Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta Salad

Refreshingly light yet incredibly satisfying, this **Salmon Pasta Salad** is a culinary delight perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re planning a light lunch, a wholesome dinner, or need an excellent option for meal prep or a picnic, this dish stands out. It expertly blends tender, flaky salmon with a rich, homemade dressing, al dente pasta, and a vibrant medley of fresh vegetables. The result is a harmonious mix of flavors and textures that’s quick to prepare, easy to customize, and remarkably nutritious. Dive into this recipe and discover your new favorite way to enjoy salmon!

salmon pasta salad with broccoli and tomatoes in a white bowl
A delicious bowl of salmon pasta salad featuring fresh broccoli and juicy tomatoes.

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Table of Contents

Key Ingredients for a Flavorful Salmon Pasta Salad

Crafting an unforgettable salmon pasta salad starts with selecting high-quality, fresh ingredients. Each component plays a crucial role in building the delightful layers of flavor and texture that make this dish so popular. Here’s a closer look at the stars of our recipe:

  • Salmon: The centerpiece of our salad, providing a rich, omega-3 packed protein that flakes beautifully into the pasta. Fresh or perfectly cooked leftover salmon works wonderfully.
  • Pasta: The foundation of any pasta salad. Opt for a short, sturdy pasta that can hold its shape and cling to the creamy dressing.
  • Ranch Seasoning (Optional but Recommended): This secret weapon adds a burst of savory, herbaceous flavor to the dressing. You can use a homemade blend for the freshest taste or a store-bought packet for convenience.
  • Creamy Base (Mayo, Sour Cream, or Plain Greek Yogurt): The binding agent that brings all the ingredients together with a luscious, creamy texture. Choose your preference for richness or a lighter touch.
  • Fresh Vegetables: These provide essential crunch, color, and nutrients. Think beyond just broccoli and tomatoes; a variety of crisp, colorful veggies will elevate your salad.
broccoli, olives, tomatoes, and mayo in separate glass bowls
Fresh ingredients like broccoli, olives, tomatoes, and a creamy base ready for the pasta salad.
homemade ranch seasoning in a white bowl
A bowl of homemade ranch seasoning, a key flavor enhancer for this dish.

Choosing the Perfect Pasta for Your Salad

The type of pasta you choose can significantly impact the overall success of your salmon pasta salad. The ideal pasta is short, durable, and has plenty of surface area or nooks and crannies to capture and hold onto that delicious creamy dressing and other ingredients. Here are some excellent choices:

  • Rotini: My personal favorite for pasta salads! Its spiral shape is excellent for trapping rich dressings and small vegetable pieces, ensuring every bite is flavorful.
  • Penne: These tube-shaped pastas are robust and provide a satisfying chew. They work well for heartier pasta salads.
  • Farfalle (Bow-tie): Elegant and fun, bow-tie pasta adds a lovely visual appeal and a tender bite. Its folds are also great for catching dressing.
  • Orzo: A smaller, rice-shaped pasta that offers a different texture profile. It blends seamlessly with other ingredients and is perfect if you prefer a less “chunky” pasta salad.
  • Fusilli: Similar to rotini with its corkscrew shape, fusilli is another fantastic option for coating evenly with dressing. Look for high-quality fusilli, such as those from Trader Joe’s, for an elevated experience.
  • Elbow Macaroni: A classic for a reason! Its small, curved shape is perfect for a dense, creamy salad, reminiscent of traditional macaroni salads.

Regardless of your choice, the key to perfect pasta salad is cooking the pasta al dente. This means cooking it until it’s firm to the bite, usually following the package instructions for the minimum cooking time. Overcooked pasta will become mushy when mixed with other ingredients and dressing, leading to a less appealing texture. After cooking, rinse the pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent it from sticking together, ensuring a fresh, firm texture in your salad.

cooked rotini pasta in a glass bowl
Freshly cooked rotini pasta, perfectly al dente and ready for the salad.

