Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels are a crowd-pleasing appetizer, with salmon and cream cheese deliciously rolled up and ready to be popped in the oven With a few simple tips, you can take these convenient salmon pinwheels from the freezer to the oven to your plate for a fabulous meal
Ingredients
- Trader Joe’s Salmon Pinwheels
- Olive oil or cooking spray
- Seasonings of your choice (salt, pepper, lemon juice, garlic powder, herbs, etc.)
Prep the Pinwheels
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Take the salmon pinwheels out of the freezer and let them thaw slightly about 15-20 minutes. Thawing just a bit makes them easier to handle.
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Line a baking sheet with foil or parchment paper for easy cleanup. Lightly grease with olive oil or non-stick cooking spray.
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Unroll the pinwheels and separate them slightly on the sheet leaving a little space in between each one.
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Gently brush or spray the top of each pinwheel with a little oil to prevent drying out.
Season the Pinwheels
Now comes the fun part – seasoning! Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels have a nice flavor on their own, but you can enhance it with spices and herbs.
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Keep it simple with just salt, pepper, and lemon juice. The lemon brightens up the salmon beautifully.
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For bolder flavor, add minced garlic, dried oregano or basil, crushed red pepper flakes, or a dash of paprika.
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Fresh herbs like dill, chives, parsley or cilantro also pair excellently with salmon. Sprinkle them on top.
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A drizzle of olive oil or sesame oil before baking gives the pinwheels extra richness.
Flavor combinations are endless – do what sounds good to you!
Bake the Pinwheels
Preheat your oven to 400°F. Once hot, pop in the pan of seasoned salmon pinwheels.
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Bake for 15-18 minutes. This gives you tender, flaky salmon inside with just a touch of crunch on the outside.
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If your pinwheels are larger or very thick, extend cooking by a couple minutes. Check for doneness early.
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You’ll know they’re done when the salmon flakes easily with a fork and appears opaque throughout.
Finish and Serve
Let the baked salmon pinwheels cool for 2-3 minutes once out of the oven.
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Give them a final sprinkle of fresh herbs or a squeeze of lemon right before serving for extra vibrance.
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Arrange the pinwheels on a platter with lemon wedges, creamy dip, or crackers on the side.
Your beautiful and appetizing salmon pinwheels are ready to enjoy!
Handy Tips for Success
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Watch closely for doneness – it’s easy to overbake. Salmon goes from perfect to dry quickly.
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If pinwheels fall apart a bit, simply reshape before baking. The cream cheese filling helps them hold together.
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Add a few pinwheels to a salad or grain bowl for a satisfying protein boost.
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Make ahead and reheat briefly in a hot oven or toaster oven to serve quickly.
With practice, you’ll be able to churn out perfect baked salmon pinwheels every time. Adjust cooking times as needed based on your oven. Have fun with flavors – smoked paprika, za’atar spice, sesame-soy marinades, and browned butter are all delicious!
Pair with Fresh Flavors
A bright, tangy relish perks up rich salmon pinwheels beautifully.
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Dill pickle relish – Combine diced dill pickles, red onion, lemon juice, olive oil, and fresh dill.
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Pineapple salsa – Toss pineapple tidbits, red bell pepper, cilantro, lime juice, and jalapeño for a tropical flair.
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Corn and bean salad – Mix corn, black beans, red onion, lime juice and cilantro. Season with chili powder and cumin.
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Cucumber yogurt – Stir chopped cucumber, lemon zest, fresh mint or dill into Greek yogurt for a quick cooling dip.
Vibrant vegetables like snap peas, broccoli slaw, or tomato-cucumber salad also balance the salmon. Feel free to get creative with your sides!
Take Your Pinwheels Beyond the Oven
While baking is easy and reliable, there are other great ways to cook Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels:
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Grill for fun backyard flavor. Oil pinwheels lightly and grill 2-3 minutes per side. Watch carefully to prevent burning.
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Air fry at 400°F, flipping halfway through, until golden and cooked through, about 8-10 minutes.
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Pan sear in an oiled skillet for 2 minutes per side until browned and flaky. Baste with garlic butter as they cook.
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Broil 4-5 inches from heat, 5 minutes per side, for easy oven charring.
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Poach in simmering liquid like wine or broth until salmon is opaque, 5-6 minutes.
Clever Serving Ideas
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Make pinwheel wraps with lettuce leaves or tortillas for handheld salmon goodness.
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Stuff into a pita pocket with cucumber yogurt sauce for a lighter take on gyros.
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Turn into an elegant tea sandwich on crustless bread with cream cheese, cucumber and fresh dill.
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Layer into a composed salad with greens, snap peas, hard boiled egg, and Green Goddess dressing.
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Place atop mini toasts with goat cheese, pickled onions and watercress.
With so many cooking methods and serving possibilities, Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels offer incredible versatility. Keep a bag in the freezer for an easy, impressive appetizer anytime. Your oven baked salmon will be a crowdpleaser!
FAQs
How long do the frozen salmon pinwheels need to thaw before baking?
Only 15-20 minutes of thawing time is needed. Thaw just until they can be gently separated for best results.
What temperature should I bake the salmon pinwheels at?
400°F is the ideal temperature to bake Trader Joe’s salmon pinwheels in the oven. This allows the outside to get lightly crisp while the inside cooks through.
How do I know when the pinwheels are fully cooked?
Check for opaque, flaky salmon and an internal temperature of 145°F. They should be lightly browned on the outside. Cooking times vary based on size.
Can I refreeze leftover baked salmon pinwheels?
It is not recommended to refreeze salmon pinwheels after they have been thawed and cooked for food safety reasons. Eat any leftovers within 3-4 days.
If my pinwheels fall apart, can I still bake them successfully?
Yes, simply reshape any pinwheels that unroll before baking. The filling will help hold the salmon and cheese together as they cook.