Brighten up your mealtime with this refreshing and hearty Salmon and Pasta Salad, a perfect blend of wholesome ingredients and vibrant flavors. Flaky, pan-seared salmon pairs beautifully with al dente penne pasta, juicy cherry tomatoes, crisp baby spinach, and thinly sliced red onion, all brought together by a zesty homemade lemon-Dijon dressing. This quick and easy recipe is ready in just 30 minutes and makes an ideal option for a healthy lunch, light dinner, or crowd-pleasing potluck dish. Packed with omega-3s, fresh vegetables, and bold flavors, this salmon pasta salad is not only delicious but also nutritious and endlessly satisfying. Serve it chilled for an extra refreshing touch!
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the penne pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set aside.
While the pasta cooks, preheat a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Season the salmon fillet with a pinch of salt and black pepper.
Cook the salmon fillet skin-side down for 3-4 minutes, then flip and cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through and flaky. Remove from heat and let cool slightly, then flake the salmon into bite-sized pieces.
Halve the cherry tomatoes, thinly slice the red onion, and mince the garlic clove. Set the vegetables aside.
Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, honey, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper until emulsified.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, flaked salmon, cherry tomatoes, baby spinach leaves, and red onion slices.
Pour the dressing over the salad ingredients and toss gently to coat evenly.
Taste and adjust seasoning as needed. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Calories |
2242 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 103.7 g | 133% | |
| Saturated Fat | 19.5 g | 98% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 19.7 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 207 mg | 69% | |
| Sodium | 3456 mg | 150% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 214.2 g | 78% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 16.1 g | 58% | |
| Total Sugars | 16.8 g | ||
| Protein | 113.9 g | 228% | |
| Vitamin D | 41.1 mcg | 206% | |
| Calcium | 196 mg | 15% | |
| Iron | 14.5 mg | 81% | |
| Potassium | 3109 mg | 66% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.