Grilled Salmon Tzatziki Pasta Salad Bowl
This dish features perfectly grilled salmon served atop a colorful pasta salad tossed with a tangy, creamy tzatziki dressing. Packed with cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, red onions, olives, and fresh herbs, it’s light yet satisfying — perfect for a nutritious lunch or dinner inspired by Mediterranean flavors
⏱️ Time Required
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Servings: 4
Ingredients
For the Salmon:
4 salmon fillets (about 6 oz each)
2 tbsp olive oil
1 tsp dried oregano
1 tsp garlic powder
Salt and pepper, to taste
Juice of ½ lemon
For the Pasta Salad:
8 oz (225g) short pasta (penne, rotini, or bowtie)
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1 medium cucumber, diced
½ small red onion, thinly sliced
½ cup Kalamata olives, pitted and halved
¼ cup chopped fresh dill
¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
For the Tzatziki Dressing:
1 cup Greek yogurt
1 medium cucumber, finely grated and excess liquid squeezed out
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
1 tbsp olive oil
1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Tzatziki Dressing
1. In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, grated cucumber, garlic, lemon juice, olive oil, and dill.
2. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix well and refrigerate until ready to use.
Step 2: Cook the Pasta
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
Step 3: Marinate and Grill the Salmon
1. Rub salmon fillets with olive oil, oregano, garlic powder, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
2. Preheat grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
3. Grill salmon for 4–5 minutes per side or until cooked through and flaky. Remove from heat and set aside.
Step 4: Assemble the Pasta Salad
1. In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, dill, and parsley.
2. Add tzatziki dressing and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
Step 5: Serve
1. Divide pasta salad into bowls.
2. Top each with a grilled salmon fillet.
3. Garnish with extra dill or lemon wedges if desired.
Notes
To save time, make the tzatziki dressing a few hours ahead to let flavors meld.
For extra creaminess, stir in a little crumbled feta cheese into the pasta salad.
Use skin-on salmon for easier grilling and extra flavor.
Tips
If you don’t have a grill, bake salmon at 400°F (200°C) for 12–15 minutes.
Add toasted pine nuts or walnuts for crunch.
Serve with warm pita bread or a green side salad.
❓ Questions & Answers
Q: Can I use other fish instead of salmon?
A: Yes, swordfish, cod, or sea bass work well grilled or baked.
Q: Is this dish suitable for meal prep?
A: Yes, store salmon and pasta salad separately and combine when ready to eat.
Q: Can I make tzatziki without yogurt?
A: Greek yogurt is key for authentic tzatziki, but a dairy-free yogurt alternative can be used for a vegan option.
️ Nutritional Information
Calories ~520 kcal
Protein ~38 g
Fat ~20 g
Carbohydrates ~40 g
Fiber ~4 g
Sodium ~400 mg