adds sharp, refreshing acidity to balance richness.
- Cornstarch slurry (2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water): Thickens the sauce to a silky finish.
How to Make Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with Asparagus and Warm Lemon Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Assemble the Salmon Rolls
Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C) and lightly grease a baking sheet to keep your salmon from sticking. Lay your salmon fillets flat on a clean surface, seasoning both sides gently with salt and freshly cracked black pepper. This simple seasoning lets the salmon’s natural flavors shine while perfectly complementing the filling.
Step 2: Prepare the Filling
In a bowl, mix ricotta cheese, grated Parmesan, chopped basil, lemon zest, and a pinch of salt and pepper until it’s silky smooth. The ricotta’s creaminess blends beautifully with the fresh basil and zingy lemon zest, creating a filling that’s light but packed with personality.
Step 3: Spread the Filling and Add Asparagus
Spread an even layer of your ricotta mixture over each salmon fillet. Then, place 2 to 3 asparagus spears across the center of each fillet. The asparagus adds a fresh crunch and lovely green color, balancing the creamy filling and tender salmon perfectly.
Step 4: Roll and Bake the Salmon
Carefully roll each salmon fillet tightly around the asparagus spears and place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet. Pop them into the oven and bake for 15 to 20 minutes until your salmon turns opaque and flakes beautifully with a fork. It’s a simple step that transforms the ingredients into a stunning, elegant dish.
Step 5: Make the Warm Lemon Sauce
While your salmon rolls are baking, melt butter in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the broth and fresh lemon juice, warming the sauce gently. Then pour in the cornstarch slurry, stirring continuously as the sauce thickens in about 3 to 5 minutes into a glossy, vibrant finish that brightens every bite.
Step 6: Serve and Drizzle
When the salmon rolls are baked to perfection, remove them from the oven and arrange them thoughtfully on a serving platter. Generously drizzle the warm lemon sauce over each roll, allowing the citrusy, buttery sauce to enhance each mouthful with delightful brightness.
How to Serve Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with Asparagus and Warm Lemon Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of extra chopped fresh basil or thin lemon slices makes a beautiful accent, adding fresh color and a hint of herbal aroma that complements the flavors inside. A few cracked black peppercorns on top also add a subtle spice that wakes up the palate right before eating.
Side Dishes
Serve your Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with a simple side like garlic roasted potatoes or a light arugula salad tossed with lemon vinaigrette. The bright greens or crispy potatoes will enhance the meal’s freshness and provide a satisfying contrast in taste and texture without overpowering the salmon’s delicate flavors.
Creative Ways to Present
Try serving each salmon roll sliced into bite-sized pinwheels for an appetizer-style presentation that’s perfect for sharing. Alternatively, place the whole rolls on a large wooden board with scattered asparagus tips, lemon wedges, and fresh basil sprigs for a rustic, inviting look that encourages conversation around the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, place any leftover salmon rolls in an airtight container and refrigerate. They’ll stay fresh for up to 2 days, maintaining great texture and flavor. Make sure to store the warm lemon sauce separately to keep the rolls from becoming soggy.
Freezing
The delicate texture of salmon rolls means freezing is not ideal as it can alter the texture of the fish and creamy filling. However, if necessary, wrap each roll tightly in plastic wrap and foil, then freeze for up to 1 month. Thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating gently.
Reheating
To reheat, warm the salmon rolls slowly in a low oven at 300°F (150°C) for about 10 minutes to avoid drying out. Heat the lemon sauce separately on the stovetop until warm, then drizzle over the salmon just before serving to preserve its luxurious texture and bright flavor.
FAQs
Can I use frozen salmon fillets for this recipe?
While fresh salmon yields the best flavor and texture for this recipe, you can use frozen salmon if you thaw it properly overnight in the fridge. Make sure the fillets are fully thawed and patted dry before seasoning and assembling the rolls to avoid excess moisture.
Is it possible to substitute the ricotta cheese?