Selecting the Best Salmon for Your Pasta Salad

When it comes to the salmon for your pasta salad, personal preference truly dictates the best choice. The beauty of this recipe is its adaptability; you can even opt for pre-cooked, store-bought smoked salmon for ultimate convenience, skipping the cooking step entirely and simply flaking it into the salad. If you prefer to cook your own salmon, here are some popular types to consider:

  • Wild Sockeye Salmon: Renowned for its vibrant deep red color and robust, rich, oily flavor. Sockeye is highly prized for its intense salmon taste and firm texture, making it an excellent choice if you want the salmon to be a prominent flavor in your dish.
  • Atlantic Salmon: Commonly farm-raised, Atlantic salmon typically has a milder flavor and a more delicate, buttery texture compared to wild-caught varieties. Its consistent fat content makes it versatile for various cooking methods and a crowd-pleaser for those who prefer a less “fishy” taste.
  • Pink Salmon: As the smallest of the Pacific salmon species, pink salmon offers a very mild, delicate flavor and a lighter, flakier texture. It’s often used for canning but can be found fresh and is a good economical option.
  • Coho Salmon: Also known as silver salmon, Coho has a medium-red color and a moderate, delicate flavor. It’s less oily than sockeye but richer than pink salmon, making it a well-balanced choice.

Ultimately, the best fresh salmon for your pasta salad will align with your taste preferences regarding flavor intensity and texture. Consider whether you want the salmon to be a subtle complement or a bold statement in your salad.

A note on sourcing: Salmon labeled “Atlantic” is almost always farm-raised. While modern aquaculture practices are improving, some farmed salmon may be raised with antibiotics and might have artificial food coloring added to achieve the desired pink hue. If sustainability and natural practices are important to you, look for certifications like Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch or choose wild-caught varieties when possible.

cooked salmon in a bamboo bowl
Perfectly cooked salmon, ready to be flaked and added to the pasta salad.

Mastering Salmon Cooking Methods

Cooking salmon to perfection is key to a delectable pasta salad. Fortunately, salmon is incredibly versatile and can be prepared using a variety of methods, each imparting a unique texture and flavor. Whichever method you choose, the goal is tender, flaky fish that’s not overcooked.

  • Air Fryer Salmon: For a quick and effortless approach, the air fryer delivers beautifully crispy skin and a moist interior. It’s a fantastic option for busy weeknights, typically cooking in under 15 minutes.
  • Baked Salmon: Baking is a hands-off method that’s great for cooking multiple fillets at once. Wrapping salmon in foil with a touch of lemon and herbs ensures a steamy, tender result, locking in moisture and flavor.
  • Pan-Seared Salmon: If you love a golden, crispy crust, pan-searing is the way to go. This method yields a perfectly seared exterior and a succulent, flaky interior. A cast iron skillet works wonders for achieving that desirable crust.
  • Grilled Salmon: For a smoky flavor and beautiful grill marks, grilling is an excellent choice, especially during warmer months. Grilling salmon in foil packets keeps it moist and makes cleanup a breeze.

No matter your chosen technique, remember to lightly season your salmon before cooking. A simple blend of olive oil, garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper will enhance its natural taste without overpowering it. You can find detailed instructions for each method in my other recipes:

  • Air Fryer Salmon
  • Pan Seared Cast Iron Salmon
  • Grilled Salmon in Foil

How to Know When Salmon is Perfectly Cooked

Achieving perfectly cooked salmon is crucial for a tender, flavorful pasta salad. Overcooked salmon can be dry and tough, while undercooked salmon is not safe to eat. Here’s how to ensure your salmon is just right:

  • Temperature Check: The most reliable way to tell if salmon is cooked is by using a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the fish. According to the USDA, salmon is safely cooked when it reaches an internal temperature of 145°F (63°C).
  • Visual Cues and Touch:
    • Color: Perfectly cooked salmon will transition from a translucent, reddish-orange to an opaque, light pink throughout.
    • Flakiness: Gently press the salmon with a fork. If it’s cooked, the flesh will easily flake apart along its natural lines. If it resists flaking, it needs a little more time.
    • Appearance of Albumen: As salmon cooks, a white substance called albumen (a protein) may appear on the surface. While some albumen is normal, an excessive amount usually indicates that the salmon is overcooking and drying out.
  • Personal Preference for Doneness: It’s worth noting that some chefs and home cooks prefer salmon cooked to a medium-rare doneness, where the center is still slightly pink and moist, typically around 135°F (57°C). While this can be delicious, always consider food safety guidelines, especially when serving to vulnerable populations. Decide what level of doneness you and your guests prefer while keeping safety in mind.

Remember, salmon continues to cook slightly after it’s removed from the heat (carryover cooking), so it’s often best to pull it a degree or two before your target temperature.

Step-by-Step Guide to Making Salmon Pasta Salad

Creating this delightful salmon pasta salad is straightforward and enjoyable. Follow these simple steps to bring together all the fresh flavors and textures into one incredible dish. For precise measurements and a printable version, refer to the detailed recipe card at the bottom of this post.

