Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad is a creamy, refreshing, and elegant dish that combines the richness of smoked salmon with tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a tangy dressing. It’s perfect for brunches, picnics, or light dinners and offers a sophisticated twist on traditional pasta salads with minimal prep time.

ingredients

this Recipe

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

pasta (such as fusilli, penne, or bowties)
smoked salmon (flaked or chopped)
red onion (thinly sliced)
cucumber (diced or thinly sliced)
capers
fresh dill (chopped)
baby spinach or arugula (optional)
cream cheese or sour cream
Greek yogurt
lemon juice
Dijon mustard
olive oil
salt
black pepper

directions

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

In a small bowl, whisk together cream cheese (or sour cream), Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, olive oil, salt, and pepper until smooth.

In a large bowl, combine cooled pasta, smoked salmon, red onion, cucumber, capers, and chopped dill.

Add spinach or arugula if using for extra greens.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine.

Refrigerate for at least 20–30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Garnish with extra dill or a lemon wedge if desired.

Servings and timing

This recipe yields approximately 4–6 servings.
Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Chilling time: 20–30 minutes
Total time: 45–55 minutes

Variations

Use whole wheat or gluten-free pasta for dietary needs.
Add halved cherry tomatoes or sliced radishes for color and crunch.
Substitute crème fraîche or mayo for the cream cheese mixture.
Top with a soft-boiled egg for extra richness.
Add chopped avocado right before serving for creaminess.

storage/reheating

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Not suitable for freezing due to the creamy dressing and smoked salmon.
Best served cold or at room temperature—no reheating needed.

FAQs

Can I use hot smoked salmon instead of cold smoked?
Yes, hot smoked adds a flakier texture and a deeper flavor.

Can I make this dairy-free?
Use a dairy-free yogurt and cream cheese alternative in the dressing.

What’s the best pasta for this salad?
Short pasta like fusilli or bowties holds the dressing and ingredients well.

Is this salad good for meal prep?
Yes, it holds up well in the fridge for a couple of days, making it a great make-ahead meal.

Can I add cheese?
Yes, crumbled feta or goat cheese pairs nicely with the salmon and dill.

Do I need to cook the smoked salmon?
No, smoked salmon is already cooked and ready to eat.

Conclusion

Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad is a bright, creamy, and protein-packed dish that’s as easy to make as it is impressive to serve. With a luscious dressing and layers of flavor from fresh herbs, veggies, and tender pasta, it’s a go-to recipe for anytime you want a satisfying, upscale twist on pasta salad.

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