There’s something incredibly comforting about flaky, buttery phyllo dough wrapped around tender salmon and a creamy spinach-feta filling. This Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo Recipe combines fresh flavors with a satisfyingly crisp texture that makes it feel special enough for guests but easy enough for a weeknight.
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Why You'll Love This Recipe
This recipe quickly became one of my favorites because it strikes the perfect balance between elegant and approachable. You get rich salmon paired with tangy feta and fresh spinach, all tucked into golden, crispy phyllo layers that shatter beautifully with every bite. It’s a dish that feels fancy but really just requires a bit of patience and simple ingredients.
- Elegant and simple: The final dish looks impressive but comes together quickly with minimal fuss.
- Flavor-packed filling: Spinach, feta, and cream cheese bring moistness and tang that perfectly complement salmon.
- Textural contrast: Buttery flaky phyllo crust contrasts the tender fish inside for a satisfying mouthfeel.
- Easy to customize: You can easily swap herbs or add seasonings to suit your taste.
Ingredients & Why They Work
The ingredients in this Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo Recipe are simple but thoughtfully chosen to play off each other’s textures and flavors. When you pick quality salmon and fresh spinach, it really shines through in the final dish.
- Salmon: Use skinless fillets for easy wrapping; fresh or thawed frozen works well.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds vibrant color and a mild earthiness that balances the richness.
- Feta Cheese: Crumbly and tangy, it brings a sharp contrast to the creamy filling.
- Shallot: Sweated down gently, it adds subtle sweetness and depth.
- Oregano: A classic herb pairing for salmon, it lends a hint of Mediterranean flavor.
- Cream Cheese: Softens and binds the filling, keeping everything luscious.
- Phyllo Dough: The star of the show for flaky, crispy texture – work quickly to keep it from drying.
- Butter: Brushed thoroughly for that golden crunch and rich flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: An optional finishing touch that adds nuttiness and visual appeal.
Make It Your Way
I love personalizing this Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo Recipe depending on what herbs I have on hand or how indulgent I’m feeling. The beauty is you can tweak the filling without losing what makes it so comforting.
- Variation: Sometimes I swap the oregano for dill or fresh parsley for a brighter herbal note—it’s fantastic either way!
- Dietary swap: For a lighter option, try Greek yogurt instead of cream cheese to keep it creamy but less rich.
- Extra crunch: Adding toasted pine nuts to the filling gives a lovely bite that contrasts the flakiness.
- Vegetarian twist: Skip the salmon completely and stuff the parcels with a combination of roasted vegetables and feta.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo Recipe
Step 1: Sauté Your Shallots and Spinach with Care
I start by heating a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat, then gently soften the minced shallot for about 2 to 3 minutes. You want them translucent and sweet, not browned. Then toss in the fresh spinach and cook just until wilted. If you overcook the spinach, it releases too much water, which can make your phyllo soggy later. Once done, transfer this mixture to a bowl to cool slightly while you prep the rest.
Step 2: Mix the Creamy Filling
Once the spinach mix is cool enough to handle, stir in the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. I usually mix it with a fork until the filling is uniformly creamy but still with chunks of spinach and feta visible – that texture is everything. Taste the filling at this point; trust me, it’s the flavor heart of the recipe, so adjust seasoning if needed.
Step 3: Handle the Phyllo Dough Like a Pro
Working with phyllo can feel intimidating, but a couple of things make it smooth sailing. Lay one sheet on a clean surface and brush it lightly with melted butter—don’t skimp here because it’s what gives phyllo its crispiness and golden color. Stack two more sheets on top, each brushed with butter as well, making a neat triple-layer. If your phyllo starts drying out, cover it with a damp towel.
Step 4: Assemble Your Parcels
Place a salmon fillet in the center of your phyllo stack. Spoon half the spinach-feta mixture over the fish. Now, gently fold all the phyllo edges towards the center, sealing the salmon and filling inside a snug parcel. Brush all exposed surfaces liberally with butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Repeat with the second fillet and phyllo stack. This careful wrapping keeps everything moist and locks flavors in.
Step 5: Bake to Golden Perfection
Pop your parcels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake at 400°F for 17–20 minutes. Keep an eye on them—the phyllo should be a deeply golden brown and crispy but not burnt. The salmon inside will be tender and perfectly cooked, with the filling bubbling gently. Let the parcels rest just a few minutes before serving to let the juices settle.
Top Tip
From my many times making this Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo Recipe, I’ve learned a few tips that really keep it hassle-free and delicious every time.
