When you pull this stunning Salmon Wellington from the oven, please pause a moment to admire your handiwork. It’s going to be hard to refrain from diving immediately into that golden, flaky layer of puff pastry to reveal the treasure of perfectly moist baked salmon and garlicky sautéed spinach within, but you deserve several solid seconds of serious self-congratulations.

Just look at your gorgeous creation! W-O-W.
This salmon Wellington recipes features a fillet of salmon that’s brushed with a mixture of melted butter, lemon zest, and Dijon, then placed on a bed of garlicky sautéed spinach. The salmon and spinach are then wrapped up in puff pastry like a present, then baked until the pastry is deeply golden, and the fish is moist and tender.
The only thing better than the way this puff pastry wrapped salmon looks is how it tastes.
Lightly crispy on the outside. Buttery on the inside. Indulgent but not food-coma inducing. Tangentially healthy without tasting remotely like a sacrifice. Essentially, salmon Wellington is perfect.
I love salmon for entertaining in general, because it feels fancy but is deceptively easy to make. This Baked Salmon in Foil is a staple, but when you really want to knock your guests’ socks off, make salmon Wellington.
In addition to the wowza taste and presentation, this salmon Wellington recipe is notable for how straightforward it is to make (just like this Salmon Pasta).
Thanks to puff pastry—one of my go-to ingredients for easy-but-impressive recipes like these Ham and Cheese Pinwheels and this Easy Asparagus Tart—this recipe looks and tastes like you spent hours making it, when it really takes less than 30 minutes to prep.
You also can prep salmon Wellington hours in advance, making it a phenomenal option for entertaining.
To help you on your way, I added a matching video AND photo step-by-steps. You can make this restaurant-worthy meal at home, with a glass of wine in hand.

What is Salmon Wellington {a.k.a. Salmon en Croute}
Salmon Wellington can also be called “salmon en croute.” En croute is a French term for anything wrapped in a pastry dough and baked in the oven. Salmon Wellington (and other “Wellington” recipes like beef Wellington) specially use puff pastry, which has a myriad of flaky layers that puff up in the oven, versus a single layer pastry like pie crust.
The origin of salmon Wellington dates back to Tudor England (mid 1400s to early 1600s). Beef Wellington (which is a fillet of beef coated with pâté and mushroom duxelle, then wrapped in Parma ham, THEN wrapped in puff pastry and baked) was an incredibly popular dish among the higher classes. Larger groups began to experiment with other types of protein that were more plentiful and affordable, like salmon. I’m thankful that they did, because it led me to this unbelievably scrumptious and impressive-looking recipe.

How to Make Salmon Wellington
Don’t let the showstopper appearance and taste of salmon Wellington deceive you. This recipe is straightforward and shockingly easy to make!
The Ingredients
- Salmon Fillets. Once wrapped in the puff pastry, the salmon stays incredibly moist, and it soaks up all the rich, buttery flavors (the mixture of Dijon, melted butter, and lemon zest we’ll be spreading on top doesn’t hurt either). If possible, look for wild-caught varieties of salmon, which are usually more nutrient-rich than the farmed variety. You’ll also want to use skinless salmon for this recipe. If the salmon is sold skin-on, the seafood counter can usually remove it for you.
- Puff Pastry. Frozen puff pastry becomes flaky, golden perfection once it’s baked. It envelops the salmon fillet and traps in the moisture. See how I use this handy ingredient in other recipes here.
- Egg Yolk + Water. Brushing an egg wash over the top of the puff pastry helps it turn golden brown.
- Butter + Dijon Mustard. These two flavors are delicious combined and brushed over the top of the salmon fillets. They provide a subtle richness and tiny bit of zing. Plus, the moisture sneaks into the salmon as it cooks and keeps it tender.
- Lemon Zest. For brightness, freshness, and acidity.
- Seasonings. A combination of salt, pepper, garlic, and thyme season the salmon fabulously.
