Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta

There’s something wonderful about a simple, fresh pasta dish that you can whip up in under 15 minutes. This Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta has quickly become one of my go-to meals when I want something that feels gourmet but doesn’t require a ton of effort. It’s light, tangy, and packed with fresh herbs, tender pasta shells, and rich, smoky salmon. Plus, with a creamy Greek yoghurt sauce and vibrant spinach, it’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

If you’re looking to elevate your weeknight meals with minimal fuss, this recipe is a must-try. Let’s dive into what makes this dish so delightful, along with a few tips and tricks to make it your own.

WHY YOU'LL LOVE THIS LEMON & HERB SALMON PASTA.

1. Quick and Easy: This recipe takes about 10 minutes of prep and another 10 minutes of cooking, making it perfect for busy weeknights.

2. Nutritious: Loaded with healthy fats from the salmon, protein from the Greek yoghurt, and plenty of fresh herbs and spinach, it’s a balanced meal that keeps you full and fueled.

3. Fresh and Flavourful: The lemon juice and fresh herbs give this dish a burst of flavour that’s bright and refreshing, while the smoky salmon adds a delicious richness.

4. Customisable: This pasta is versatile and works well with a variety of proteins or extra veggies if you’re looking to mix things up.

Now, let’s talk about how to make this beautiful dish.

INGREDIENTS BREAKDOWN.

To really appreciate the simplicity of this Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta, let’s take a look at the ingredients and what each one brings to the table:

Pasta Shells: I love using small pasta shells for this dish because they trap the creamy yoghurt sauce in each bite. You can also use penne, fusilli, or any pasta shape that you have on hand.

Fresh Herbs: We’re using a combination of parsley, basil, chives, and dill. Each herb adds a unique layer of flavour, from the peppery brightness of parsley to the delicate, oniony flavour of chives and the unmistakable aroma of dill. Don’t skimp here; fresh herbs are the heart of this dish!

Greek Yoghurt: Instead of a heavy cream sauce, we’re using Greek yoghurt for a light and creamy base. It adds protein, a little tang, and keeps the dish light and bright.

Lemon Juice: This is what makes the dish so refreshing! The acidity of the lemon juice cuts through the richness of the salmon and yoghurt, balancing out the flavours.

Baby Spinach: Adds a pop of colour and freshness, along with a boost of vitamins and minerals. You can also substitute with rocket (arugla) for a peppery kick if you prefer.

Hot-Smoked Salmon: This is where the dish gets its protein and a hint of smoky, savoury flavour. Hot-smoked salmon is firmer and flakier than regular smoked salmon, and it holds up beautifully in this pasta. If you don’t have hot-smoked salmon, canned salmon or even a grilled salmon fillet can work as substitutes.

LEMON & HERB SALMON PASTA.

Serves 2 people

Prep time 10 mins Cook time 5-10 mins

200g (7 oz) pasta shells

2 tbsp. fresh parsley, chopped

2 tbsp. fresh basil, chopped

2 tbsp. fresh chives, chopped

2 tbsp. fresh dill, chopped

100g (3.5 oz) Greek yoghurt

juice of 2 lemons

60g (2.1 oz) baby spinach

120g (4.2 oz) hot-smoked salmon, broken into large pieces

STEP-BY-STEP INSTRUCTIONS.

Ready to make this delicious Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta? Here’s how to do it:

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by cooking your pasta shells according to the package instructions until they’re al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you’re using. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside.

Tip: Reserve a little pasta cooking water (about 1/4 cup) before draining. You might want to use it later to adjust the consistency of the sauce.

Step 2: Make the Herby Yoghurt Sauce

While the pasta is cooking, prepare the sauce. In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, basil, chives, and dill with the Greek yoghurt and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. This herby yoghurt sauce is creamy, tangy, and packed with flavour.

Tip: Taste the sauce before adding it to the pasta. If you want more tang, add a little extra lemon juice. For a richer flavour, you can add a bit more dill or basil.

