How do you keep salmon rolls from falling apart while baking?

Roll the salmon fillets tightly and place them seam-side down on the asparagus so they hold their shape as they cook.

Can I substitute ricotta cheese with another ingredient?

Cream cheese works well as a substitute, providing a similarly creamy texture and rich flavor to the filling.

Is it necessary to trim asparagus before roasting?

Yes, trimming the woody ends ensures tenderness and even roasting, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.

How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?

The salmon will appear opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. The top should be lightly golden after baking.

What garnishes work best with this dish?

Fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges add color and a burst of fresh flavor, making the dish inviting and bright.

Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?

You can assemble the rolls in advance, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving to retain freshness and flavor.

Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls with Creamy Cheese and Asparagus

Lemon Basil Salmon Rolls are served on a white plate with a lemon wedge and a sprig of basil. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Bright lemon and fragrant basil take center stage in these salmon rolls that make any dinner a little more special without requiring much fuss in the kitchen. Wrapped around a zesty ricotta filling and baked over asparagus, each roll is a burst of citrusy freshness and creamy texture. This is my go-to recipe when I want something impressive but simple enough for a weeknight.

The first time I made these was for an anniversary dinner at home. My husband still talks about that meal whenever I bring home salmon.

Ingredients

Fresh salmon fillets, sliced thin for rolling: These are the foundation for the rolls, and feel free to ask your fishmonger to slice them.
Lemon zest and juice: This brightens everything and gives a fresh taste; look for lemons that feel heavy and have glossy skin.
Ricotta or cream cheese: This holds the filling together and makes it so rich; go for fresh ricotta or full fat cream cheese for the best texture.
Fresh basil, chopped: This sings with the lemon and makes the flavor pop; always choose bright green leaves with no dark spots.
Garlic, minced: For a punch of aromatic warmth; use cloves that feel heavy and have tight papery skins.
Salt and pepper to taste: These round out the seasoning; use freshly cracked pepper and kosher or sea salt.
Olive oil or melted butter: Adds a silky richness; opt for good quality olive oil or European style butter.
Fresh asparagus: The asparagus is the bed for the rolls; crisp stalks that snap are the highest quality.

Instructions

Prepare the Asparagus:: Trim the woody ends from the asparagus so they roast evenly and arrange them in a single layer on a lined baking sheet. Drizzle with olive oil and sprinkle liberally with salt and pepper before tossing to coat.
Mix the Filling:: In a small bowl, blend the ricotta or cream cheese with lemon zest, garlic, chopped basil, a pinch of salt, and a twist of pepper until everything is creamy and fully combined.
Assemble the Salmon Rolls:: Lay out each sliced salmon fillet on a clean surface. Spread one to two tablespoons of the prepared cheese filling along the center, then gently roll up each fillet, tucking the seam underneath.
Arrange and Season:: Nestle the salmon rolls seam side down directly over the bed of asparagus on your baking sheet. Drizzle with more olive oil and squeeze fresh lemon juice over everything so the flavors soak in.
Bake the Rolls:: Move the tray to your preheated oven at 375 degrees Fahrenheit. Bake for about eighteen to twenty minutes until the salmon is firm, opaque, and you see hints of golden color. The asparagus should be tender yet still a little crisp.
Garnish and Serve:: Scatter extra chopped basil and lemon wedges over the warm salmon rolls right before serving. This makes it look as good as it tastes.

A plate of food with a variety of ingredients, including asparagus, lemon, and cream cheese, is presented in a visually appealing manner. | myhomemaderecipe.com

My favorite part of this recipe is how the lemon zest transforms plain ricotta into pure sunshine. There was one summer when my niece helped zest the lemons and we both agreed the kitchen never smelled better after.

Storage tips

Leftovers keep well covered in the fridge for up to two days. I suggest reheating gently in the oven at a low temperature to keep the salmon moist. If you want to prep ahead, make the filling and trim the asparagus the night before.

Ingredient substitutions

If you cannot find fresh basil, try chopped parsley for a milder herb twist. Goat cheese is a great tangy substitute for ricotta or cream cheese. You can swap asparagus for broccolini or green beans if that is what you have.

Serving suggestions

These rolls are lovely served with a side of herbed rice or a light arugula salad. For brunch, try them on toasted sourdough with a poached egg on top. They are also great chilled the next day on a picnic.

A plate of food with a variety of ingredients, including asparagus, lemon, and salmon, is presented. | myhomemaderecipe.com

Salmon and lemon is a classic pairing in Mediterranean and Nordic kitchens for good reason. Rolling salmon with fresh filling is a simple trick that makes ordinary ingredients elegant.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ How do you keep salmon rolls from falling apart while baking?: Roll the salmon fillets tightly and place them seam-side down on the asparagus so they hold their shape as they cook.
→ Can I substitute ricotta cheese with another ingredient?: Cream cheese works well as a substitute, providing a similarly creamy texture and rich flavor to the filling.
→ Is it necessary to trim asparagus before roasting?: Yes, trimming the woody ends ensures tenderness and even roasting, enhancing the overall texture of the dish.
→ How do I know when the salmon is fully cooked?: The salmon will appear opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. The top should be lightly golden after baking.
→ What garnishes work best with this dish?: Fresh basil leaves and lemon wedges add color and a burst of fresh flavor, making the dish inviting and bright.
→ Can I prepare the rolls ahead of time?: You can assemble the rolls in advance, refrigerate them, and bake just before serving to retain freshness and flavor.