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Smoked Salmon Orzo Salad

Smoked Salmon Orzo Salad: A Fresh Twist with Creamy Dill Dressing

Smoked Salmon Orzo Salad is a vibrant dish featuring tender orzo, smoked salmon, and crunchy cucumbers, mixed with a creamy lemon dill dressing.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Chilling Time 30 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Salad
Cuisine: American
Calories: 266
Ingredients Equipment Method Nutrition Notes

Ingredients
  

For the Salad
  • 1 cup uncooked orzo gluten-free option available
  • 2 mini cucumbers chopped or 1/2 English cucumber; can substitute bell peppers or celery
  • 2 tablespoons red onion chopped; green onions work as a milder alternative
  • 2 tablespoons capers drained; omit for gentler flavor
  • 6 ounces sliced smoked salmon torn into bite-size pieces; can substitute with cooked chicken or canned tuna
For the Creamy Dressing
  • 2 heaping tablespoons mayo vegan mayo for dairy-free option
  • 1 heaping tablespoon sour cream or plain Greek yogurt dairy-free yogurt as substitute if desired
  • 1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard omit if you like it less tangy
  • 1/2 tablespoon olive oil avocado oil can be an alternative
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice plus zest of 1 lemon; lime juice can be used as alternative
  • 1/8 teaspoon garlic powder fresh garlic offers a stronger taste
  • 1 tablespoon fresh dill chopped; can substitute with parsley if unavailable
  • salt and pepper to taste

Equipment

  • large pot
  • fine mesh strainer
  • medium mixing bowl
  • Large mixing bowl
  • whisk
  • spatula

Method
 

Preparation Steps
  1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 1 cup of uncooked orzo and cook according to package instructions, about 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain and rinse with cool water.
  2. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the dressing ingredients: mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, olive oil, lemon juice, garlic powder, and dill. Whisk until smooth.
  3. Chop the cucumbers and red onion, drain the capers, and tear the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces. Place all prepared ingredients into a large mixing bowl.
  4. Add the cooled orzo to the large bowl and gently toss all ingredients together.
  5. Pour the dressing over the salad and gently fold to coat everything evenly.
  6. Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed before giving a final toss.
  7. Serve immediately or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to enhance flavors.

Nutrition

Serving: 1servingCalories: 266kcalCarbohydrates: 30gProtein: 15gFat: 10gSaturated Fat: 2gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 5gCholesterol: 30mgSodium: 400mgPotassium: 300mgFiber: 2gSugar: 1gVitamin A: 200IUVitamin C: 10mgCalcium: 20mgIron: 1mg

Notes

Taste before seasoning and consider chilling for flavors to meld. Use the freshest ingredients for the best flavor.

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