Step 3: Toss the Pasta with the Sauce

Once your pasta is cooked and drained, transfer it back to the pot or a large mixing bowl. Pour the herby yoghurt sauce over the pasta and toss until each shell is evenly coated. The pasta will absorb some of the sauce, making every bite deliciously creamy and flavourful.

Step 4: Add the Baby Spinach

Gently fold in the baby spinach while the pasta is still warm. The heat from the pasta will slightly wilt the spinach, giving it a tender texture without cooking it down completely. This keeps the spinach vibrant and fresh.

Step 5: Add the Salmon and Serve

Finally, add the hot-smoked salmon to the pasta. Break it into large pieces and gently fold it in, being careful not to over-mix so the salmon retains its texture. You can add a sprinkle of extra dill or parsley on top for a garnish, along with a few cracks of black pepper.

Serve the pasta warm, and enjoy!

VARIATIONS & ADD-INS.

One of the best things about this Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta is its flexibility. Here are some ways you can switch it up:

Swap Out the Protein

Grilled Chicken: If you’re not a fan of salmon, grilled chicken works wonderfully in this dish. The fresh herbs and lemon still shine with a more neutral protein like chicken.

Prawns: Sautéed prawns add a bit of sweetness and pairs beautifully with the lemony, herbaceous flavours.

Chickpeas: For a plant-based option, try adding chickpeas. They’re hearty, healthy, and complement the creamy yoghurt sauce.

Tofu: Marinated and pan-fried tofu makes a great vegetarian protein addition.

Add More Veggies

Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes add a burst of sweetness and colour.

Zucchini: Sautéed zucchini or spiralized zucchini noodles add a lovely texture and keep the dish light.

Capsicums: Thinly sliced capsicums add crunch and a touch of sweetness.

Switch Up the Herbs

If you don’t have all four herbs on hand, don’t worry! Use whatever fresh herbs you have. Dill and parsley are a great base, but you can add or swap with thyme, coriander, or even mint for a twist.

Make it Spicy

For a little heat, add a pinch of red chilli flakes to the yoghurt sauce, or drizzle some chili oil on top before serving.

TIPS FOR PERFECTING YOUR LEMON & HERB SALMON PASTA.

Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs are essential for this recipe. Dried herbs won’t deliver the same vibrant, refreshing flavour.

Don’t Overcook the Pasta: Cooking the pasta to al dente is key. It will continue to absorb some of the sauce as it sits, so you don’t want it to be too soft.

Adjust the Sauce Consistency: If the sauce feels too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water to loosen it up. This helps the sauce coat the pasta more evenly.

Taste as You Go: Since this dish is so simple, seasoning is everything. Taste the sauce and adjust the lemon, salt, and pepper as needed before tossing with the pasta.

WHY THIS DISH IS PERFECT FOR MEAL PREP.

If you’re looking to meal prep, this Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta is a fantastic option. It keeps well in the fridge for up to 3 days, and the flavours actually meld and get even better as it sits. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container and enjoy it cold or gently reheated.

HEALTH BENEFITS OF THIS RECIPE.

This Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta isn’t just delicious; it’s also loaded with nutrients such as:

Salmon it's rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which are great for heart and brain health.

Greek Yoghurt which provides protein and probiotics, supporting digestion and muscle repair.

Spinach adds a dose of iron, vitamins, and antioxidants.

Fresh Herbs like parsley, basil, and dill are loaded with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.

AND FINALLY...

This Lemon & Herb Salmon Pasta is the kind of recipe that checks all the boxes. It’s quick, nutritious, and flavourful, making it perfect for busy weeknights or an impressive (but low-effort) weekend meal. The bright flavours of lemon and fresh herbs paired with creamy Greek yoghurt and smoky salmon create a pasta dish that’s light yet satisfying.

Whether you’re meal-prepping for the week or cooking for a special night in, this dish is guaranteed to be a hit. So grab your ingredients, get chopping, and enjoy a fresh and vibrant pasta meal that’s as nourishing as it is delicious.

Happy cooking!