Zesty Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Recipe for Fresh Summer Meals

Crafting delectable lemon basil salmon rolls becomes an art of culinary creativity that transforms simple ingredients into an extraordinary meal.

Delicate salmon fillets dance with bright, aromatic herbs in this Mediterranean-inspired dish.

Fresh basil leaves whisper complex flavor stories against silky fish textures.

Our recipe invites you to explore a harmonious blend of zesty citrus and tender protein.

Each bite promises a refreshing experience that celebrates seasonal ingredients.

Skilled home cooks can effortlessly master these elegant rolls with minimal preparation.

Dive into this vibrant recipe and let your kitchen become a canvas of delightful flavors.

Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Bursting with Freshness

Conquer Elegant Dining: Simple Salmon Rolls Rock!

• Minimal Prep Mastery: Zero complex knife skills needed, just roll and bake salmon with simple ingredients anyone can handle.
• Nutritional Powerhouse: Packed with protein from salmon, vitamins from asparagus, and calcium from ricotta, creating a balanced meal that supports healthy eating goals.
• Impressive Presentation: Transforms ordinary salmon into a restaurant-worthy dish that looks professionally crafted, perfect for surprising guests or elevating weeknight dinners.
• Quick Gourmet Solution: Requires less than an hour from start to finish, delivering sophisticated flavors without demanding extensive cooking techniques or time commitment.

Ingredients for Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls

• Salmon Fillets: Fresh fish that serves as the primary ingredient and base for the delicate rolls.

• Ricotta Cheese: Creamy cheese that adds moisture and richness to the salmon rolls.
• Parmesan Cheese: Sharp cheese that provides a tangy and salty flavor to the filling.
• Fresh Basil: Aromatic herb that brings a bright and fresh taste to the dish.
• Lemon Zest: Citrusy ingredient that adds a zesty and vibrant flavor to the filling.
• Salt, Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the overall taste of the salmon.

• Asparagus Spears: Tender vegetable that adds a crisp texture and nutritional value to the salmon rolls.
• Butter: Rich ingredient that helps create a smooth and flavorful sauce.
• Chicken Broth: Liquid base that adds depth and complexity to the sauce.
• Fresh Lemon Juice: Bright and tangy liquid that provides acidity to the sauce.
• Cornstarch: Thickening agent that helps create a smooth and glossy sauce consistency.

Stepwise Instructions for Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls

Step 1: Warm Up the Oven

Crank the oven to a toasty 425F (220C). Grab a baking sheet and give it a quick spray of cooking oil to keep those salmon rolls from sticking.

Step 2: Prepare the Salmon

Spread out the salmon fillets on a clean cutting board. Sprinkle both sides with a dash of salt and pepper to wake up those flavors.

Step 3: Create the Creamy Filling

• Ricotta cheese
• Parmesan cheese
• Chopped fresh basil
• Lemon zest
• Pinch of salt
• Pinch of pepper

Stir until the mixture looks smooth and dreamy.

Step 4: Layer and Spread

Slather the creamy mixture evenly across each salmon fillet, creating a delicious blanket of flavor.

Step 5: Add the Green Crunch

Place 2-3 asparagus spears right in the center of each salmon fillet.

Step 6: Roll and Secure

Carefully roll the salmon tightly around the asparagus, making sure the seam is facing down when you place it on the baking sheet.

Step 7: Bake to Perfection

Slide the baking sheet into the hot oven. Bake for 15-20 minutes until the salmon flakes easily and looks beautifully cooked.

Step 8: Whip Up the Sauce

• Chicken broth
• Fresh lemon juice

Stir and let the mixture warm up.

Step 9: Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry to the pan. Keep stirring until the sauce transforms into a silky, thick consistency (about 3-5 minutes).

Step 10: Serve with Flair

Transfer the salmon rolls to a serving platter. Drizzle the warm lemon sauce generously over the top.

Sprinkle with fresh basil leaves or an extra pinch of lemon zest for that final wow factor.

Tips for Perfect Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls

• Select high-quality salmon fillets with bright color and firm texture for the best flavor and presentation.
• Roll salmon tightly but gently to prevent asparagus from breaking and ensure even cooking throughout the roll.
• Check salmon at 12 minutes to avoid overcooking, as thickness varies between fillets and ovens differ in temperature performance.
• Whisk cornstarch slurry slowly and continuously to prevent lumps and achieve smooth, silky lemon sauce texture.
• Use freshly chopped basil leaves right before serving to maintain vibrant color and maximize aromatic qualities.

Variations on Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls

• Mediterranean Salmon Rolls: Replace ricotta with feta cheese, add chopped sun-dried tomatoes and oregano for a Greek-inspired flavor profile.
• Spicy Asian Salmon Rolls: Swap basil with chopped cilantro, mix sriracha into ricotta, use green onions instead of asparagus, and create a soy-ginger sauce.
• Herb Garden Salmon Rolls: Incorporate a blend of fresh herbs like dill, chives, and parsley into the ricotta mixture, use roasted green beans as the filling vegetable.
• Smoky Salmon Rolls: Add smoked paprika to the ricotta mix, wrap with prosciutto before rolling, and create a roasted red pepper sauce instead of lemon sauce.

