15 mins
Zesty Salmon Pasta Salad with Lemon & Spinach
Serves
4
Fresh, vibrant, and ready in just 15 minutes, this Zesty Salmon Pasta Salad with Lemon & Spinach is the perfect balance of light and satisfying. Tender pasta is tossed with Aoraki Zesty Salmon Spread brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest, then folded through with baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of red onion for crunch. It’s an easy, flavour-packed dish that works beautifully for quick lunches, effortless dinners, or make-ahead meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
300g short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well)
180g Zesty Salmon Spread
2–3 tbsp olive oil (to loosen the salmon spread)
1–2 tbsp pasta water (to loosen the salmon spread)
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Hot Smoked Salmon pieces
Method
Step 1
Cook pasta according to packet instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the Zesty Salmon Spread and olive oil and pasta water until smooth and spreadable.
Step 3
Transfer cooled pasta to a large bowl and toss with the loosened salmon spread until evenly coated.
Step 4
Add baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Gently mix to combine.
Step 5
Drizzle over lemon juice and stir lightly to incorporate.
Step 6
Season with salt and pepper, then finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest. Adding Hot Smoked Salmon makes it extra tasty — add if you want!
Step 7
Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for a fresher flavour.
Meet the chef,
Hana Sato
Hana Sato grew up between the coasts of Hokkaido and Kaikōura, where she discovered her love for fresh seafood and quiet, honest cooking. After training in Tokyo and Wellington, she now leads the culinary team at Aoraki, combining Japanese discipline with New Zealand’s seasonal produce. Her philosophy is simple — cook with restraint, let the ingredients speak, and never rush a good meal.
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Zesty Salmon Pasta Salad with Lemon & Spinach
Spreads
,
Serves
4
15 mins
Fresh, vibrant, and ready in just 15 minutes, this Zesty Salmon Pasta Salad with Lemon & Spinach is the perfect balance of light and satisfying. Tender pasta is tossed with Aoraki Zesty Salmon Spread brightened by fresh lemon juice and zest, then folded through with baby spinach, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a hint of red onion for crunch. It’s an easy, flavour-packed dish that works beautifully for quick lunches, effortless dinners, or make-ahead meals throughout the week.
Ingredients
300g short pasta (fusilli, penne, or farfalle work well)
180g Zesty Salmon Spread
2–3 tbsp olive oil (to loosen the salmon spread)
1–2 tbsp pasta water (to loosen the salmon spread)
2 cups baby spinach leaves
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
¼ red onion, finely chopped
1 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
1 tsp lemon zest
Salt and pepper, to taste
Optional: Hot Smoked Salmon pieces
Method
Step 1
Cook pasta according to packet instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the Zesty Salmon Spread and olive oil and pasta water until smooth and spreadable.
Step 3
Transfer cooled pasta to a large bowl and toss with the loosened salmon spread until evenly coated.
Step 4
Add baby spinach, cherry tomatoes, and red onion. Gently mix to combine.
Step 5
Drizzle over lemon juice and stir lightly to incorporate.
Step 6
Season with salt and pepper, then finish with a sprinkle of lemon zest. Adding Hot Smoked Salmon makes it extra tasty — add if you want!
Step 7
Serve immediately or chill briefly before serving for a fresher flavour.