  1. Prepare the Salmon: Begin by cooking your salmon using your preferred method. Whether you choose to air fry, bake, pan-sear, or grill, ensure the salmon is perfectly cooked and flaky. Once cooked, allow it to cool slightly, then gently flake it into bite-sized pieces using a fork.
  2. Cook the Pasta: While the salmon cools, cook your chosen pasta according to the package instructions. Remember to cook it al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy. Drain the pasta and rinse it thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Pat it dry to remove excess moisture, which can thin out your dressing.
  3. Prepare the Creamy Dressing Base: In a large serving bowl, combine your chosen creamy base—mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream. Stir in the ranch seasoning until well combined. This is the foundation of your dressing, so ensure it’s smooth and flavorful.
  4. Combine All Ingredients: Add the cooled, cooked pasta, the flaked salmon, and all your fresh vegetables (such as steamed broccoli, diced tomatoes, and sliced olives) to the bowl with the creamy dressing.
  5. Mix and Season: Gently toss all the ingredients until everything is evenly coated with the dressing. Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add more salt, pepper, or ranch seasoning to suit your preference.
  6. Chill (Optional but Recommended): For the best flavor and texture, cover the bowl and chill the salmon pasta salad in the refrigerator for 1-2 hours. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully. However, if you’re eager to enjoy it, you can serve it immediately.
salmon pasta salad with broccoli, mayo, ranch seasoning, and tomatoes in a glass bowl
A tantalizing mix of salmon, pasta, broccoli, tomatoes, and creamy dressing in a glass bowl.

Customizing Your Salmon Pasta Salad: Vegetables and Add-Ins

One of the greatest joys of making salmon pasta salad is its incredible versatility. You can easily adapt it to your taste preferences, what’s in season, or what you have on hand. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your vegetable choices and additional mix-ins to make this dish truly your own. Here are some fantastic ideas to get you started:

Crunchy & Fresh Additions:

  • Cucumbers: Diced or sliced, they add a refreshing crispness.
  • Celery: Provides a classic crunch and subtle savory note.
  • Red or Green Peppers: Finely diced for vibrant color and a sweet, bell pepper flavor.
  • Chopped Cauliflower: Adds a tender-crisp texture and absorbs flavors beautifully.
  • Red Onion: Thinly sliced or finely diced for a sharp, pungent kick.
  • Sugar Snap Peas or Green Beans: Blanched and chopped for a fresh, sweet snap.

Savory & Tangy Boosters:

  • Diced Dill Pickles: For a briny, tangy counterpoint that many pasta salad lovers enjoy.
  • Sweet Pickle Relish: A sweeter, more finely chopped alternative to whole pickles.
  • Jalapenos: Fresh, diced, or pickled, for those who love a bit of heat.
  • Capars: Small, briny flower buds that add a salty, tangy pop.

Cheesy & Rich Enhancements:

  • Shredded Cheese: Cheddar, Monterey Jack, or a blend can add a familiar, comforting cheesiness.
  • Feta or Gorgonzola Cheese: Crumbled feta offers a salty, tangy Mediterranean flair, while gorgonzola brings a sharp, pungent creaminess for a bolder taste.
  • Parmesan Cheese: Freshly grated for a nutty, umami depth.

Herbaceous & Spicy Twists:

  • Fresh Herbs: Chopped fresh dill, parsley, chives, or basil will brighten the flavor profile considerably.
  • Creole Seasoning or Cajun Seasoning: For a spicy, savory kick with a Southern twist.
  • Homemade BBQ Seasoning: Adds a sweet and smoky depth, particularly good if your salmon was grilled.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: For a simple, adjustable touch of heat.

Feel free to mix and match these ideas to create a salmon pasta salad that truly speaks to your palate! The possibilities are endless, ensuring you’ll never get bored with this versatile dish.

salmon pasta salad with broccoli and tomatoes in a white bowl
A vibrant close-up of the salmon pasta salad, showcasing its fresh ingredients.

Healthy and Delicious Mayo Substitutes for Your Dressing

While mayonnaise is a classic base for creamy pasta salads, it’s not the only option. Whether you’re looking to cut down on calories, add a different flavor profile, or simply don’t have mayo on hand, there are several excellent substitutes that will yield a delicious and creamy dressing. Many of these alternatives offer a similar texture and can be swapped in a 1:1 ratio, making customization incredibly easy.

