Lemon and Herb Salmon Pasta

Who’s ready for a quick, fancy-but-not-fussy dinner? 🙋‍♂️ My Lemon and Herb Salmon Pasta is the perfect combo of fresh, creamy, and downright delicious. It’s one of those meals that looks like you spent hours on it, but it actually comes together in just 15 minutes. Packed with zesty lemon, fresh herbs, and smoky salmon, it’s a flavor bomb in every bite. Bonus: it’s light enough for lunch but still satisfying enough for dinner. Let’s dive in!

Try my Teriyaki Salmon Bowl recipe.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

→ Quick & Easy: Ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for busy weeknights or when you’re craving something fancy without the hassle.

→ Fresh & Zesty: The combo of lemon, herbs, and creamy yogurt makes this pasta light, refreshing, and oh-so-satisfying.

→ Packed with Flavor: Smoky salmon + tangy lemon + herby goodness = a total flavor explosion in every bite.

→ Healthy-ish: With Greek yogurt and baby spinach, it’s a lighter take on creamy pasta that doesn’t skimp on taste.

→ Feels Fancy, But Isn’t: This dish looks like something straight out of a bistro, but trust me—it’s super simple to make at home.

What’s not to love, right? 😍

Try my Baked Salmon Rice Waffles recipe.

What You'll Need To Make

→ Pasta Shells: These little guys are perfect for holding all that creamy, herby goodness in every bite. Plus, they cook up fast—ideal for weeknight dinners.

→ Fresh Herbs: Parsley, basil, chives, and dill bring a ton of fresh flavor. It’s like a little garden party in your bowl! 🌿

→ Greek Yogurt: This is the secret to the creamy sauce without the guilt. It’s tangy, light, and pairs beautifully with the lemon.

→ Lemon Juice: The star of the show! It adds brightness and zing that takes this dish to the next level. 🍋

→ Hot-Smoked Salmon: Smoky, rich, and perfectly flaky, this salmon adds a touch of indulgence while keeping things simple.

→ Baby Spinach: A handful of spinach sneaks in some greens, wilting just enough to blend into the dish like a pro.

These ingredients work together to create a dish that’s fresh, flavorful, and ridiculously easy to love!

NOTE: For measurements and rest of the ingredients check the recipe card below.

What You'll Need To Do

Time required: 15 mins

1| First up, cook your pasta until it’s al dente—nice and firm to the bite, just like the package says. Once it’s ready, drain it and set it aside to cool slightly.

2| While the pasta does its thing, grab a small bowl and mix together all those lovely fresh herbs, Greek yogurt, and lemon juice. Toss in a pinch of salt and a few cracks of black pepper to season it just right.

3| Now, here’s the fun part—take your cooked pasta and toss it with that creamy, herby yogurt mixture. Make sure every shell gets a nice coat of goodness. Then gently fold in the baby spinach, letting it wilt just a tad. Taste and adjust the seasoning if it needs a little extra love.

4| Time to plate up! Serve your pasta slightly warm (or even room temp), and top it with chunks of that delicious hot-smoked salmon. Voilà—dinner is served! 🍋✨

Recipe Swaps & Creative Tweaks

Recipe Swaps:

1| Salmon Substitute: No smoked salmon? Use canned salmon, grilled chicken, or even shrimp for a different protein twist.

2| Greek Yogurt Alternative: Swap it for sour cream or crème fraîche for a richer sauce, or use dairy-free yogurt for a lighter, plant-based version.

3| Pasta Variety: Don’t have shells? Use spaghetti, penne, or even zucchini noodles if you’re going low-carb.

4| Herb Mix: Don’t stress about having all the fresh herbs. Stick to parsley and dill, or use dried herbs in a pinch—just reduce the quantity.

5| Spinach Swap: Baby arugula, kale, or even sautéed zucchini can step in for spinach.

Try my Salmon Quinoa Salad recipe.

Create Tweaks:

1| Add a Crunch: Toss in toasted pine nuts or crushed walnuts for extra texture.

2| Make It Spicy: Add a pinch of red chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to kick up the heat.

3| Extra Creaminess: Stir in a tablespoon of cream cheese or a splash of heavy cream for a richer sauce.

4| Citrus Twist: Add some lemon zest for an extra burst of citrusy freshness.

