This Lemon Dill Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Peas feels light, yet indulgent, and is packed with vibrant flavors. This dish is a celebration of simplicity—a few select ingredients come together to create a symphony of textures and tastes. Delicious in any season using frozen peas, this pasta really shines with fresh spring peas. These flavors will delight your taste buds!
Why You’ll Love This Lemon Dill Pasta
This dish strikes the perfect balance between indulgent and healthy. The creamy, tangy sauce clings to the pasta, while the sweet peas and smoky salmon provide delightful bursts of flavor and texture in every delicious bite. And here’s a bonus — it’s quick enough for a weeknight dinner, coming together in less than 30 minutes. With its beautiful hues of pink and green and harmonious flavors, this pasta is sure to brighten any meal. Let’s take a closer look at what makes each ingredient shine.
Flavor Profile
The simple lemon dill yogurt sauce is the heart of this recipe, bringing brightness and creaminess in every bite, while the salmon and peas add smoky and sweet balance.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: The creamy base of the sauce; it adds tanginess and a velvety texture without the heaviness of cream. Its subtle flavor lets the other ingredients shine.
- Lemon Juice and Zest: The juice provides acidity to brighten the dish, while the zest adds fragrant, citrusy depth.
- Garlic Powder: A mild garlicky kick enhances the savory profile of the sauce without overpowering the delicate flavors.
- Dried Dill: Dill brings an earthy, slightly grassy note that perfectly complements the salmon and peas.
- Red Pepper Flake: Just a hint of heat cuts through the richness and adds a gentle complexity.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Adds silkiness to the sauce, perfectly tying all the flavors together.
- Peas: Add a burst of natural sweetness. Their tender texture balances the smoky richness of the salmon and the creaminess of the sauce, creating a harmonious medley.
- Honey Smoked Salmon: The star protein in this dish, honey smoked salmon contributes a luxurious, smoky flavor that pairs perfectly with the lemon and dill. Its rich, briny taste contrasts beautifully with the sweetness of the peas and the tanginess of the sauce.
Every bite of this Lemon Dill Pasta with Smoked Salmon and Peas delivers a balance of flavors—from the tangy, herbaceous sauce to the sweet peas and smoky salmon. Plus, it’s a breeze to make, yet elegant enough to impress any dinner guest.