There’s something irresistibly crispy and savory about these parcels that just pulls you in from the first bite. This Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe combines flaky phyllo, rich salmon, and tangy feta for a dish that’s as elegant as it is simple, perfect for impressing guests or elevating weeknight dinners.
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 Phyllo Parcels Recipe
- Top Tip
- How to Serve Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe
- Make Ahead and Storage
- Frequently Asked Questions:
- Final Thoughts
- Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe
Why You'll Love This Recipe
I first made this dish when I was looking for something a bit different but still easy to whip up after work. The crispy golden phyllo with that luscious salmon and spinach filling quickly became a favorite. It’s fresh, flavorful, and feels fancy without much fuss.
- Perfect Balance: The creamy feta and spinach contrast beautifully with tender salmon, wrapped in ultra-crispy phyllo dough.
- Easy Prep: You’ll love how simple it is to sauté the filling and assemble parcels—no complicated sauces or waiting times.
- Impress Without Stress: Whether guests are coming over or it’s a weekend treat, these parcels look gourmet but are surprisingly straightforward.
- Versatile Serving: They pair wonderfully with fresh salads or roasted veggies, making meal planning flexible and fun.
Ingredients & Why They Work
Every ingredient in this Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe plays an essential role—from the flaky phyllo that creates that coveted crunch to the cream cheese that lends richness and binds everything together. Let’s walk through why you want each one.
- Salmon: Choose fresh, skinless fillets for tender, flavorful fish that flakes beautifully inside the parcels.
- Fresh Spinach: Adds a fresh, vibrant green note and balances the richness of the feta and cream cheese.
- Feta Cheese: Its tanginess cuts through the creaminess, giving each bite brightness and depth.
- Shallot: Offers a subtle sweetness and gentle onion flavor, perfect for sautéing into the filling.
- Oregano: Brings a warm, herbal note that complements both the seafood and cheese.
- Salt & Black Pepper: Essential for seasoning evenly throughout the filling.
- Cream Cheese: Softens the filling, making it smooth and luscious without overpowering other flavors.
- Phyllo Dough: The star wrapper — thin layers brushed with butter bake crisp and flaky, sealing in the juicy filling.
- Butter: Melting and brushing the phyllo layers gives that irresistible golden color and rich flavor.
- Sesame Seeds: A simple sprinkle adds nuttiness and a subtle crunch on top, making the parcels look extra inviting.
Make It Your Way
One of the joys of this Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe is how easily you can play around with it to suit your tastes. I often tweak the filling depending on what’s in my fridge or swap out herbs to freshen things up.
- Vegetarian Variation: I’ve swapped salmon for mushrooms and still gotten rave reviews—spinach, feta, and cream cheese work well as a base for all kinds of fillings.
- Herb Switch-Up: If you’re feeling adventurous, thyme or dill adds a lovely twist that pairs surprisingly well with salmon.
- Spicy Kick: Adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a smear of harissa inside the parcels gives a welcome heat.
- Mini Parcels: Making smaller parcels is great for appetizers and finger food at parties.
Step-by-Step: How I Make Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe
Step 1: Sauté the Shallot and Spinach Until Perfectly Tender
Start by heating a splash of oil in a skillet over medium heat. Toss in your minced shallot and cook gently for 2–3 minutes until it’s soft and fragrant—this builds a sweet foundation. Then, add your fresh spinach and let it wilt away, releasing all its moisture. Transfer this mixture to a bowl and let it cool slightly; you don’t want it steaming hot when you mix in the cheese or it might get watery.
Step 2: Mix Cream Cheese, Feta, and Seasoning Into the Filling
To your cooled spinach mixture, add the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and pepper. Stir it all together until everything is luscious and creamy. This creamy blend is what keeps your parcels moist and flavorful—don’t rush this step; a smooth filling makes the difference!
Step 3: Prepare the Phyllo Layers Carefully
Phyllo can be a bit delicate, so gently unroll it on a clean surface. Brush one sheet lightly with melted butter, then layer another sheet on top, brushing again. I usually stack three layers per parcel. This layering creates that signature flaky texture and golden crust, so don’t skip the butter or the multiple layers—it’s worth every brushstroke.
Step 4: Assemble the Parcels Evenly and Securely
Place a salmon fillet right in the center of your phyllo stack. Spoon half your spinach and feta filling on top. Then fold in all four sides carefully to make a neat parcel—think of it like wrapping a little gift. Brush the whole parcel with butter and sprinkle sesame seeds on top for extra crunch and flavor. Repeat for the second fillet.
Step 5: Bake Until Golden and Crispy
Pop your parcels on a parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in a preheated 400°F oven for about 17-20 minutes. You’re looking for a deep golden color and a crisp snap when you touch the phyllo. Keep an eye on them so the pastries don’t burn but get that perfect crunch—you’ll know when they’re ready!