- Spinach + Parmesan Cheese. Instead of the sautéed mushroom mixture used for beef Wellington (which would be overpowering here), I used a cheesy spinach mixture. It adds scrumptious nutty flavor, a layer of moisture, and some healthy, sneaky veggies. Spinach is packed with folate, Vitamin-K, Vitamin-C, and Vitamin-A.
The Directions
- Get ready: Stir together melted butter, mustard, lemon zest, and spices. Saute the spinach with the Parmesan. Roll out the puff pastry onto a floured work surface and cut it in half crosswise.
- Brush the salmon fillets with the butter mixture. Flip them over and place a fillet, butter-side down in the middle of each piece of puff pastry.
- Spoon the cheesy spinach over the top.
- Fold one side of the puff pastry over the top, and brush the top of the folded part with egg wash. The egg wash will act like glue.
- Repeat with the opposite side, attaching the two flaps. Brush with more egg wash.
- Repeat until all 4 sides are folded. Make sure the pastry is well sealed. Transfer the salmon fillets to the parchment-lined baking sheet, seam-side down.
- Brush the tops with egg wash, and score diagonal lines in each direction to allow steam to escape (and to make it look pretty).
- Bake the salmon Wellington for 20 to 25 minutes at 400 degrees F, until deep golden brown. Let cool a few minutes, then DIG IN!
Make Ahead Tips
Salmon Wellington reheats like a dream—we thought it tasted nearly as good as the first time it came out of the oven. It’s also easy to assemble the salmon Wellington “packets” ahead, making this recipe ideal for easy entertaining.
- To Make Ahead. Up to 1 day in advance, you can prepare the salmon fillets and wrap them in the puff pastry. Score the puff pastry, but do not add the egg wash on top. Store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the salmon, then add the egg wash, and bake as directed.
- To Make Ahead and Freeze. I do not recommend freezing baked salmon Wellington; however, you can freeze salmon Wellington before it is baked. Prepare as directed through the point of scoring the top, but do not add the egg wash on top. Place it on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Then, store in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to prepare it, let it set at room temperature for about 20 minutes (enough for the pastry to soften up a bit), then add the egg wash, score, and bake. You’ll need to add 15 to 20 minutes to the cooking time.
- To Store. Place leftovers in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- To Reheat Baked Salmon Wellington. Let the salmon come to near room temperature, then reheat it in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 to 15 minutes, until warmed through. You can rewarm this dish in the microwave in a pinch, but it’s likely the pastry will become soggy and the fish will dry out; the oven will yield much better results.
Sides that Go Well with Salmon Wellington
- Mashed Potatoes. A side of cozy and creamy Instant Pot Mashed Potatoes are a perfect pairing with this dish.
- Vegetables. Roasted Frozen Broccoli or Sautéed Brussels Sprouts would be delicious.
- Salad. For a fresh, healthy side, try this Brussels Sprouts Slaw.
More Favorite Baked Salmon Recipes
- Spicy Baked Salmon
- Stuffed Salmon
- Teriyaki Salmon
- Lemon Pepper Salmon
- Whole30 Salmon
- Garlic Salmon with Lemon Butter

Ready to stun your guests (and yourself!) with this show stopping salmon Wellington? Whether or not you share how easy this recipe is, I’ll leave to your description. Either way, be sure to bask in the applause. You deserve it!
Salmon Wellington
Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter
- ½ tablespoon Dijon mustard
- Zest of 1 small lemon about ¾ teaspoon
- ¾ teaspoon kosher salt divided
- ½ teaspoon black pepper divided
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme
- 2 teaspoons extra virgin olive oil
- 4 cups fresh baby spinach
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons freshly grated Parmesan cheese
- 1 large egg yolk plus 1 teaspoon water
- 1 sheet frozen puff pastry thawed in the refrigerator
- 2, 6- ounce salmon fillets skin removed
Instructions
- Place a rack in the center of your oven and preheat the oven to 400 degrees F. Line a rimmed baking sheet with parchment paper. Leave the salmon in the refrigerator.
