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This salmon pasta salad recipe pairs tender, flavorful salmon chunks with broccoli in a creamy, savory sauce. It works well as a main course or side dish!
My hubby has been on a real salmon kick lately. I’m not going to complain because it’s better than some of his other kicks. He’s the type of person who can literally eat the same meal for a month straight and not get sick of it. And then he’ll get so sick of it, he never has it again, lol!
One of our favorite ways to cook salmon is poached in salted water with onion, garlic, dill, bay, and black pepper (or whole peppercorns). Cooked this way, we eat our salmon with a little drizzle of olive oil on top. Paired with sides like asparagus and wild rice, it’s a simple meal we both enjoy.
This meal is fantastic, being both delicious and healthy! But even so, variety is the spice of life and one night I wanted to switch it up a little.
I looked in my pantry and found what I think is the cutest little pasta shape: campanelle! And the idea of salmon salad immediately came to mind.
Easy Salmon Pasta Salad Recipe
In this creamy salmon pasta salad, we replace half of the mayo with Greek yogurt. (Sour cream would work just as well!) And then since it reminded me a little bit of lox and cream cheese, I added other ingredients that are normally found with this pair, like red onion, capers, and dill.
If you’re like us and eat a lot of salmon and are looking for new ways to make it, this recipe is a nice change from the ordinary. It works as cold main dish (which is perfect in hot summer months!) or as a side dish. It serves 3 as a main dish or 6 as a side dish.
Ingredients
In this section I explain the ingredients and give substitution ideas. For the full recipe (including ingredient amounts), see the recipe card below.
Poached Salmon Ingredients:
- Onion, garlic, fresh dill sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper – these savory aromatics are for the poaching liquid that we use to cook the salmon.
- Salmon fillets – for best quality, head to your local fishmonger or seafood market if your area has one
Pasta Salad Ingredients:
- Small pasta – I used campanelle pasta, but you can use any small pasta shape you like
- Fresh broccoli florets – we cook this along with the pasta during the last 2 minutes of the pasta’s cooking time
- Red onion – this adds savory piquant flavor to our dish; if you’re not a fan of raw onion, you can chop it, soak it in cold water for 15 minutes (let it start soaking before you start cooking the pasta so they’re done around the same time), drain it and pat dry, and then add the onion to the salad
- Fresh dill – dill is a really great pairing with salmon, especially in a creamy base like what we have in this pasta salad; if you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute with 1 teaspoon dried dill instead
- Capers – if you like a bagel with lox, cream cheese, and capers, you’re going to love the addition of capers to this salmon pasta salad; capers add a bright, tangy component to help wake up the other flavors
- Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt – or you can use sour cream
- Mayo – for rich, creamy texture and flavor
- Fresh lemon juice – to brighten the flavor of the creamy dressing
- Dijon mustard – we only need a little bit to add a touch of sharpness and help cut through the rich flavors
- Fresh parsley – adds flavor and a pretty pop of green color
- Salt and black pepper – to season the dish
- Black sesame seeds – this is an optional garnish; you can substitute with white sesame seeds if you have them on hand
How to Make Salmon Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta and Broccoli:
Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to cook along with pasta, and then drain and cool completely.
Step 2: Poach the Salmon:
Put the yellow onion, garlic, dill sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper in a small skillet with a lid. Add enough water to coat the bottom of the skillet by about 1 inch.
Bring the water up to a gentle boil, and then add the salmon and turn heat down to a gentle simmer. Cover skillet and cook until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes, being careful not to overcook.
Transfer the salmon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain water, let it cool, and then cut or flake it into large bite-sized pieces.
Step 3: Combine:
Add the red onion, dill, capers, Green yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl, and stir to combine. Stir in the pasta and broccoli, and then gently fold in the salmon so you don’t break it up too much.
Step 4: Finishing Touches:
Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. If you have the time, chill the pasta salad for 30 minutes before serving. To serve, sprinkle the black sesame seeds on top.
Pro Tip: Fold the Salmon in Gently
This is to avoid breaking it up too much. It’s really nice to see large chunks or flakes of salmon in this dish!
Salmon Pasta Salad FAQs
Can I Use Canned Salmon in This Recipe?
Yes! If you have canned salmon on hand, use up to 12 ounces of drained canned salmon in this pasta salad. I like the Safe Catch Wild Caught Boneless Skinless Pacific Pink Salmon, which is available on Amazon.
What Vegetables Can I Add to Salmon Pasta Salad?
Broccoli is a delicious, nutrient-rich addition to this pasta salad. If you want to add more vegetables, any of the following would be delicious:
- Green peas – frozen green peas work well, just make sure to thaw and drain them first
- Chopped red bell pepper – this adds a gorgeous pop of red color to the dish
- Diced carrot – for crunch and a slight sweetness
- Sliced celery – for crunchy texture and to bulk up the salad
How Long Does Salmon Pasta Salad Last in the Fridge?
Store this pasta salad covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Can I Heat Up Salmon Pasta?
