If you’re looking for a dish that’s light, refreshing, and packed with flavor, this Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad is about to become your new go-to. It’s creamy, tangy, and loaded with tender smoked salmon, fresh veggies, and a zesty dressing that ties it all together. Whether you need a quick lunch, a crowd-pleasing side dish, or a make-ahead meal for busy days, this pasta salad delivers every time.
And the best part? It’s ridiculously easy to throw together. Trust me, once you taste this, you’ll be making it on repeat!
Why You’ll Love Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
Versatile: Perfect as a main dish, side salad, or even meal prep for the week.
Budget-Friendly: Uses simple, everyday ingredients while still feeling fancy.
Quick and Easy: Ready in under 20 minutes, making it perfect for busy days.
Customizable: Add more veggies, swap the dressing, or throw in your favorite pasta for a unique twist.
Crowd-Pleasing: A guaranteed hit at potlucks, picnics, or family dinners. Everyone will be asking for the recipe!
Ingredients
Ingredients in Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
This salad is all about fresh, vibrant ingredients that come together in the most delicious way. Here’s what you’ll need:
Pasta: The base of the salad. Short pasta like penne, fusilli, or bowtie works best.
Smoked Salmon: The star of the show! Adds a rich, smoky, and slightly salty flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Juicy, sweet, and bursting with freshness.
Cucumber: Adds a refreshing crunch to every bite.
Red Onion: A little sharpness to balance the flavors—thinly sliced for the perfect bite.
Capers: Tiny bursts of briny, salty goodness that pair beautifully with the salmon.
Fresh Dill: Because nothing goes better with smoked salmon than fresh dill!
Creamy Dressing: A mix of mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and a touch of Dijon mustard for that perfect tangy kick.
Instructions
Let’s dive into the steps to create this flavorful masterpiece:
Cook the Pasta: Boil the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down. This keeps it from getting too soft in the salad.
Prepare the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and a pinch of salt and pepper. This creamy, tangy dressing is what ties everything together!
Chop the Ingredients: Slice the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, and thinly slice the red onion.
Combine Everything: In a large bowl, toss the cooked pasta with the salmon, veggies, capers, and fresh dill.
Dress the Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Chill and Serve: Let the salad sit in the fridge for about 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Serve cold and enjoy!
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Calories per serving: 400
Note: Nutrition values are approximate and depend on specific ingredients used.
Preparation Time
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
How to Serve Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
This pasta salad is incredibly versatile and can be served in different ways:
- On its own for a light, refreshing meal.
- With a side of crusty bread to soak up the creamy dressing.
- Over a bed of greens for an extra boost of freshness.
- Paired with a glass of white wine for an elegant meal.
Additional Tips
- Use whole wheat pasta for a healthier twist.
- Swap the dressing for a vinaigrette if you prefer a lighter version.
- Add avocado for extra creaminess and healthy fats.
- Mix in some feta cheese for a salty, tangy kick.
- Make it ahead and store it in the fridge for up to 2 days—just give it a good stir before serving!
FAQ’s
- Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes! It actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a bit, as the flavors meld together. - What’s the best type of pasta to use?
Short pasta like fusilli, penne, or bowtie works best since it holds onto the dressing nicely. - Can I use fresh salmon instead of smoked?
Absolutely! Grilled or baked salmon flakes work well, but the smoky flavor will be different. - How do I store leftovers?
Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 days. Stir before serving. - Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes! Use dairy-free mayo and yogurt, or swap for an olive oil-based dressing. - What can I substitute for capers?
If you’re not a fan of capers, try chopped green olives for a similar briny kick. - Can I add other veggies?
Definitely! Bell peppers, arugula, or avocado would be great additions. - How do I keep the pasta from getting soggy?
Make sure to rinse it under cold water after cooking and don’t overcook it. - Can I use a different herb instead of dill?
Yes! Fresh parsley or chives would work well as a substitute. - Is this recipe gluten-free?
Just use gluten-free pasta, and it’s good to go!
Conclusion
This Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad is everything you want in a dish—fresh, creamy, slightly smoky, and packed with delicious flavors. Whether you’re making it for meal prep, a quick lunch, or a side dish for a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to impress. So grab your ingredients, whip up this easy salad, and get ready to enjoy every bite!
Print
Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Salad, Pasta
- Method: No-cook (after pasta)
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Description
This Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish featuring tender pasta, smoked salmon, crisp vegetables, and a creamy lemon-dill dressing. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or meal prep!
Ingredients
– 8 oz pasta (penne, fusilli, or bowtie)
– 4 oz smoked salmon, flaked
– 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
– 1/4 cup capers (optional)
– 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
– 1/2 cup Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
– 2 tbsp olive oil
– 1 tbsp lemon juice
– 1 tsp Dijon mustard
– 1/2 tsp garlic powder
– Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
2. In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, smoked salmon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, capers, and fresh dill.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt (or mayonnaise), olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
4. Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss until evenly coated.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to blend.
6. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Notes
– For a lighter option, substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise.
– Add arugula or spinach for extra greens.
– This salad can be made a day in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 320 kcal
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 580mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 4g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 25mg