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.

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

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…

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

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 tbsp 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*

Total Fat 8g 12%

Saturated Fat 1g 5%

Cholesterol 55mg 18%

Sodium 59mg 2%

Potassium 861mg 25%

Total Carbohydrates 62g 21%

Dietary Fiber 4g 16%

Sugars 4g

Protein 31g 62%

Vitamin A 17.4%

Vitamin C 41.1%

Calcium 9.8%

Iron 14.5%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Notes

Nutrition information is an estimate and will vary depending on the ingredients used.

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