Canned Salmon Pasta Salad

This canned salmon pasta salad is an easy summer side dish. It includes fresh vegetables, tender pasta, and canned salmon tossed in a homemade Old Bay vinaigrette. Make this for a cookout or family dinner in less than 20 minutes with this easy salmon pasta salad recipe.

Why Make Pasta Salad with Canned Salmon

• Easy summer salad with simple ingredients: This 4-step salad recipe is an easy fix for summer and uses basic ingredients.
• Uses budget-friendly canned salmon: Though you can use grilled salmon with lemon, Cajun Honey Butter Salmon or seared salmon in this recipe, canned salmon is cheaper than fresh salmon, making this a budget-friendly option.

Ingredients Needed

Here’s what you need to know about the ingredients in this recipe. Be sure to check out the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient amounts and instructions.

• Bowtie pasta: Cooked in salted water
• Cherry tomatoes: Halved
• Cucumber: Quartered and sliced thinly
• Canned salmon: I get this boneless and skinless in a can from the grocery store. You should drain any liquids from the can. You can also get regular canned salmon, but be sure to remove the skin and bones.
• Red onions: Sliced thinly
• Parmesan cheese: Grated (I get this from the refrigerated section in the market).

Old Bay Vinaigrette

• Apple cider vinegar 
• Olive oil
• Old Bay Seasoning
• Honey

How To Make Pasta Salad With Canned Salmon

1. Add the vinaigrette ingredients to a mixing bowl and use a whisk to combine. 
2. Add the pasta, vegetables, and parmesan cheese to a large bowl and mix to combine.
3. Pour on the vinaigrette and stir to combine.
4. Add the canned salmon and gently fold into the salad. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours.

Recipe Tips & FAQs

• You can add the salmon with the other ingredients in step 2, but I like to fold it in so that some of the pieces are still chunks.
• You can substitute fresh seared salmon for canned salmon. Some recipes that would work well are grilled salmon with lemon, cajun honey butter salmon, air fryer salmon, and air fryer frozen salmon.
• Any al dente pasta will work: penne, spaghetti, pearl couscous and more.

More Variations

Add additional veggies or add-ins to your taste. Some of my favorites are:

• Bell peppers: red, orange, or green peppers
• Anchovies
• Nuts like pecans
• Dried cranberries
• Broccoli

More Pasta Salad Recipes

• Chicken Pasta Salad
• Easy Macaroni Salad
• Bowtie Pasta Salad