Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad

Name: Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 15 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: 4 servings
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne); 2 cups cooked salmon, flaked; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 1 cucumber, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely chopped; 1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced; 1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled; 2 cups fresh spinach or arugula; 1/4 cup olive oil; 2 tablespoons lemon juice; 1 teaspoon dried oregano; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: Kitchen World | Global Eats

I love making this Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad, especially during the warmer months when fresh ingredients abound. The combination of flaky salmon, al dente pasta, and vibrant vegetables makes for a dish that feels both hearty and refreshing. Tossed in a simple lemon-olive oil dressing, every bite bursts with flavor. Whether I'm enjoying it as a light lunch or serving it for a small gathering, this salad never fails to impress. It's the perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies that keeps me satisfied and feeling good.

Created by

Monicas

Last updated on 2026-02-19T18:57:19.931Z

In my quest to create the perfect pasta salad, I discovered that the key lies in using high-quality ingredients. The combination of wild-caught salmon and fresh vegetables elevates this dish to something truly special. I often roast the salmon with herbs and spices, which enhances its flavor and ensures it pairs beautifully with the rest of the ingredients.

Additionally, I discovered that letting the salad sit for a few minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together perfectly, making each bite even more satisfying. You can also customize this salad by adding other seasonal vegetables or grains for a unique twist.

Why You'll Love This Recipe
Fresh and healthy ingredients that nourish the body
Rich in protein from salmon, perfect for a hearty meal
Versatile and easy to customize with your favorite veggies

Choosing the Right Pasta

When it comes to pasta for this Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad, I prefer using fusilli or penne because their shapes hold the dressing and flavors beautifully. Fusilli, with its spiral texture, traps the dressing and small ingredients like olives and feta, creating a more flavorful bite. If you're looking for a gluten-free alternative, brown rice pasta or quinoa pasta works wonderfully and maintains a similar texture. Cook the pasta until al dente for the best results, ensuring it doesn’t become mushy once mixed with the other ingredients.

Keep an eye on the pasta during cooking; I usually start checking it about two minutes before the package's suggested cooking time. Al dente pasta should be tender yet firm to the bite. Once cooked, immediately drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. This step is crucial for keeping the pasta firm and preventing it from clumping together in the salad.

Elevating the Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The choice of vegetables in this salad plays a pivotal role in balancing its flavor and texture. I love adding fresh, ripe cherry tomatoes for their sweetness and juiciness, which complement the savory salmon beautifully. When choosing cucumbers, opt for English cucumbers as they have fewer seeds and a thinner skin, offering a crisp bite without overpowering the salad. Fresh herbs can also enhance the flavor—try adding chopped dill or parsley for an extra layer of freshness.

Feta cheese adds a salty tang that pairs wonderfully with the richness of the salmon. If you're looking to switch it up, goat cheese is an excellent substitute, providing a creamier texture. For a dairy-free option, try nutritional yeast sprinkled on top for a cheesy flavor without the dairy. These ingredient tweaks can personalize your Mediterranean salad experience while maintaining the integrity of the dish.

Ingredients

For the Salad

8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
2 cups cooked salmon, flaked
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 cucumber, diced
1/2 red onion, finely chopped
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
1/4 cup feta cheese, crumbled
2 cups fresh spinach or arugula

For the Dressing

1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons lemon juice
1 teaspoon dried oregano
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Preparation Steps

Cook the Pasta

In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

Prepare the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.

Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, flaked salmon, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, feta cheese, and spinach.

Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently to combine. Ensure everything is well coated.

Serve

Let the salad sit for about 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Enjoy!

Pro Tips

Feel free to substitute the salmon with grilled chicken or a vegetarian option like chickpeas for a different protein choice.

Make-Ahead and Storage Tips

This Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad is fantastic for meal prep! You can make it a day in advance, allowing the flavors to meld beautifully in the refrigerator. Just be sure to keep the dressing separate until you're ready to serve to avoid soggy pasta. Store the salad in an airtight container, and it should last up to three days in the fridge, but be mindful of the texture of the salmon and greens as they can become less appealing over time.

If you're planning to serve the salad later, consider using firmer vegetables like bell peppers or shredded carrots as they can hold up better than softer ones like cucumbers and tomatoes. Alternatively, you can add these vegetables just before serving to ensure they remain crisp and vibrant.

Serving Suggestions

This salad is quite versatile when it comes to serving options. You can serve it chilled straight from the refrigerator or let it come to room temperature for more pronounced flavors. Pairing it with a crisp white wine, like Sauvignon Blanc, can elevate the dining experience even further. Consider serving it alongside garlic bread or grilled vegetables for a complete Mediterranean feast.

For a heartier meal, this salad can also be served on a bed of greens or alongside grilled chicken or shrimp. If you're hosting, consider offering a variety of dressings so guests can customize their salads. You’ll find that this dish is as much about the assembly as it is the individual components, making it perfect for gatherings.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Absolutely! This salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep the dressing separate and add it right before serving.

→ What type of pasta works best?

I recommend using fusilli or penne as they hold the dressing and other ingredients well, but feel free to use any pasta you prefer.

→ Can I use canned salmon instead of cooked salmon?

Yes, canned salmon works great in this recipe. Just drain it and flake it into the salad.

→ Is this recipe gluten-free?

To make this salad gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta to suit your dietary needs.