  • Greek Yogurt: A fantastic substitute for mayo, especially plain, full-fat Greek yogurt. It offers a similar creamy texture but with a tangier flavor and a boost of protein. It’s an excellent choice for a lighter, healthier dressing.
  • Sour Cream: Another straightforward 1:1 swap for mayo, sour cream provides a rich, slightly tangy flavor and a smooth consistency that blends beautifully into pasta salads. It’s a bit richer than Greek yogurt but still offers a distinct taste.
  • Avocado: For a creamy, vibrant, and nutrient-rich dressing, mashed ripe avocado is a superb choice. It adds a unique, earthy flavor and a beautiful green hue. You may need to add a splash of lemon juice to prevent browning and enhance the freshness.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: If you’re seeking a lighter, Mediterranean-inspired dressing, olive oil can be a great base. While it won’t provide the same creaminess as dairy-based options, it adds a delicious, fruity flavor. Combine it with lemon juice or vinegar for acidity, and perhaps a touch of Dijon mustard for emulsification and flavor.
  • Pesto Sauce: For a burst of herbaceous, garlicky flavor, consider using pesto as your dressing base. Made from basil, pine nuts, Parmesan cheese, garlic, and olive oil, pesto will transform your salmon pasta salad into a gourmet experience. You might thin it slightly with a touch of olive oil or lemon juice.
  • Hummus: An unexpected but incredibly flavorful substitute, plain or garlic-flavored hummus can lend a wonderful creaminess and a subtle Middle Eastern flair to your salad. It’s also a great way to add plant-based protein.
  • Mustard: While not a creamy base on its own, Dijon or whole grain mustard can be incorporated into a lighter dressing (e.g., with olive oil and vinegar) to add a sharp, tangy kick and help emulsify the dressing. Start with a small amount and adjust to taste.
  • Yogurt-based Dressings: Many grocery stores offer a variety of pre-made yogurt-based salad dressings. Look for flavors that complement salmon, such as lemon-dill or cucumber-ranch, to simplify your preparation.

When experimenting with substitutes, start with a smaller amount and gradually add more, tasting as you go to achieve your desired consistency and flavor profile. This flexibility allows you to tailor the salmon pasta salad to your dietary needs and culinary preferences.

salmon pasta salad with broccoli and tomatoes in a white bowl
A close-up of the salmon pasta salad, ready to be enjoyed.

Food Safety: How Long Can Salmon Pasta Salad Sit Out?

When preparing and serving dishes like salmon pasta salad, especially those with creamy dressings containing ingredients like mayonnaise, sour cream, or Greek yogurt, food safety is paramount. The general rule for perishable foods is to keep them out of the “danger zone”—temperatures between 40°F (4°C) and 140°F (60°C)—for no more than two hours.

Bacteria can multiply rapidly within this temperature range, potentially reaching dangerous levels that can cause foodborne illness. If the ambient temperature is warm, say 90°F (32°C) or higher, this safe window shrinks to just one hour.

Therefore, your salmon pasta salad should not sit out at room temperature for more than 1-2 hours. If you’re serving it at an event, picnic, or potluck where it will be exposed to warmer conditions, it’s essential to keep it properly chilled. Use an insulated cooler filled with ice packs or place the serving dish over a larger bowl of ice to maintain a safe temperature throughout your gathering. Always consult reliable sources like the Food Safety Guidance from the FDA for comprehensive information on safe food handling and storage.

Meal Prep Tips: Making Salmon Pasta Salad Ahead of Time

Salmon pasta salad is an excellent candidate for meal prepping, offering a delicious and convenient meal throughout the week. When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this salad can maintain its quality for approximately 3-4 days. However, it’s worth noting that the texture of the pasta and vegetables may soften slightly after the first day, and the dressing might be absorbed more, making the salad less “wet.”

To ensure the best possible texture and flavor, especially if you plan to make the salad several days in advance or are preparing it for leftovers, consider this smart meal prep strategy:

  • Keep the Dressing Separate: Prepare all your components—cook and flake the salmon, cook and cool the pasta, chop your vegetables, and mix your dressing—but store them individually. When you’re ready to eat a serving, combine the desired amount of pasta, salmon, and vegetables in a bowl, then add the dressing and toss. This method prevents the pasta from becoming overly soft or the vegetables from losing their crispness and ensures the dressing remains vibrant.
  • Refreshing Day-Old Salad: If your salad seems a bit dry after being refrigerated, simply add a spoonful or two of extra mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or a splash of lemon juice or olive oil, and give it a good toss before serving. This will revive its creaminess and freshness.
  • Portion Control: Divide the prepared (but undressed) components into individual meal prep containers. This makes grabbing a healthy, pre-portioned lunch or dinner incredibly easy and helps prevent overeating.