Top Tip
When I first made this recipe, I was intimidated by the phyllo dough—would it tear, dry out, or burn? Over time, I’ve learned a few tricks that save you stress and guarantee those golden parcels every time.
- Butter Is Your Best Friend: Don’t skimp on brushing each phyllo sheet with melted butter; it’s what keeps the layers crisp and colorful.
- Work Quickly But Gently: Phyllo dries out fast, so have your filling ready and don’t pause too long between layering and assembling.
- Seal Those Edges Well: Fold the phyllo tightly around the filling—any gaps can lead to leaks or soggy spots.
- Watch the Oven Closely: Ovens vary, so start checking at 15 minutes to avoid burning but ensure a crispy finish.
How to Serve Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe
Garnishes
I love a simple sprinkle of fresh dill or parsley over the parcels—it adds a pop of color and fresh herbiness that cuts through the richness. A few lemon wedges on the side are ideal too; a squeeze of bright citrus brings the whole dish alive.
Side Dishes
This Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe shines alongside a crisp green salad with a tangy vinaigrette or roasted seasonal veggies like asparagus or carrots. For something heartier, garlic mashed potatoes or a light couscous salad work beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For special dinners, I sometimes serve these parcels on a wooden board with small bowls of dipping sauces—tzatziki or a lemony yogurt sauce add a fresh twist. You can also slice the parcels into bite-sized portions for a stunning appetizer platter that guests love to nibble around.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover parcels keep well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. When I’ve stored them overnight, the phyllo loses a bit of its crispness but reheating brings back much of that texture.
Freezing
I recommend wrapping each assembled but unbaked parcel individually in plastic wrap and then placing them in a freezer bag. You can freeze them for up to 3 months. When ready to bake, thaw overnight in the fridge and bake fresh for the best results.
Reheating
To reheat, pop the parcels into a 350°F oven for 10 minutes or until warmed through and the phyllo crisps up again—avoid microwaving if you want to keep that flaky texture.
Frequently Asked Questions:
Yes, you can substitute fresh spinach with frozen spinach, but be sure to thaw and squeeze out all excess moisture before mixing it into the filling to prevent soggy parcels.
Handle the phyllo sheets carefully and keep them covered with a damp towel while working so they don’t dry out. Also, brush each layer with melted butter to keep them pliable and prevent tearing.
Absolutely! You can assemble the parcels a few hours ahead and keep them covered in the fridge. Just brush with additional butter before baking to refresh the pastry.
They pair beautifully with light salads, steamed veggies, or a side of couscous or rice. Fresh lemon wedges on the side also brighten the flavors wonderfully.
Final Thoughts
This Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen. It’s a dish that makes any meal feel like a celebration without complicated steps or hard-to-find ingredients. Once you try it, I’m confident you’ll find yourself reaching for these flaky parcels again and again, whether for a simple dinner or to wow your friends.
Print
Salmon Spinach Feta Phyllo Parcels 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 recipe features succulent salmon fillets wrapped in crispy, buttery phyllo dough filled with a creamy spinach, feta, and shallot mixture. Perfectly seasoned and baked to golden perfection, it's a delightful main course that combines flaky fish with Mediterranean flavors and a satisfying crunch.
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 Layers
- 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 and fragrant. Add the fresh spinach and cook until wilted. Transfer the cooked mixture to a bowl and allow to cool slightly.
- Mix Filling: To the cooled spinach and shallot mixture, add the softened cream cheese, crumbled feta, oregano, salt, and black pepper. Stir thoroughly until the filling is well combined and creamy.
- Prepare Phyllo: Lay one sheet of phyllo dough on a clean surface and lightly brush with melted butter. Top with another sheet and brush again. Repeat this process until you have layered three sheets of phyllo. Repeat for the second salmon fillet to create two phyllo stacks.
- Assemble Parcels: Place one salmon fillet in the center of each phyllo stack. Top each fillet evenly with half of the spinach-feta filling. Fold all sides of the phyllo over the salmon to create a parcel. Brush the tops and sides generously with melted butter, then sprinkle with sesame seeds for a nutty crunch.
- Bake: Place the prepared parcels on the parchment-lined baking sheet and bake in the preheated oven for 20 minutes until the phyllo is golden brown, crisp, and cooked through.
Notes
- Make sure phyllo dough is covered with a damp cloth while working to prevent it from drying out and tearing.
- You can substitute feta with goat cheese or ricotta for a different flavor profile.
- Use skinless salmon for easier wrapping and better texture inside the phyllo.
- Allow the filling to cool before mixing to avoid melting the cream cheese.
- Brush phyllo layers thoroughly with butter to ensure crispiness and prevent dryness.
- Serve immediately after baking to enjoy the crispy texture of phyllo.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 parcel
- Calories: 480 kcal
- Sugar: 2 g
- Sodium: 710 mg
- Fat: 35 g
- Saturated Fat: 15 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 16 g
- Fiber: 2 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
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