There’s something irresistibly cozy about flaky, golden phyllo wrapped around tender salmon, spinach, and tangy feta — that’s why my Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe has become a go-to in my kitchen. It’s not just delicious; it’s also a real crowd-pleaser that feels fancy without too much fuss.
Jump to:
- Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Ingredients & Why They Work
- Make It Your Way
- Step-by-Step: How I Make Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I genuinely enjoy making this Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe because it delivers restaurant vibes but is surprisingly easy to prepare. The crispy phyllo crust adds a wonderful texture contrast to the creamy, flavorful filling inside, and every bite feels like a little celebration.
- Perfect balance of textures: The crispy phyllo shell contrasts beautifully with the soft, creamy salmon and feta filling.
- Fresh and flavorful: Spinach and oregano add bright, fresh notes that elevate the seafood.
- Simple yet impressive: It looks stunning on the plate but doesn’t take hours to make.
- Flexible for any meal: Works equally well for an easy dinner or special occasion appetizer.
Ingredients & Why They Work
All the ingredients here play a role—phyllo gives that crisp exterior, while the salmon provides rich protein, and the spinach-feta filling brings freshness and creaminess. Using quality, fresh salmon and good feta makes a noticeable difference, so I always try to get the best I can at the market.
- Salmon: I always buy skinless for easier prep, and it flakes beautifully when cooked snug in phyllo.
- Fresh spinach: Fresh over frozen ensures your parcels stay vibrant and not watery.
- Feta cheese: Crumbled adds that tangy, salty punch that balances the richness of salmon.
- Shallot: Brings a mild sweetness that’s gentler than onion but just as flavorful.
- Oregano: I love it for that aromatic Mediterranean twist it lends here.
- Cream cheese: Softened cream cheese binds the filling, making it creamy and luscious.
- Phyllo dough: This is the magic crust—handle it gently to prevent tearing and keep it covered so it doesn’t dry out.
- Butter: Melted and brushed liberally to ensure each phyllo layer crisps up gorgeously.
- Sesame seeds: Optional, but I add them for a subtle nutty crunch on top.
Make It Your Way
What I love most about this Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe is how easy it is to tweak to your tastes. I sometimes swap the oregano for dill to change things up, or add a pinch of chili flakes for a little kick if I’m feeling adventurous.
- Variation: Once, I added some lemon zest to the filling, which brought a refreshing brightness to the dish that my family really enjoyed.
- Make it vegetarian: Replace the salmon with roasted mushrooms or artichoke hearts for a veggie-friendly version that keeps the same great flavors.
- Low-carb twist: Use collard wraps instead of phyllo for a grain-free option, though you lose the signature crispiness.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallots and Spinach for Maximum Flavor
Start by heating a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in the minced shallot and sauté for 2 to 3 minutes until it softens and turns slightly translucent—I always watch carefully so it doesn’t brown, which keeps the flavor sweet and gentle. Add in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. Overcooking here can lead to soggy filling, so I usually stir gently and remove it from heat immediately. Let the mixture cool a bit before moving to the next step.
Step 2: Mix in the Cream Cheese, Feta, and Herbs
Transfer the cooled spinach and shallot to a bowl, and fold in the cream cheese, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. I like to use a fork or spatula to mix until it’s smooth and creamy—no big chunks of cream cheese here! This blend forms the rich, flavorful filling that perfectly complements the salmon.
Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Layers
Lay one sheet of phyllo dough flat on your workspace and brush lightly with melted butter. Add a second sheet right on top and brush again, then a third layer, creating a sturdy but delicate base for the filling. One key tip: keep the phyllo sheets covered with a damp towel while you work to prevent them from drying out and cracking—it makes assembling these parcels so much easier.
Step 4: Assemble the Salmon Parcels
Place a salmon fillet in the center of your layered phyllo. Spoon half the spinach-feta filling over the top. Now, carefully fold all the phyllo edges up and around the salmon so it’s snugly enclosed like a little gift parcel. Brush the whole parcel with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for that inviting golden finish. Repeat for the second fillet.
Step 5: Bake Until Gorgeous and Crispy
Pop your parcels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and slide them into a preheated 400°F oven. Bake for about 17 to 20 minutes until the phyllo turns a deep golden brown and crackles delightfully when you tap it. This step seals in all the luscious flavors and creates that satisfying crispy outer layer that’s so memorable.
Top Tip
Through cooking this Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe multiple times, I've learned a few things that really make the end result shine. These tips might save you some frustration and ensure your parcels come out picture-perfect every time.
- Keep Phyllo Covered: Always keep unused phyllo dough wrapped in a damp cloth to avoid drying out and cracking—it’s the secret to dealing with this delicate dough smoothly.
- Don’t Overfill: Use just enough spinach-feta mixture to avoid tearing the phyllo when folding and keep your parcels neat.
- Butter Layers Generously: Brushing every phyllo layer with melted butter is what gives you that flaky, golden crust, so don’t skimp here!