- Melt the butter in a small bowl or saucepan. Stir in the Dijon, lemon zest, ¼ teaspoon kosher salt, and ¼ teaspoon black pepper. Set aside.
- Heat the oil in a large, nonstick skillet. Add the spinach in large handfuls, cooking until it wilts, about 1 minute. Stir in the garlic, thyme, remaining ½ teaspoon salt and ¼ teaspoon pepper. Stir in the Parmesan. Remove from the heat and let cool.
- In a small bowl, lightly beat the egg yolk with 1 teaspoon water to act as an egg wash. Set aside.
- Place the puff pastry on a lightly floured work surface and roll it into a 12×14-inch rectangle. With a sharp knife, cut the puff pastry in half crosswise so you are left with two rectangles that are 12 x 7 inches each.
- Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator and place on a plate. Brush the tops of the fillets liberally with the butter mixture, then place each fillet, butter-side down, in the center of a piece of puff pastry. Spoon half of the cooled vegetables over the top.
- Fold one side of the puff pastry over the top of the fillet like a flap, so that it partially covers it, then brush the top of the flap with egg wash. Fold the next side, adhering it to the first if the flaps are large enough to touch (the egg wash should act as a “glue”), then brush its top with egg wash. Repeat until all 4 sides are folded over. It should be as if you are wrapping up the salmon like a delicious present. Don’t stress over the order of the flaps. As long as it’s well sealed and covers the salmon, you’re golden. Carefully flip the salmon over and transfer it to the prepared baking sheet, with the folded side underneath. Repeat with the second fillet.
- Brush the tops of the puff pastry with egg wash, then with a sharp knife, score shallow, diagonal lines in each direction in a crosshatch pattern.
- Bake the salmon for 20 to 25 minutes, or until the pastry turns golden brown. Let cool a few minutes on the baking sheet. Serve hot.
Notes
- TO STORE: Place leftover salmon in an airtight storage container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- TO REHEAT: Let the salmon come to room temperature, then reheat it in the oven at 375 degrees F for about 10 to 15 minutes until warmed through. You can rewarm this dish in the microwave in a pinch, but the oven will yield much better results.
- TO MAKE AHEAD AND FREEZE: I do not recommend freezing baked salmon Wellington. However, you can freeze salmon Wellington before it is baked. Prepare as directed, but do not add the egg wash. Place it on a baking sheet in the freezer until solid. Then, store in an airtight freezer-safe storage container in the freezer for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to prepare it, let it sit at room temperature for 20 minutes, then add the egg wash and bake as directed.
- TO MAKE AHEAD: Up to 1 day in advance, you can prepare the salmon fillets and wrap them in the puff pastry. Score the puff pastry, but do not add the egg wash yet. Store it in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to bake the salmon, then add the egg wash and bake as directed.
Nutrition
Join today and start saving your favorite recipes
Create an account to easily save your favorite projects and tutorials.
Register
We used your recipe as a starting point / guide. We made some alterations / substitutions…
1) Replaced spinach mixture with store-bought spinach dip.
2) Replaced puff pastry with crescent rolls flattened out and joined together on parchment paper.
3) Used one large piece of salmon that we then sliced to serve. This alteration didn’t require so much extra pastry to be double folded.
The end result made for a gorgeous presentation. And the taste was to die for! Our alterations / substitutions offer a super easy yet wonderfully healthy main course. We look forward to serving our customized version of your salmon Wellington again, and soon!
Thanks for the starter recipe.
Thank you so much for sharing your feedback! I am so pleased that you enjoyed it!
