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    Home » Recipes » Recipes

    25/06/2019 Dinner Recipes

    Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon

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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.

    Grey plate of orzo pasta salad with a gold fork on a marble background

    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.

    Three plate of salmon orzo pasta salad on a marble surface

    Close up of orzo pasta salad with salmon on a grey plate

    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

    Overhead shot of three plates of orzo pasta salad with lemon wedges and gold forks

    Side on shot of a grey plate of salmon orzo salad with a gold fork

    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

    [amazon_link asins='B01CNIMTM8,B00X3Z2RQY,B00C9FKC6Q' template='ProductCarousel' store='thecoorep-21' marketplace='UK' link_id='8f22366a-6f0a-4527-9e9e-e44b8728f99d']

    Overhead shot of orzo salad with salmon with a wooden bowl of salt

    Side on shot of orzo pasta salad with salmon on a grey plate with herbs in the background

    How to make orzo pasta salad with salmon

    1. Cook the orzo: In boiling water according to packet instructions
    2. Make the dressing: Whisk together the lemon juice and zest, chilli flakes and olive oil then season well
    3. Finish the salad: Toss the orzo with the salmon, rocket and dressing then serve

    Equipment you need to make this recipe...

    [amazon_link asins='B008DW4X7I,B00151WA06,B01HS5ASGK,B0081K740A' template='ProductCarousel' store='thecoorep-21' marketplace='UK' link_id='87a4d21c-fa5e-41b2-adfd-8c9915b4bc3a']

    Three plates of orzo pasta salad on a marble background with a checked cloth

    Close up of orzo pasta salad with salmon and rocket on a marble background

    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
    Grey plate of orzo pasta salad with a gold fork on a marble background

    Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon

    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.
    5 from 7 votes
    Print Pin Rate
    Course: Main Course, Salad
    Cuisine: Italian
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 10 minutes
    Total Time: 15 minutes
    Servings: 2 servings
    Calories: 445kcal
    Author: Amy Fulwood

    Ingredients

    • 200 g Salmon skinless and boneless
    • 1 Lemon juice and zest
    • 2 tablespoon Olive Oil
    • Chilli Flakes
    • Salt and Pepper
    • 150 g Orzo
    • 70 g Rocket
    UK Measures - US Measures

    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.
    Nutrition Facts
    Orzo Pasta Salad with Salmon
    Amount Per Serving
    Calories 445 Calories from Fat 72
    % Daily Value*
    Fat 8g12%
    Saturated Fat 1g5%
    Cholesterol 55mg18%
    Sodium 59mg2%
    Potassium 861mg25%
    Carbohydrates 62g21%
    Fiber 4g16%
    Sugar 4g4%
    Protein 31g62%
    Vitamin A 870IU17%
    Vitamin C 33.9mg41%
    Calcium 98mg10%
    Iron 2.6mg14%
    * Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

    Notes

    Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.
    Did you make this recipe?Tag @amycookreport on Instagram and hashtag it #thecookreport!

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    Reader Interactions

    Comments

    1. Katherine says

      June 26, 2019 at 9:58 am

      5 stars
      I love a quick dinner and this one sounds incredible! I love orzo but don't cook with it nearly enough.

      Reply
    2. SHANIKA says

      June 26, 2019 at 10:39 am

      5 stars
      Orzo is such a great ingredient and I love that you've made it into a salad! YUM!

      Reply
    3. kim says

      June 26, 2019 at 11:55 am

      5 stars
      Love this recipe! So tasty and easy!

      Reply
    4. Adrianne says

      June 26, 2019 at 12:16 pm

      5 stars
      Yum, what a great healthy dinner idea. I love using rocket, especially as a change from spinach, yummy!!

      Reply
    5. Gloria | Homemade & Yummy says

      June 26, 2019 at 12:37 pm

      5 stars
      LOVE orzo. In fact, I just made a salad with it on the weekend. This sounds delicious and perfect for a light summer meal.

      Reply
    6. Toni says

      June 26, 2019 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      This was really amazing! A delicious lunch any day of the week!

      Reply
    7. Lola Osinkolu says

      June 29, 2019 at 7:17 pm

      5 stars
      Never heard of this! Sounds perfect for a first try!

      Reply

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