Salmon Pinwheels with Crab

This elegant crab stuffed salmon pinwheel recipe combines delicate fish with a rich, crab cake-inspired filling. The beautiful spiral presentation makes it perfect for special occasions, yet it's simple enough for a weeknight dinner when you want something a bit more sophisticated than your usual fare.

I first made these salmon pinwheels for a date night at home, and they've become our go to special occasion meal that feels luxurious without requiring hours in the kitchen.

Ingredients

• Atlantic salmon fillets: Centered cut with skin removed for a clean presentation and easy rolling
• Lump crab meat: The star of the filling, look for refrigerated not canned for best flavor and texture
• Mayonnaise: Creates creaminess in the filling while adding richness
• Italian breadcrumbs: Helps bind the filling while adding subtle herbs
• Fresh vegetables: Onion, celery and bell pepper create the aromatic base of the filling
• Lemon juice: Brightens all the flavors and complements both the crab and salmon
• Butter and olive oil: Combination provides ideal fat for sautéing with perfect flavor
• Fresh herbs: Parsley and chives add color and fresh flavor to finish the dish
• Worcestershire sauce: Adds depth and umami to the crab filling

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare the vegetables:

Heat olive oil and butter in a large sauté pan over medium heat until the butter melts completely. Add diced onion, celery and green bell pepper, cooking for about 6 minutes until vegetables soften but don't brown. The vegetables should become translucent and fragrant. Remove from heat and allow to cool completely before mixing with other ingredients.

Create the crab filling:

In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled sautéed vegetables with mayonnaise, breadcrumbs, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. Mix thoroughly until well combined. Gently fold in the crab meat, being careful not to break up the lumps too much the goal is to keep some larger pieces intact for texture and visual appeal.

Prepare the salmon:

If your salmon fillet has a thicker side, trim it slightly to create an even thickness throughout, which will help it roll properly. Cut the salmon lengthwise into two equal pieces. Season both pieces generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.

Assemble the pinwheels:

Divide the crab filling evenly between the two salmon pieces, spreading it in an even layer across the entire surface. Begin rolling from the wider end if there is one, creating a tight spiral. If needed, secure with toothpicks to maintain the shape. Cut each roll in half to create four pinwheels total.

Bake to perfection:

Place the salmon pinwheels on a baking sheet, standing them up so the spiral is visible. Bake in a preheated 400°F oven for 15 to 18 minutes, until the salmon is just cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Be careful not to overcook, as salmon can quickly become dry.

Pin it

The lump crab meat is truly what makes this dish special. The first time I served this to my family, my daughter who claimed to dislike seafood cleaned her plate and asked for seconds. Something about the combination of sweet crab meat with the buttery salmon completely converted her, and now it's her birthday dinner request every year.

Make Ahead Options

This elegant dish doesn't have to be made at the last minute, which makes it perfect for entertaining. You can prepare the crab filling up to 24 hours in advance and store it covered in the refrigerator. Alternatively, you can assemble the entire pinwheels, cover them tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate for up to 4 hours before baking. If preparing ahead, remove from the refrigerator about 20 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even baking.

Perfect Pairings

These salmon pinwheels call for sides that complement without overwhelming the delicate flavors. Roasted asparagus or a simple green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette makes an excellent accompaniment. For a starch, consider wild rice pilaf or roasted fingerling potatoes with herbs. A glass of chilled Sauvignon Blanc or unoaked Chardonnay provides the perfect beverage pairing, with enough acidity to cut through the richness of the dish.

Ingredient Substitutions

If Atlantic salmon isn't available, you can substitute any large salmon fillets, though wild Pacific varieties tend to be thinner and may be more difficult to roll. For a budget friendly option, you can use imitation crab meat, though the flavor won't be quite as luxurious. Panko breadcrumbs can replace Italian breadcrumbs for a crispier texture just add some dried Italian herbs to maintain the flavor profile. Gluten free breadcrumbs work well for those with dietary restrictions.

Pin it

These pinwheels are as delicious as they are elegant—worthy of any occasion but easy enough for a weeknight indulgence.

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I prepare the crab stuffed salmon pinwheels ahead of time?

Yes, you can assemble the pinwheels up to 8 hours ahead and refrigerate them covered until ready to bake. Just add 2-3 minutes to the cooking time if baking straight from the refrigerator.

→ What can I serve with salmon pinwheels?

These pinwheels pair beautifully with asparagus, roasted vegetables, or a light salad. Rice pilaf or mashed potatoes also make excellent accompaniments to catch the delicious juices.

→ Can I use frozen salmon for this dish?

Yes, but ensure it's completely thawed and patted dry before using. Excess moisture will make the pinwheels difficult to roll and affect the texture of the filling.

→ What type of crab meat works best?

Lump crab meat is ideal as it provides larger pieces and better flavor, but you can substitute claw meat or even imitation crab if necessary. Just avoid canned crab meat if possible as it may have a tinny taste.

→ How do I know when the salmon pinwheels are fully cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork when done. An instant-read thermometer should register 145°F at the thickest part. Be careful not to overcook as salmon can quickly become dry.

→ Can I grill these instead of baking them?

While baking provides the most reliable results, you can grill them over medium heat in a fish basket or on a cedar plank. Monitor closely as cooking time may vary on the grill.