- Check Salmon Thickness: If your salmon fillets are thick, add a couple extra minutes to bake to make sure they’re fully cooked inside.
How to Serve Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe
Garnishes
I usually sprinkle a bit more fresh oregano or some finely chopped parsley on top just before serving for a bright pop of color and flavor. A few lemon wedges on the side are also fantastic—I like squeezing fresh lemon over the phyllo parcels just before digging in to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This recipe pairs wonderfully with a crisp green salad or some roasted baby potatoes tossed in herbs. For a heartier meal, I sometimes serve it alongside garlic butter green beans or a light cucumber and tomato salad to keep things fresh and balanced.
Creative Ways to Present
For special occasions, I like to slice these parcels into smaller pieces and arrange them on a beautiful platter with assorted olives and vibrant roasted peppers for a Mediterranean-themed spread. It’s a guaranteed crowd-pleaser and looks stunning.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I recommend letting the salmon parcels cool completely, then wrapping them tightly in plastic wrap or storing them in an airtight container in the fridge. They keep well for up to 2 days, and I find the flavors actually come together more once rested.
Freezing
I’ve successfully frozen these parcels before baking: assemble them, then wrap individually in plastic and foil before freezing. When ready to eat, thaw them overnight in the fridge and bake as usual. This method keeps the phyllo crisp and delicious without sogginess.
Reheating
To keep that crisp phyllo texture, I reheat leftovers in a 350°F oven for about 10 minutes, rather than the microwave. It warms the salmon through and revives the flaky crust perfectly.
Frequently Asked Questions:
It’s best to use fresh spinach because it wilts beautifully and won’t release too much moisture, which can make the phyllo soggy. If you only have frozen, make sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out as much liquid as possible before using.
Skinless, boneless salmon fillets work best as they’re easy to wrap and cook evenly inside the phyllo. Fresh wild-caught salmon adds more flavor, but farmed is fine too if it’s fresh and high quality.
Phyllo dough dries out very quickly. To prevent this, keep the sheets covered with a clean, slightly damp kitchen towel as you work. Only uncover the sheets you are using and work steadily. This maintains flexibility and helps prevent tearing.
Yes! You can assemble the parcels and keep them refrigerated for a few hours before baking, which is great for meal prep or entertaining. Just be sure to cover them well to avoid drying out and bake from chilled, allowing a couple extra minutes in the oven if needed.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe feels like a little touch of something special anytime you make it. Whether for a weeknight treat or sharing with friends, I know you’ll appreciate how it tastes just as lovely as it looks, and how surprisingly uncomplicated it is. I can’t wait for you to try it out and discover your own favorite way to enjoy these flaky parcels full of flavor.
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Salmon Spinach Feta in Crispy Phyllo Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 40 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
This Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo is a delightful and elegant dish featuring tender salmon fillets wrapped in crispy phyllo dough with a creamy spinach and feta filling. Perfect for a fancy dinner or special occasion, it combines Mediterranean flavors with flaky pastry for a delicious main course.
Ingredients
Salmon and Filling
- 1 lb salmon skin removed
- 3 oz fresh spinach
- ⅓ cup crumbled feta
- 1 shallot minced
- 1 teaspoon oregano
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 4 oz cream cheese softened
Phyllo and Toppings
- 6 sheets phyllo dough
- 4 oz butter melted
- 1 tablespoon sesame seeds
Instructions
- Preheat Oven: Preheat the oven to 400°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper to ensure easy cleanup and prevent sticking.
- Sauté Filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the minced shallot for 2–3 minutes until softened. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer the mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly to avoid melting the cream cheese in the next step.
- Mix Filling: To the cooled spinach and shallot mixture, add the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir until well combined into a creamy filling.
- Prepare Phyllo Layers: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush it with melted butter. Top with a second sheet, brush with butter again, and repeat until you have stacked three layers of phyllo. Repeat this layering process for the second salmon fillet.
- Assemble Parcels: Place one salmon fillet in the center of the stacked phyllo layers. Spoon half of the spinach-feta filling over the salmon. Fold all sides of the phyllo over the salmon to form a secure parcel. Brush the entire parcel, including the top and sides, with melted butter and sprinkle with sesame seeds. Repeat with the second salmon fillet and filling.
- Bake: Place the phyllo-wrapped salmon parcels on the prepared baking sheet. Bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the phyllo dough is golden brown and crispy, and the salmon is cooked through.
Notes
- Ensure the spinach mixture is cooled before mixing with cream cheese to prevent it from melting and becoming runny.
- If phyllo dough is too dry, cover remaining sheets with a damp kitchen towel to prevent them from drying out while assembling.
- Use skinless salmon fillets for easier folding and better texture.
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese for a creamier filling.
- For extra crispiness, apply an additional butter brush halfway through baking.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 450 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 550 mg
- Fat: 30 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 95 mg
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