This salmon pasta salad is meant to be served chilled. The creamy mayo and yogurt-based dressing wouldn’t do well heated up. That makes it even easier to enjoy this though – there’s no need to heat up leftovers!
More Delicious Pasta Salad Recipes to Make
- Buffalo Chicken Pasta Salad
- Warm Pasta Salad Recipe with Caramelized Leek, Bacon, and Goat Cheese
- BLT Pasta Salad Recipe
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Salmon Pasta Salad Recipe
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Ingredients
For the Poached Salmon:
- 1 small yellow onion thinly sliced
- 1 clove garlic cracked
- 2 sprigs of fresh dill or thyme
- 1 bay leaf
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 8 ounces salmon fillets
Other:
- 8 ounces campanelle pasta or any small pasta shape you like
- 2 cups fresh broccoli florets
- 1 small red onion minced
- 1 tablespoon minced fresh dill or 1 teaspoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon capers drained, rinsed to remove excess salt, and chopped
- 2/3 cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2/3 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 3 tablespoons minced fresh parsley
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon black sesame seeds or white sesame seeds (for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta to al dente according to package directions. During the last 2 minutes of cooking, add the broccoli to cook along with pasta, and then drain and cool completely.
- For the poached salmon, put the yellow onion, garlic, dill sprigs, bay leaf, salt, and black pepper in a small skillet with a lid. Add enough water to coat the bottom of the skillet by about 1 inch. Bring the water up to a gentle boil, and then add the salmon and turn heat down to a gentle simmer. Cover skillet and cook until the salmon is opaque and flakes easily with a fork, about 5 minutes, being careful not to overcook. Transfer the salmon to a paper towel-lined plate to drain water, let it cool, and then cut or flake it into large bite-sized pieces.
- Add the red onion, dill, capers, Green yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper to a large bowl, and stir to combine. Stir in the pasta and broccoli, and then gently fold in the salmon so you don’t break it up too much.
- Taste and season with additional salt and pepper as desired. If you have the time, chill the pasta salad for 30 minutes before serving. To serve, sprinkle the black sesame seeds on top.
Notes
- Recipe Yield: This recipe makes enough to serve 6 as a side dish or 3 as a main course.
- Storage: Store this pasta salad covered in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Canned Salmon Substitute: If you have canned salmon on hand, use up to 12 ounces of drained canned salmon in this pasta salad. I like the Safe Catch Wild Caught Boneless Skinless Pacific Pink Salmon, which is available on Amazon.
- Other Vegetables That You Can Add: Thawed and drained frozen green peas, chopped red bell pepper, diced carrot, and/or sliced celery all go really well in this salad.
Nutrition
Nutritional information is automatically calculated and should be used as an approximate.
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I’m the writer, recipe developer, photographer, and food stylist behind this blog. I love finding the human connection through something we all do every day: eat! Food is a common ground that we can all relate to, and our tables tell a story. It’s my goal to inspire you to get in the kitchen, try something new, and find a favorite you didn’t know you had.
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Thank you for your tangy salad recipe. I made it tonight and my hubby loves it so much.
how lovely. great textures and salmon is always a good way to go! :)
Artie would love this salad!
That looks absolutely positively luscious and worth a second helping. ;)
How refreshing and delicious! I’ll have to try this once the weather warms up a bit!
I love salmon but usually bake it. I think I’d like to try your poaching method…
this looks absolutely delicious! i cant wait to try this one out. thanks for sharing.
Those pasta are so cute…very hearty looking pasta salad and love the yogurt add :)
DOn’t you just love being the Kitchen Miracle Queen? Everytime I create a yummy novel recipe, I am so excited. I do write it down. We have a few family favourites created the same way that you have created this, Faith. They are just so good, that they need to be recored and remade. Bravo to you. I know I would love the flavours in this salad.
:)
Valerie
That pasta shape is sooooooooooooo beautiful!!!
I love the easiness of poached salmon and it surely makes delicious salads like this one!
Ben’s on a tuna kick. I like salmon better!
You’re right, that pasta shape is adorable!! This looks like a great alternative to the boring tuna pasta salad that I’ve seen before! Definitely fresher and more flavorful :)
I’m always on a salmon kick – crave it at least once a week, so always looking for new recipes! Will be posting one later this week :) Love the creamy greek yogurt and dill with the cute campanelle pasta. Have a fantastic week, Faith!
I have to make salmon like this as soon as I can. I usually bake mine, but this poaching method sounds amazing.
Oh that pasta it adorable! And the salad sounds amazing, I could do a salmon kick too. Love the lox combo too.
I absolutely love salmon and have been trying to incorporate more of it into my diet. However, I don’t always have ideas for it. This is a beautiful dish, and one that I would love to try soon! Thanks for sharing, Faith.
We both looooooove salmon so this will go down well in this house. We both prefer wild salmon though which is so much more difficult to get than farmed salmon. Diane
YUM! I think this would be perfect for lunches next week! I am always trying to find new ways to eat more fish!
