Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta
This Lemon Dill Salmon Pasta is bursting with fresh, zesty flavors and comes together in under 30 minutes—perfect for busy weeknights or casual dinners!
Equipment
- Large Pot
- Non-stick Skillet
- Garlic press or fine knife
- Zester or microplane
- Colander
- Tongs or pasta fork
Ingredients
- 8 oz whole wheat pasta
- 2 salmon fillets fresh or thawed, skin removed
- 2 tablespoons olive oil divided
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 lemon juiced and zested
- 1/4 cup fresh dill chopped
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- salt and pepper to taste
- grated Parmesan cheese for serving
Instructions
- Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Add the whole wheat pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, about 8-10 minutes. Reserve 1/2 cup pasta water, drain pasta, and set aside.
- Heat 1 tablespoon olive oil in a non-stick skillet over medium heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Cook salmon about 4-5 minutes per side until it flakes easily. Remove from pan, let rest, then flake into bite-sized pieces.
- In the same skillet, add remaining 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add minced garlic and sauté for 30 seconds until fragrant. Add halved cherry tomatoes and cook 2-3 minutes until softened.
- Lower heat to medium-low. Add cooked pasta to skillet with garlic and tomatoes. Pour in lemon juice and sprinkle lemon zest. Toss gently, adding reserved pasta water as needed to loosen sauce.
- Fold in chopped fresh dill and flaked salmon gently. Taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper.
- Serve pasta divided on plates or bowls, topped with grated Parmesan cheese and a lemon wedge if desired.
Notes
- Cook salmon just until it flakes easily to keep it moist and tender.
- Avoid zesting the white pith of the lemon to prevent bitterness.
- Reserve pasta water and toss pasta immediately to prevent it from sticking.
- Sauté garlic on medium-low heat and watch carefully to avoid burning.
- To freeze leftovers, freeze pasta and sauce separately from salmon for best results.