Chilled Salmon Pasta
A refreshing chilled salmon pasta salad featuring flaky salmon, crisp vegetables, and a tangy vinaigrette, perfect for light lunches or summer gatherings. Easy to prepare and full of flavor.
Ingredients
- 6 oz. spaghetti ⓘ
- 1 (7 3/4 oz.) can salmon ⓘ
- 1/3 cup oil ⓘ
- 1/4 cup vinegar ⓘ
- 1/2 teaspoon dried basil leaves, crumbled ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon salt ⓘ
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper ⓘ
- 3/4 cup chopped tomato ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped celery ⓘ
- 1/2 cup chopped cucumber
- 1/4 cup chopped green onions ⓘ
- 1/4 cup minced parsley ⓘ
- tomato wedges
- grated Parmesan cheese ⓘ
Instructions
- Cook spaghetti according to package directions; drain.
- Drain salmon, reserving 1 teaspoon liquid.
- Break salmon into small chunks.
- Combine reserved liquid with oil, vinegar, basil, salt, and pepper to make the dressing.
- Pour dressing over warm spaghetti and toss to coat.
- Cool the spaghetti mixture.
- Add salmon, chopped tomato, chopped celery, chopped cucumber, chopped green onions, and minced parsley; toss to combine.
- Chill thoroughly before serving.
- Garnish with tomato wedges and sprinkle with grated Parmesan cheese before serving.
Tips & Substitutions
For a lighter dressing, consider using Greek yogurt instead of oil for a creamier texture. You can also substitute the salmon with canned tuna for a different flavor. If you prefer a crunchier texture, add some toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds. Fresh herbs like dill or cilantro can enhance the flavor profile as well.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this chilled salmon pasta as a refreshing main dish on a warm day, or pair it with a light salad for added greens. It also makes a great side dish for grilled meats or seafood recipes. Garnish with extra parsley or basil and a squeeze of lemon for a zesty kick.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to meld, making it even tastier the next day. To reheat, gently warm in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water to keep it moist, or enjoy it cold straight from the fridge.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Chilled Salmon Pasta contains roughly 331 calories, with 5g protein, 16g carbohydrates, and 29g fat. It is an excellent source of iron (41% of the Daily Value), vitamin C (28% of the Daily Value), and dietary fiber (24% of the Daily Value), and a good source of protein. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 479mg per serving (21% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon?
Yes, you can use fresh salmon. Simply cook the salmon fillet until it's flaky and then break it into chunks before adding it to the pasta. This will give a fresher taste to the dish.
What can I substitute for spaghetti?
You can substitute spaghetti with whole wheat pasta, gluten-free pasta, or even zucchini noodles for a low-carb option. Each will provide a different texture and flavor, so choose based on your dietary needs.
Is there a way to make this dish vegan?
To make this dish vegan, you can replace the salmon with chickpeas or a plant-based protein like tofu. Use a vegan mayonnaise mixed with lemon juice as the dressing instead of oil and vinegar.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).