This sounds amazing. What a creative way to use salmon. That is one impressive and delicious looking pasta salad. I love that curly pasta too:) I have never seen that;I will have to keep my eye out for it.
This would be a terrific light dinner! It’s almost Spring here with temps in the 70’s and I’m already tired of the heavy foods. This has Spring written all over it!
I would have never thought of a salmon pasta salad, I think it’s a great idea for something a little different. I would like to try this with grilled or poached tuna. Thanks for the idea and have a nice week;-)
I love salmon pasta salad with dill but you’ve really made this one extra special! Your additions sound delicious and the pasta shape is adorable.
Faith, that salad looks delicious! I’m all over that …
Oh that pasta is superrrr cuteeee Faith , i have never seen it anywhere babe, but am going to look for it!
I agree , salmon is super healthy , we dont get this salmon as often here , but we do get some other really fresh fish , which we have a min of 3-4 times a week , atleast at lunch!
And ur salad is fantastic ,garlic , dill and yogurt are great combis , we do make veggy salads with yogurt pretty often too!
Pasta & salmon go together so beautifully, so this ones a win for me :)
This looks so delicious, Faith! Perfect for our summer over here…
My husband and I have decided we need to eat more salmon so I’m definitely looking for more ways to eat it! This looks great and I added it to my “recipes to try” page, thanks!
That’s the cutest pasta shapes I’ve ever seen! I love salmon, this looks delicious! So great for lunch – LOVE it :)
I adore salmon, and I will have to try this past salad!
I love salmon also but I’ve definitely never thought to put it in pasta salad! Cool beans. And those pasta shapes. So cute.
Oh my!! This WILL be featured in my kitchen within the next few weeks. I love salmon, and when you said it reminded you of lox and cream cheese, I was SOLD!!
That IS cute pasta! And a super way to serve salmon, one of my favorites too. Sometimes I get creative with it, other times I just like it broiled with lemon.
That is a great shape, Faith! I don’t think I’ve ever seen it (although there are hundreds of them, aren’t there?). The pasta looks creamy good… I often use buttermilk and mayo or yogurt and mayo to get extra cream without all that fat. I love all the great things you add in there… like capers!!! Yummy photo too!
That’s such a cute pasta. I’ll have to look for it! With four of us, I can’t really cater to one person wanting the same food, like a salmon kick, but lucky Mike that you can!
I’ve never seen that shape of pasta before but it looks very cute indeed! And yes salmon is a great addiction to have :)
This pasta salad looks awesome. A great way of using salmon!!
I love seafood and pasta combos.This salad looks utterly delicious.I have to try this soon.And yes..love the cute shape of that pasta.
Cool! Salmon in a pasta salad. I love it.
Fun pasta shape! That salad looks delicious. I should know better than to peek in late at night, now I’m starving! Wish I had some of that salad!
campanelle pasta is definitely so cute, and your salad with poached salmon looks terrific! I like the dill and the capers and the black sesame seeds here, very nice!
My husband just mentioned tonight that he was wanting some salmon so I’ll have to show him this. It sounds delicious!
I love, love, love poached salmon… It really lets you taste the fish… It doesn’t taste like a grill or a marinade or a seasoning… It tastes like SALMON and I love the idea of this pasta salad… Very nordic
I have some Salmon fillets in freezer and I’m going to try this tasty salad recipe!:)
Hi Faith,
I’m not a lamb eater either, hubby loves it though. I dislike it so much that I cannot even stand the smell of it. We do eat salmon a lot though and this would be a great change of for us to prepare it this way. I have not seen those pasta before, they are so cute and beautiful at the same time. Hope you’re having a lovely weekend with hubby.
Cute pasta! That salad is mouthwatering.
Cheers,
Rosa
I am always on a salmon kick & would love to have this pasta salad tucked away in our fridge for dinner tonight. Liking the idea of the greek yogurt mixed in too! xo
Love that cute pasta. this poached salmon pasta looks delicious.
I love salmon!!! It is my favorite fish and this salad looks fantastic.
Yum! I like the idea of salmon in there—this looks great!
Hi there,love your blog.
Would it be alright if I promote your blog or mention it in mine?I happen to love dinning, tasting new cuisines..and ur blog has my mouth waterrryyy.keep it up
Best wishes,
Safira
hi Faith
now that is an excellent use of salmon! I love those little pasta shapes too. I have been using Greek yogurt instead of sour cream when ever possible, so that sounds great to me!
We just don’t eat enough salmon so finding new ways to serve it is always helpful!
thanks for the inspiration!
Dennis
I love pasta salads and I don’t get to make them very often because my picky son doesn’t like them. This one looks beautiful. I would accompany it with freshly made bread.
Faith, this is a wonderful way of cooking salmon. We generally grill or cook it in oven, never tried your way before. Sounds easy and more healthy. I love the combination of salmon with veggies and pasta, absolutely a winner! And never seen campanelle pasta before, they look so cute! Please send some to Turkey:)