If you don’t have ricotta, cream cheese makes a good substitute but will result in a slightly denser texture. For a lighter option, try blended cottage cheese, but be sure to drain any excess liquid first to keep the filling smooth and creamy.
How do I know when the salmon rolls are fully cooked?
The salmon is done when it turns opaque and flakes easily with a fork. Baking for 15 to 20 minutes at 425°F ensures the fish is tender and juicy without becoming dry. Using a food thermometer, the internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C).
Can the asparagus be replaced with another vegetable?
Absolutely! Thin green beans or julienned zucchini are excellent alternatives that will maintain the fresh crunch inside the rolls while complementing the flavors beautifully. Choose vegetables that can cook quickly and hold their shape when baked.
What can I serve instead of chicken broth in the warm lemon sauce?
You can easily substitute vegetable broth for a lighter or vegetarian version of the sauce. If you want an even more citrus-forward flavor, a splash of white wine combined with broth or water also works wonderfully to brighten the sauce.
Final Thoughts
There’s something truly special about the Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with Asparagus and Warm Lemon Sauce Recipe that makes any meal feel like a celebration. The blend of fresh, creamy, and zesty elements turns simple ingredients into a dish you’ll want to make again and again. So grab your salmon and whip up this delightful recipe—you’ll be amazed at how easy it is to create such a beautiful and delicious plate that’s perfect for yourself or guests!
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Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with Asparagus and Warm Lemon Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
Delight in these elegant Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls, featuring tender salmon fillets rolled with a creamy ricotta and Parmesan mixture, infused with fresh basil and lemon zest. Asparagus spears add a crisp contrast inside each roll. Baked to perfection and served with a luscious lemon butter sauce, this dish is perfect for a light yet flavorful meal suitable for any occasion.
Ingredients
Salmon Rolls
- 4 salmon fillets (about 5 oz each), skin removed
- A pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper
- 1½ cups ricotta cheese, smooth and creamy
- ½ cup finely grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped
- 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
- ½ pound fresh asparagus spears, ends trimmed
Lemon Sauce
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ cup chicken broth (or vegetable broth for a lighter option)
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch mixed with 2 teaspoons water (slurry)
Instructions
- Preheat and prepare baking sheet: Preheat your oven to 425°F (220°C). Lightly grease a baking sheet to prevent sticking.
- Season the salmon: Lay the salmon fillets on a clean surface and season both sides with a pinch of salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
- Mix the cheese filling: In a small bowl, combine ricotta, Parmesan, basil, lemon zest, and a small pinch of salt and pepper. Mix until the filling is smooth and well incorporated.
- Spread the filling: Evenly spread a layer of the prepared ricotta mixture over each salmon fillet.
- Add asparagus: Lay 2 to 3 trimmed asparagus spears across the center of each salmon fillet on top of the cheese layer.
- Roll the salmon: Carefully roll the salmon fillets tightly around the asparagus, then place the rolls seam-side down on the prepared baking sheet.
- Bake the rolls: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 20 minutes, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork.
- Prepare lemon sauce base: While salmon bakes, melt the unsalted butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
- Add broth and lemon juice: Stir in the chicken broth and fresh lemon juice, warming the mixture through gently.
- Thicken the sauce: Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens, about 3 to 5 minutes.
- Plate the salmon rolls: Remove the baked salmon rolls from the oven and arrange them on a serving platter.
- Serve with sauce: Drizzle the warm lemon sauce generously over each salmon roll before serving.
Notes
- You can substitute chicken broth with vegetable broth for a lighter, vegetarian-friendly option for the sauce.
- If asparagus is not in season, you may substitute with green beans or thinly sliced zucchini.
- Ensure the salmon is rolled tightly to prevent the filling from spilling during baking.
- For an extra touch of flavor, garnish with additional fresh basil or lemon zest before serving.
- Check the salmon’s internal temperature reaches 145°F (63°C) to ensure safe cooking.
