Smoked Salmon Orzo Salad
This smoked salmon orzo salad is simple but feels a little special! You’ll love the bright and zesty creamy lemon and dill dressing, and it’s quick and easy to make.
Ingredients
- 1 cup uncooked orzo
- 2 mini cucumbers chopped (or 1/2 English cucumber)
- 2 tablespoons red onion chopped
- 2 tablespoons capers drained
- 6 ounces sliced smoked salmon tear into bite-size pieces
- 2 heaping tablespoons mayo
- 1 heaping tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
- ½ teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 lemon lemon zest
- ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped
- salt to taste
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil, add orzo and cook until al dente following package directions. While the pasta cooks, whisk together mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, garlic powder and chopped dill in a small bowl.
- When the orzo is tender, drain it in a colander and rinse under cool water until the pasta feels chilled. Shake off excess water, transfer the orzo to a large bowl, then chop cucumber and red onion, tear smoked salmon into bite-size pieces and add them along with capers.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture, season with salt and pepper, and toss gently until everything’s coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed, then cover and chill if you’d like before serving.
Notes
- When orzo finishes cooking, rinse with cold water and drain thoroughly to prevent sticking and keep the salad light.
- If fresh dill is unavailable, add 1/2 tablespoon of dried dill when mixing the dressing, then taste and add more before tossing with orzo.
- When assembling, take the salmon out of the fridge as late as possible to keep it cold in the finished salad.
- If preparing ahead of serving, store the dressing in a sealed container and add it to the salad just before serving to keep the orzo from soaking up too much sauce.
- When serving leftovers, stir in extra lemon juice to brighten and loosen the orzo dressing.