Smoked salmon pasta salad is light, refreshing, bursting with flavor from the tangy dressing and smokiness of the fish. It’s packed with protein and is easy to make. 

During the warmer months I love switching our menu up and adding pasta salads as a main course and lunch option. Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad is another great protein packed salad that is simple to make. 

We also love this Vegetarian Pasta Salad with Dijon Vinaigrette. It’s full of color and makes a great summer side dish to just about any meal. 

Why We Love Smoked Salmon

It is a rich source of high-quality protein, which is essential for tissue repair and growth. Additionally, it is packed with omega-3 fatty acids (like regular salmon), which are beneficial for heart health and can help reduce inflammation in the body. These fatty acids also support brain function and may contribute to improved cognitive health. Smoked salmon is also a good source of vitamins and minerals, including vitamin D, vitamin B12, and selenium.

Ingredients 

Dressing:

Kefir – I used plain, low fat.

Spices and Herbs: chives, parsley, dill, salt, black pepper.

Pasta Salad:

short pasta of choice – I like farfalle or penne

Veggies: English cucumber, red onion, cherry tomatoes

Capers – rinse and drain before adding to the salad. 

smoked salmon – if it’s not already sliced, you can cut it into small pieces or tear it. 

How to Make Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad 

Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside. 

Add the kefir, dill, parsley, salt, and pepper to a large bowl and stir until incorporated. 

In a separate bowl, combine the cooked pasta with the chopped cucumber, onion, tomatoes, capers, and smoked salmon. 

Pour the dressing on top and stir to combine. 

Variations 

• Feel free to follow this same recipe and use chicken or shrimp. 
• You can also use grilled or baked salmon. Just cut the salmon into small pieces and add to the salad. 
• If you don’t want to use kefir, go with Greek yogurt and thin it out just a bit with milk before adding the spices and herbs. 
• For more protein, use a plant based or protein pasta.

How to Store 

Smoked salmon pasta salad is best within the first 2 days. After refrigerating, give it a good stir before serving again. 

Common FAQS

Can I eat smoked salmon straight from the pack?

Yes, you can eat smoked salmon straight from the pack. Smoked salmon is typically cured and smoked, making it safe to consume without further cooking. It is commonly enjoyed as is, without any additional preparation. However, it’s always a good idea to check the packaging and ensure that the smoked salmon is properly stored and within its expiration date for optimal freshness and safety.

What’s the difference between lox and smoked salmon?

The main difference between lox and smoked salmon lies in the curing process. Lox refers to salmon that has been cured in a brine solution, often with a mixture of salt, sugar, and sometimes additional flavors like dill. It is typically not smoked and has a silky, delicate texture. 

Smoked salmon, on the other hand, undergoes both curing and smoking processes. It is cured in a similar brine solution and then smoked, which gives it a distinct smoky flavor and a firmer texture. 

While both lox and smoked salmon are popular choices, the smoking process gives smoked salmon a different taste profile and texture compared to the milder and softer lox.

More Ways to Use Smoked Salmon

Bagel: Spread cream cheese on a toasted bagel and top it with slices of smoked salmon. Add some sliced red onions, capers, and a squeeze of lemon juice for a classic and satisfying breakfast or brunch option.

Wrap or Sandwich: Layer smoked salmon on a tortilla or roll with your favorite toppings like lettuce, cucumber, avocado, and cream cheese. Roll it up or assemble it as a sandwich for a quick and easy lunch.

Green Salad: Add smoked salmon to a green salad for a protein-packed twist. Combine mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, cucumber slices, red onions, and avocado. Top it off with pieces of smoked salmon and a light vinaigrette dressing.

Omelet: Whip up a tasty breakfast or brunch by adding smoked salmon to your omelet. Beat the eggs, pour them into a heated skillet, and when the omelet starts to set, sprinkle diced smoked salmon and some fresh herbs like dill or chives on top. Fold it over and cook until the eggs are fully set.

Appetizer: Create an elegant appetizer by rolling up thin slices of smoked salmon with a dollop of cream cheese and Every But the Bagel seasoning. Serve them on crackers or cucumber slices for a delightful bite-sized treat.

Easy Salmon Recipes to Try: 

• Pesto Salmon
• Salmon Cakes
• NYC Smoked Salmon “Everything Bagel” Penne Pasta
• Slider Recipes: Moroccan Chicken Sliders and Salmon Sliders
• Citrus Glazed Salmon with Soba Noodles

Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad

Smoked salmon pasta salad is light, refreshing, bursting with flavor from the tangy dressing and smokiness of the fish. It’s packed with protein and is easy to make.

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Course: Salad

Cuisine: American

Keyword: smoked salmon pasta salad

Prep Time: 15 minutes minutes

Total Time: 15 minutes minutes

Servings: 4

Author: Abbie

Ingredients

Dressing:

• ½ cup low fat plain Kefir
• 1 tablespoon chopped chives
• 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
• 1 tablespoon chopped dill
• ½ teaspoon salt
• ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper

Pasta Salad:

• ½ box 8 ounces short pasta of choice (I like farfalle or penne), cooked
• ½ English cucumber diced
• ½ red onion diced
• 1 tablespoon capers drained and rinsed
• 1 pint cherry tomatoes halved
• 4 ounces smoked salmon torn or sliced into bite sized pieces

Instructions

• In a small bowl, add kefir, chives, parsley, dill, salt, and pepper and mix together well.
• In a large bowl, add pasta, cucumber, onion, capers, tomatoes, and salmon. Add dressing and mix all ingredients together.

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