Salmon and Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart
Ready in 30 minutes
We already have several puff pastry tarts on the website, but a version with fish was still missing.
This salmon and zucchini puff pastry tart changes that. It’s one of those dishes that requires very little prep work but still feels like a complete meal. In less than 30 minutes, dinner is ready, while the oven does most of the work for you.
A puff pastry tart falls somewhere between a quiche and a flatbread. You get the convenience of a sheet of puff pastry, while the light and crispy crust gives it a completely different character than a traditional savory pie. That’s exactly why it works just as well for lunch as it does for dinner.
Puff pastry tarts
One of the things we love most about puff pastry tarts is how easy they are to customize. Open the refrigerator and see what you have on hand. More often than not, a new combination will come together all by itself. Vegetables, cheese, meat, or fish, almost anything can be turned into a delicious tart. This version is a great example.
The base is a simple mixture of cream cheese, garlic, Parmesan cheese, and a handful of finely chopped dill. It adds plenty of flavor without requiring a long list of ingredients. Thin slices of zucchini and red onion are layered on top, becoming perfectly tender in the oven.
If you enjoy switching things up, you can use the same base for all kinds of variations. Think of a vegetarian version with endive and Brie, or a heartier tart topped with mushrooms and bacon. That versatility is exactly what makes puff pastry tarts so popular.
Zucchini: versatile and surprisingly nutritious
Zucchini is one of those vegetables we always like to keep on hand. Its mild flavor pairs well with all kinds of ingredients. It’s also low in calories and made up mostly of water, making it a light addition to many dishes.
Zucchini also provides several vitamins and minerals, including vitamin C, vitamin B6, and potassium. Because of its mild flavor, it’s often enjoyed even by people who aren’t usually big vegetable fans. In this tart, the zucchini provides a fresh contrast to the creamy cheese mixture and the savory salmon. The red onion plays an important role as well. As it bakes, its sharp flavor softens and develops a subtle sweetness that complements the other ingredients beautifully.
Salmon and arugula for a fresh finish
For this tart, we deliberately use smoked salmon that is added after baking. This keeps the salmon tender and allows it to retain its flavor. Together with the dill, it creates a combination that has been popular for years, and for good reason.
A handful of arugula finishes the salmon and zucchini puff pastry tart perfectly. Its slightly peppery flavor adds freshness and gives the tart a colorful appearance. Serve it with a simple green salad on the side and you have a complete meal ready to enjoy. Buon appetito!
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Salmon and Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 2 servings 1x
Description
Salmon and Zucchini Puff Pastry Tart combines smoked salmon, zucchini, and a creamy cheese filling on a flaky puff pastry crust.
Ingredients
- 4 oz smoked salmon
- 1/3 cup plain cream cheese spread
- 1/2 cup finely shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 sheet puff pastry
- 1 egg
- 1 zucchini
- 1 red onion
- 1 teaspoon dried dill
- Arugula
Instructions
- Preheat the oven to 400°F.
- Meanwhile, slice the zucchini into thin rounds and the red onion into thin half-moons.
- In a bowl, combine the cream cheese, 1 pressed clove of garlic, finely shredded Parmesan cheese, and dried dill.
- Unroll the puff pastry sheet on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper and spread the cream cheese mixture evenly over the pastry.
- Brush the edges of the puff pastry with beaten egg yolk.
- Arrange the zucchini slices evenly over the cream cheese mixture, followed by the red onion.
- Bake for about 20 minutes, or until the puff pastry is golden brown.
- Before serving, top the tart with the smoked salmon and a handful of arugula.

- Cook Time: 30 minutes
- Category: Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: French, Mediterranean