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This cold orzo pasta salad with salmon is an incredible summer dish. It’s an easy and healthy lunch or dinner with a light lemony dressing.
I think orzo might be my favourite type of pasta.
I know that sounds extreme but it’s the perfect addition to salads like this. It’s light enough for the salad to still feel like a salad but it adds that carbyness that I need to still feel full and satisfied.
In this salad I went pretty light on the orzo and bulked it out with plenty of peppery rocket (arugula) which makes it perfect for a light summer dinner.
This whole recipe needs just 6 ingredients which makes your weeknight cooking or lunchtime meal prep a complete dream and even better, they’re all store cupboard ingredients apart from the rocket so you can keep them all on hand.
Why we love this orzo pasta salad with salmon
This recipe takes just 15 minutes and 6 ingredients to put together so it’s ideal for a simple summer dinner
It’s so easy to make this recipe and as long as you can boil pasta you can make this salad
You can also use tinned salmon to make it which means you can keep the ingredients on hand whenever you need them
It’s also dairy free and easy to make gluten free so it’s great for serving up to all the family
Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon Ingredients
Salmon: For this recipe I went with tinned skinless and boneless salmon but you could also cook a salmon fillet or two and use them or this recipe is great for using up any leftover salmon
Lemon: You need the juice and zest for this super lemony salad
Olive Oil
Chilli Flakes: You can use as much or as little as you like but I think they add a lovely little hit of spice
Orzo: Cooked according to packet instructions, I like to run it under cold water until it’s cooled and they you can use it straight away
Rocket: Adds a delicious pepperiness to the whole salad
How to make orzo pasta salad with salmon
- Cook the orzo: In boiling water according to packet instructions
- Make the dressing: Whisk together the lemon juice and zest, chilli flakes and olive oil then season well
- Finish the salad: Toss the orzo with the salmon, rocket and dressing then serve
Equipment you need to make this recipe…
Expert tips for making this orzo pasta salad
Once the orzo is cooked run it under cold water until it’s cooled then you can toss it with the rest of the ingredients to make the salad
To make this recipe gluten free simply switch the orzo for your favourite gluten free orzo or another cut of pasta
If you want to add extra vegetables to this salad then there’s plenty that will work. Grilled asparagus or spinach would be delicious
Want more? Try these other pasta salad recipes!
- Cowboy Macaroni Salad
- Tuna Pasta Salad with Feta & Pine Nuts
- Lemon Basil Orzo & Vegetables
- Smoked Mackerel Pasta Salad with Asparagus
- Cold Peanut Noodle Salad
- Simple Pasta Salad with Balsamic
Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon
Ingredients
- 200 g Salmon skinless and boneless
- 1 Lemon juice and zest
- 2 tbsp Olive Oil
- Chilli Flakes
- Salt and Pepper
- 150 g Orzo
- 70 g Rocket
Instructions
- Cook the orzo according to packet instructions. Run the orzo under cold water until cool.
- Whisk together the lemon juice, zest, olive oil, a pinch of chilli flakes and some salt and pepper.
- Flake the salmon. Toss with the orzo. Add the rocket and dressing and toss again. Serve.
Notes
Like the look of this recipe? Make sure you pin it for later!
7 Comments
Katherine
26/06/2019 at 9:58 AMI love a quick dinner and this one sounds incredible! I love orzo but don’t cook with it nearly enough.
SHANIKA
26/06/2019 at 10:39 AMOrzo is such a great ingredient and I love that you’ve made it into a salad! YUM!
kim
26/06/2019 at 11:55 AMLove this recipe! So tasty and easy!
Adrianne
26/06/2019 at 12:16 PMYum, what a great healthy dinner idea. I love using rocket, especially as a change from spinach, yummy!!
Gloria | Homemade & Yummy
26/06/2019 at 12:37 PMLOVE orzo. In fact, I just made a salad with it on the weekend. This sounds delicious and perfect for a light summer meal.
Toni
26/06/2019 at 12:57 PMThis was really amazing! A delicious lunch any day of the week!
Lola Osinkolu
29/06/2019 at 7:17 PMNever heard of this! Sounds perfect for a first try!