Just made this tonight for our first dinner of 2021 and it was excellent. I didn’t have fresh spinach on hand but used a mixture of frozen spinach and frozen chopped kale instead. I skipped the garlic but threw in two chopped spring onions and some grated nutmeg. Also added small squirt of lime juice (1/4 to 1/2tsp) to the butter/mustard mixture for an extra zing.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Robin! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
I wish i could post a picture with this review. Its’ quite impressive.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Rachel! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
So easy and wonderful! I added fresh dill to the mixture.. thank you for the recipe!!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Lois! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
What app was used to calculate the nutrition, I ran it thorough this site https://www.verywellfit.com/recipe-nutrition-analyzer-4157076 and got 876 calories per serving
Hi Wendy! I use an online nutrition calculator to create my estimates. They are based on the ingredients I used and serving size I list, so if the numbers are important to you, I recommend inputting your exact ingredients into an online calculator for the most accurate information. I hope this helps!
I’ve never worked with puff pastry but want to try this recipe for my Valentine. :)
What kind of puff pastry will work in this recipe? Any suggestions would be great. Thanks!
Hi! I’ve had great luck with Pepperidge Farm and Dufour. Hope you love it!
Great! I picked up some Pepperidge Farm today! Can’t wait to try it.
I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Absolutely delicious and so easy to make
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Emma! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Made this this evening – absolutely Gorgeous!!
Will definitely make again! Sooo tasty!!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Jill! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
This was impressive!! So yummy & decadent – perfect for ‘special occasion’ Valentine’s dinner.
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Megan! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Delicious ,easy and looks so pretty ?❤️
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Fern! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Salmon Wellington is so delicious and so easy to make!
It also makes a beautiful presentation!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Fern! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Hello
I’m planning to make the salmon wellington for friends but one of them doesn’t eat spinach. Is there anything else I can use instead.?
Thank you, Maria
Hi Maria! You could try swapping in a similar leafy green like chard or kale. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
This is AMAZING! SO flavorful and so easy to make! I followed the recipe to a T. Definitely a new favorite of mine. Wow!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Sierra! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Could you use fresh thyme?
Hi Erin! I haven’t tried using fresh thyme myself, but you could experiment with it. I hope you enjoy the recipe!
Unbelievably good. Thank you!
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Bridget! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
So if I’m preparing this ahead of time I should use the egg wash to seal the puff pastry, but not use the egg wash on the top before it is scored? How long should I take it out of the fridge and let it sit out to come to room temperature before I bake it?
Hi Rose! Are you freezing this or just refrigerating it? For the refrigerator method, you should score the puff pastry, but do not add the egg wash. When you’re ready to bake the salmon, you can just add the egg wash and bake as directed. I hope this helps!
Thank Erin for this recipe. I made it for the first time tonight and it turned out lovely.
It looks impressive and tastes great.
My husband really enjoyed it. I will definitely make it for company when the
p is over.
jay
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Jay! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
Going to try this as well
I’m so happy that you enjoyed it, Florence! Thank you for sharing this kind review!
The recipe sounds wonderful. I would like to make this for a special dinner later this week. I need to prep the salmon fillets and wrap them in the puff pastry in the morning and then refrigerate them. Several questions:
1. Before baking, how long should they stay out of the refrigerator to get to room temp?
2. Will the puff pastry get soggy sitting in the refrigerator? Anything special to do so that won’t happen?
3. What should the consistency of the spinach be once the Parmesan is added?
4. If you score the top of the puff pastry before applying the egg wash, will it drip down?
Sorry to trouble you with silly questions, but I’m a novice cook and would like it to come out perfect for our anniversary. Thanks so much for your help. I enjoy your site.
I’m happy to help, Nancy! When you’re ready to bake, you can simply remove the puff pastry-wrapped salmon from the refrigerator, add the egg wash, and bake as directed. The puff pastry will still become nice and crispy in the oven even after being refrigerated. The spinach will be wilted when you add the Parmesan (check out Step 3 in the “Directions” section of the blog post above for a photo to reference). I recommend scoring the puff pastry before adding the egg wash when prepping it ahead. I hope this helps and that the recipe is a success!