- Keep phyllo covered: Phyllo dries out fast, so always cover unused sheets with a damp towel to keep them pliable and prevent cracking.
- Butter is your best friend: Don’t skip brushing melted butter between phyllo layers—it’s the secret to that unforgettable golden crisp.
- Don’t overfill: Using too much filling makes folding tricky and can cause the parcels to burst; aim for just enough to cover the salmon.
- Allow resting time: Let your parcels rest for 5 minutes after baking; it finishes cooking the salmon gently and helps filling set up so it doesn’t ooze out when cut.
How to Serve Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo Recipe
Garnishes
I like to keep garnishes simple—just a sprinkle of fresh dill or a wedge of lemon on the side. The citrus adds a lovely brightness that cuts through the richness, and fresh herbs echo the flavors in the filling without overpowering.
Side Dishes
This dish pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad dressed with lemon vinaigrette or a light quinoa pilaf. Roasted asparagus or steamed green beans tossed with a little olive oil and garlic also complement the flaky fish and flaky phyllo nicely.
Creative Ways to Present
For a dinner party, I’ve served individual parcels on leaf-shaped plates with a drizzle of tzatziki or cucumber-yogurt sauce on the side. Sometimes I slice the parcels crosswise for a mini “pinwheel” effect, which makes a fun appetizer or tapas-style plate.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
I store leftovers wrapped tightly in foil or an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Phyllo can lose some crispiness but reheating in a hot oven helps bring back that crunch.
Freezing
You can freeze assembled but unbaked parcels wrapped individually in plastic wrap and then foil. Freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge, then brush with butter and bake as directed.
Reheating
To reheat, I pop leftovers in a preheated 350°F oven for about 10–12 minutes to warm through and revive the crisp phyllo. Avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture intact.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach if needed. Just be sure to thaw it fully and squeeze out any excess moisture to avoid soggy phyllo.
Look for fresh refrigerated phyllo dough in your grocery store’s refrigerated section for best results. It’s more pliable and easier to work with than frozen, though frozen can be used if thawed properly.
Absolutely! The filling can be made a day ahead and refrigerated in an airtight container. Just bring it to room temperature before assembling the parcels for easier spreading.
Handle the phyllo gently and keep it well buttered and covered to maintain softness. Folding edges gently rather than stretching or pulling helps prevent tears. If a small tear happens, just patch it with an extra phyllo sheet and butter.
Final Thoughts
This Spinach Feta Salmon in Phyllo Recipe feels like a warm hug on a plate for me—comforting, flavorful, and truly a joy to make. I always recommend giving it a try the next time you want something a little different with familiar flavors. Once you nail the technique, it becomes a go-to that impresses family and friends without the stress. So grab some phyllo and fresh spinach and let’s get cooking together—you’re going to love the flaky, savory results as much as I do!
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Spinach Feta Salmon in 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
A delicious and elegant Spinach Feta Salmon wrapped in crisp, buttery phyllo dough, combining tender salmon fillets with a creamy spinach and feta filling, perfect for a flavorful 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 Dough 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 prepare for baking.
- Sauté the filling: In a skillet over medium heat, add a splash of oil and sauté the minced shallot for 2 to 3 minutes until softened, then add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly.
- Mix the filling: Add the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and black pepper to the cooled spinach mixture and stir until well combined and creamy.
- Prepare the phyllo: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush with melted butter. Layer another sheet on top and butter again, repeating until you have three layers. Repeat this layering for the second salmon fillet as well.
- Assemble the parcels: Place one salmon fillet in the center of the prepared phyllo layers, then top with half of the spinach-feta mixture. Fold in all sides of the phyllo over the salmon to create a secure parcel. Brush the entire parcel with melted butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on top. Repeat with the second fillet and filling.
- Bake: Place the parcels on the lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes, or until the phyllo is golden brown and crispy.
Notes
- Use fresh spinach for the best flavor and texture. Frozen spinach should be thoroughly drained if used as a substitute.
- Ensure the cream cheese is softened to easily mix with other ingredients and create a creamy filling.
- Handle phyllo dough carefully as it is delicate and dries out quickly; keep it covered with a damp cloth when not in use.
- Brush the phyllo generously with melted butter for a crisp and flaky texture.
- Sesame seeds add a nice crunch and nutty flavor but can be omitted if preferred or if allergic.
- Serve immediately after baking for best texture, or reheat gently to maintain crispiness.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 750 mg
- Fat: 38 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 20 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 100 mg
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