By following these tips, you can enjoy this delicious salmon pasta salad throughout the week without sacrificing taste or texture.

a forkful of salmon pasta salad with broccoli and tomatoes
A forkful of creamy salmon pasta salad, showcasing its tempting textures.

Can You Freeze Salmon Pasta Salad?

While technically you *can* freeze salmon pasta salad, I generally wouldn’t recommend it. The primary reason is that creamy dressings made with mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream do not fare well during the freezing and thawing process. These ingredients tend to separate, develop an unappetizing watery or grainy texture, and often form ice crystals. This drastically alters the salad’s beloved creamy consistency and overall appeal.

Additionally, the pasta can become mushy, and fresh vegetables like tomatoes and cucumbers can lose their crispness and become soggy after being frozen and thawed. The delicate texture of flaked salmon can also suffer, potentially becoming drier or tougher.

For best results, it’s always preferable to enjoy salmon pasta salad fresh or from the refrigerator within the recommended 3-4 days. If you absolutely must freeze it, consider freezing only the cooked salmon and pasta (without dressing or fresh vegetables) and then assembling the salad fresh after thawing. However, for the ultimate experience, stick to refrigeration.

Perfect Pairings: What to Serve With Salmon Pasta Salad

Salmon pasta salad is a wonderfully complete meal on its own, offering protein, carbohydrates, and vegetables. However, if you’re looking to expand your menu or create a more elaborate spread, it pairs beautifully with a variety of complementary dishes. Here are some excellent serving suggestions:

  • Smoked Crab Legs: Elevate your meal with the delicate, smoky flavor of crab legs, providing another luxurious seafood component.
  • Grilled King Crab Legs with Garlic Butter: For a truly decadent feast, the rich, buttery notes of grilled king crab legs perfectly complement the creamy pasta salad.
  • Smoked Shrimp: Add another layer of smoky flavor and tender seafood with perfectly smoked shrimp, offering a different texture to the meal.
  • Smoked Scallops: These sweet, succulent shellfish with a hint of smokiness make for an elegant accompaniment.
  • Fresh Green Salad: A simple side salad with a light vinaigrette can add extra freshness and a crisp counterpoint to the creamy pasta salad.
  • Crusty Bread or Garlic Bread: Perfect for soaking up any leftover creamy dressing.
  • Corn on the Cob: Especially in the summer, grilled or boiled corn adds a sweet, seasonal touch.
  • Fresh Fruit Salad: A bowl of vibrant, seasonal fruits can provide a refreshing and light dessert or side.

These pairings offer a range of flavors and textures, ensuring a memorable and satisfying meal alongside your delicious salmon pasta salad.

Explore More Seafood and Pasta Salad Recipes

If you’re a fan of the delicious combination of seafood and pasta, or just love a good pasta salad, you’ll be thrilled to explore these other fantastic recipes. Each offers a unique twist and showcases the versatility of these ingredients.

  • Seafood Stuffed Mushrooms with Shrimp and Crab: A decadent appetizer that combines rich seafood with earthy mushrooms.
  • Seafood Jambalaya with Shrimp: A hearty, flavorful dish bursting with Creole spices and succulent shrimp.
  • Seafood Gumbo: A classic Southern stew, deep with flavor and brimming with various seafood.
  • Shrimp Burger: A delightful alternative to traditional burgers, offering a light and flavorful patty.
  • Salmon Fettuccine Alfredo: A rich and creamy pasta dish featuring tender salmon and a luscious Alfredo sauce.
  • Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad: A crowd-pleasing pasta salad with the irresistible flavors of bacon and ranch.
  • Dill Pickle Pasta Salad: A tangy and unique pasta salad for pickle lovers.
  • Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad: The classic Caesar salad flavors transformed into a hearty pasta dish with chicken.
  • Street Corn Pasta Salad: Inspired by Mexican street corn, this salad is vibrant, creamy, and bursting with flavor.