Great Pairings with Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls

• Crisp White Wine Complement: Sauvignon Blanc or Pinot Grigio cuts through the salmon's richness, echoing the lemon's brightness and complementing the herbal basil notes.
• Herbal Side Salad Match: Create a light arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette, mimicking the dish's citrus undertones and providing a peppery contrast to the creamy salmon rolls.
• Buttery Roasted Potato Companion: Serve garlic-roasted baby potatoes with rosemary, offering a golden, crispy texture that balances the tender salmon and adds earthy depth to the meal.

Keeping Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Fresh

Wrap salmon rolls individually in airtight containers or plastic wrap, keeping them fresh for 23 days in the refrigerator. Separate rolls prevent moisture buildup and maintain texture.

Place cooled salmon rolls in freezer-safe containers, separating layers with parchment paper. Freeze up to 1 month, ensuring minimal air exposure to prevent freezer burn.

Warm individual salmon rolls on medium power for 3045 seconds, covering with a damp paper towel to retain moisture and prevent drying out.

Gently reheat salmon rolls at 325F for 810 minutes, covered with foil to preserve tenderness and prevent overcooking. Add a splash of chicken broth to maintain juiciness.

FAQs

• How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

Look for the salmon to turn opaque and flake easily with a fork. The internal temperature should reach 145°F (63°C) to ensure it’s safe and perfectly cooked.

• Can I substitute the asparagus with another vegetable?

Yes, try thin green beans or slender carrots. Choose vegetables that are similar in size and can roll easily inside the salmon.

• What if I don't have fresh basil?

Use dried basil as a substitute, but reduce the quantity by half. Alternatively, try fresh parsley or dill for a similar fresh herb flavor.

• Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

These salmon rolls are best served immediately. If you must prepare ahead, cook the rolls and store separately from the sauce, reheating gently just before serving to maintain the texture and flavor.

Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 8 reviews

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Elegant Mediterranean-inspired lemon basil salmon rolls combine zesty citrus and fresh herbs in a light, delightful appetizer. Delicate salmon embraces bright flavors, offering a perfect balance of freshness and richness you’ll savor with each delectable bite.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Protein:

• 4 salmon fillets (approximately 5 ounces or 140 grams each), skin removed

Cheese and Herbs:

• 1.5 cups (360 milliliters) ricotta cheese
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) finely grated Parmesan cheese
• 2 tablespoons fresh basil, finely chopped

Vegetables and Seasonings:

• 0.5 pound (225 grams) fresh asparagus spears, ends trimmed
• 2 teaspoons finely grated lemon zest
• 1 pinch salt
• 1 pinch freshly cracked black pepper

Lemon Sauce Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
• 0.5 cup (120 milliliters) chicken broth
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• 2 teaspoons water

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Prepare the oven at 425F (220C) and lightly coat a baking sheet with cooking spray to ensure easy release.
2. Arrange salmon fillets on a clean work surface and season both sides with salt and pepper for enhanced flavor.
3. Create a creamy filling by blending ricotta, Parmesan, chopped basil, and lemon zest in a mixing bowl, seasoning with a subtle pinch of salt and pepper.
4. Carefully spread the herbed ricotta mixture across each salmon fillet, ensuring an even coating.
5. Position asparagus spears precisely in the center of each prepared fillet.
6. Gently roll the salmon tightly around the asparagus, positioning the seam downward on the prepared baking sheet.
7. Roast the salmon rolls in the preheated oven for 15-20 minutes until the fish becomes opaque and easily flakes with gentle pressure.
8. Meanwhile, craft the lemon sauce by melting butter in a small saucepan over medium heat.
9. Incorporate chicken broth and fresh lemon juice into the melted butter, allowing the mixture to warm thoroughly.
10. Introduce cornstarch slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously until it reaches a luxurious, smooth consistency, approximately 3-5 minutes.
11. Transfer the perfectly cooked salmon rolls to a serving platter.
12. Drizzle the warm, velvety lemon sauce generously over each roll.
13. Elevate the presentation by garnishing with delicate fresh basil leaves or a sprinkle of bright lemon zest.

Notes

• Choose wild-caught salmon for richer flavor and better nutritional profile compared to farm-raised options.
• Pat salmon fillets completely dry before seasoning to ensure crispy exterior and better herb adherence.
• Select thin to medium-sized asparagus spears for easier rolling and more delicate texture.
• Create cornstarch slurry by mixing equal parts cold water and cornstarch to prevent lumpy sauce.
• Low-carb dieters can replace asparagus with zucchini strips for variation.
• For dairy-free version, substitute ricotta with cashew cream or silken tofu mixed with nutritional yeast.
• Use fresh basil leaves for maximum aromatic intensity and bright green color.
• Invest in kitchen twine or toothpicks to secure salmon rolls during baking if they unravel.

• Prep Time: 20 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Lunch, Dinner, Appetizer
• Method: Baking
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 283 kcal
• Sugar: 1 g
• Sodium: 270 mg
• Fat: 16 g
• Saturated Fat: 5 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 6 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 30 g
• Cholesterol: 75 mg