5| Cheesy Upgrade: Grate a little Parmesan or Pecorino on top for that extra savory punch.

These swaps and tweaks let you personalize the dish to your taste and pantry—so you can make it your own! 😊

Try my Sweet Potato Hash with Smoked Salmon recipe.

Useful Tips for Success

1| Cook Pasta Just Right: Make sure to cook the pasta al dente—it’ll soak up the sauce better without getting mushy. Don’t forget to save a little pasta water in case you want to loosen the sauce later.

2| Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs make a big difference in flavor! If you only have dried herbs, use less (about 1/3 the amount) so the flavors don’t overpower the dish.

3| Room-Temperature Ingredients: Let the Greek yogurt come to room temp before mixing it with the pasta to avoid clumping or curdling.

4| Lemon Juice Pro Tip: Roll the lemons on the counter before juicing to get the most out of them. If you prefer a less tangy flavor, start with one lemon and adjust to taste. 🍋

5| Handle Salmon Gently: When folding in the hot-smoked salmon, do it gently to keep those nice, flaky chunks intact. It’s all about that texture!

6| Serve Lukewarm or Cool: This pasta tastes great slightly warm or even cold, making it a fantastic option for meal prep or a summer dish.

7| Taste and Adjust: Before serving, give the dish a quick taste test and adjust the salt, pepper, or lemon juice to suit your preference. A final sprinkle of fresh herbs never hurts!

These tips will help you nail the recipe every time and make your cooking experience a breeze. 😊

Try my Baked Salmon Sushi Cups recipe.

Serving Suggestions

1| As a Main Dish: Serve it as is with a slice of warm, crusty bread on the side to soak up all that herby, creamy goodness.

2| With a Salad: Pair it with a fresh side salad like a simple arugula and cherry tomato mix, drizzled with olive oil and balsamic.

3| Family-Style: Pile the pasta into a large serving bowl, sprinkle with extra herbs, and let everyone serve themselves at the table—great for a cozy dinner vibe.

4| For a Light Lunch: Enjoy it chilled or at room temperature, like a fancy pasta salad. Perfect for meal prepping or a picnic treat!

5| With Wine: Pair it with a crisp white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a light rosé to complement the zesty lemon and smoky salmon. 🍷

6| Add a Side Veggie: Roast some asparagus or broccoli for a warm veggie side that pairs beautifully with the flavors in the pasta.

7| Fancy Plating: Serve it on a bed of extra baby spinach or arugula for a restaurant-style presentation. Sprinkle a little lemon zest and cracked pepper on top for extra flair.

These serving ideas make the dish versatile, whether you’re keeping it casual or going for a more elevated meal! 😊

Try my One Pot Spinach and Salmon Pasta recipe.

Storage Suggestions

Storage Options for Lemon and Herb Salmon Pasta:

1. In the Fridge:
   • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2-3 days. The flavors only get better the next day!
   • Make sure the pasta is cooled down before sealing it to avoid condensation.
2. Freezing:
   • While the pasta can technically be frozen, the creamy yogurt sauce may change texture when reheated. If you’re okay with that, freeze in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.
   • To reheat, let it thaw in the fridge overnight and warm it up on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to loosen the sauce.
3. Separate Storage:
   • For the best results, store the pasta and salmon separately if you plan on keeping leftovers. This keeps the salmon from getting too soggy or overcooked when reheating.
4. Single-Serve Portions:
   • Consider dividing the pasta into individual portions for easy grab-and-go lunches or quick meals throughout the week. Just pack them in small airtight containers!
5. Herbs & Lemon Juice:
   • If you have leftover fresh herbs, wrap them in a damp paper towel, place them in a plastic bag, and store them in the fridge to keep them fresh for a couple of extra days.
   • Leftover lemon juice can be stored in a small container in the fridge for a few days or frozen in ice cube trays for future use!

These storage tips will help you keep things fresh and easy for later!

Try my other lunch recipes, here.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it—your new go-to pasta dish that’s perfect for any day of the week! 🍝 This Lemon and Herb Salmon Pasta is fresh, vibrant, and ridiculously easy to whip up. Whether you’re treating yourself or impressing someone special, this dish delivers every time. Let me know how it turned out—did you tweak it, or stick to the plan? Either way, I bet it was delicious. Until next time, happy cooking, friends! 👨‍🍳✨

Recipe Card