These recipes offer endless inspiration for your next meal or gathering, proving how diverse and delicious seafood and pasta dishes can be!

salmon pasta salad with broccoli and tomatoes in a white bowl

Salmon Pasta Salad

Authored by Brandi Crawford

This refreshing Salmon Pasta Salad is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. This dish combines tender, flaky salmon with a creamy homemade dressing, pasta, and fresh vegetables for a great mix of flavors and textures. This dish is quick to prepare and easy to customize as an excellent choice for meal prep, picnics, or any time you want a nutritious meal.

Prep Time
15 mins
Cook Time
15 mins
Optional Chill
1 hr
Total Time
1 hr 30 mins
Course
Appetizer, Dinner, Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine
American
Servings
5 servings
Calories
363 kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 teaspoon olive oil
  • 1 – 1 ½ pounds raw salmon
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon smoked paprika (Regular paprika is fine.)
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Pasta Salad

  • 8-10 oz rotini pasta
  • 1– 1 ½ cups mayo (plain Greek yogurt, or sour cream. Start with ½ cup and add additional if needed to get the dish creamier.)
  • 2-3 cups fresh or steamed broccoli
  • ¼ cup diced tomatoes
  • ¼ cup sliced olives

Homemade Ranch Seasoning (You can also use store-bought seasoning and season to taste)

  • 1 teaspoon chives
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • ½ teaspoon onion powder
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Drizzle olive oil all over the salmon. Sprinkle the spices (garlic powder, onion powder, smoked paprika, salt, and pepper) thoroughly and rub them into the salmon, ensuring it’s completely covered. Add additional spices if necessary.

Air Fryer Salmon

  1. Spray the air fryer basket with cooking oil. Place the seasoned salmon in the air fryer basket.
  2. Air fry the salmon for 10-12 minutes at 370 degrees F (185 C). Mine was ready right at 10 minutes. Use a meat thermometer and test that the inside of the salmon has reached 145 degrees F (63 C).
  3. Cool and then flake the salmon into smaller pieces using a fork.

Baked Salmon

  1. Preheat oven to 400 degrees F (200 C).
  2. Add the seasoned salmon to a piece of foil large enough to hold the salmon and to wrap and cover it.
  3. Bake for 10 minutes.
  4. Unwrap the salmon so it is no longer fully covered. Bake for another 2-5 minutes, until the fish has reached an internal temperature of 145 degrees F (63 C) in its thickest part.
  5. Cool and then flake the salmon into smaller pieces using a fork.

Pan Seared Salmon

  1. Place a skillet on medium-high heat with olive oil to coat and prevent sticking.
  2. When the pan is hot, add the seasoned salmon to the pan with the skin side up.
  3. Allow the salmon to cook for 4 minutes without moving it.
  4. Monitor the sides of the salmon to determine the perfect time to flip. When the color of the side of the salmon has lightened about ¾ of the way up, it’s time to flip (usually 3-4 minutes).
  5. Flip the salmon. A silicone spatula works best.
  6. Cook skin side down for 4 minutes.
  7. Remove the salmon from the pan. Cool and then flake the salmon into smaller pieces using a fork.

Pasta Salad

  1. Cook the pasta in accordance with the package instructions until al dente.
  2. Rinse the pasta in cold water and pat dry.
  3. Add the mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream (whatever you chose) to your serving dish along with ranch seasoning.
  4. Add the pasta, cooked salmon, and remaining ingredients. Taste repeatedly and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
  5. Chill for 1-2 hours if desired or serve immediately.

Notes

  • Make this pasta salad truly yours! Feel free to load it up with your favorite vegetables.
  • You can easily double the recipe by simply doubling all the ingredients.
  • If using a store-bought ranch seasoning packet, start with 2 tablespoons and adjust to taste.
  • For a “wetter” pasta salad, serving immediately after a brief chill will work best. You may find you need to add additional mayo or sour cream (or Greek yogurt) to achieve your desired creaminess.
  • Ranch dressing or any other preferred salad dressing can be used as a substitute for the mayo, Greek yogurt, or sour cream base.
  • Always taste and adjust seasoning to suit your preferences.

Nutrition

Serving: 1 serving
Calories: 363 kcal
Carbohydrates: 32 g
Protein: 38 g
Fat: 9 g

Nutrition Data

Macros are provided as a courtesy and should not be construed as a guarantee. This information is calculated using MyFitnessPal.com. To obtain the most accurate nutritional information in a given recipe, you should calculate the nutritional information with the actual ingredients used in your recipe, using your preferred nutrition calculator. You are solely responsible for ensuring that any nutritional information provided is accurate, complete, and useful.

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