Farfalle with Fresh Salmon, Zucchini & Pesto
Farfalle with fresh salmon, zucchini, and pesto is an easy, fresh, and flavorful Mediterranean-inspired pasta recipe. It combines farfalle pasta with air-fried salmon, green and yellow zucchini, basil pesto, olive oil, lemon, and fresh herbs. It’s a simple meal you can prepare in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for an easy weeknight dinner.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for a busy weeknight.
- A delicious way to enjoy salmon and vegetables with pasta.
- Fresh lemon adds brightness and pairs beautifully with pesto.
- Green and yellow zucchini add color, texture, and flavor.
- The salmon cooks quickly and easily in the air fryer.
- You can use your favorite fresh herbs or whatever you have on hand.
The Secret Is in the Pesto & Fresh Herbs
For the best flavor, I recommend adding the pesto and fresh basil at the end, after removing the pan from the heat. This helps preserve the fresh flavor of the pesto and the aroma of the basil.
You can also finish the pasta with a drizzle of olive oil and a squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving.
What Kind of Salmon Can You Use?
Use fresh salmon fillets and cut the cooked salmon into bite-size pieces before adding it to the pasta. The air fryer is a quick and convenient option, but you can also cook the salmon in a skillet or oven.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use a different type of pasta?
Absolutely. Farfalle works beautifully, but penne, fusilli, rigatoni, or your favorite pasta will also work.
Can I use only green zucchini?
Yes. I like using both green and yellow zucchini because they add beautiful color to the dish, but either one works perfectly.
Can I cook the salmon without an air fryer?
Yes. Cook the salmon in the oven or in a skillet until it is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork.
Can I add more pesto?
Of course. Start with a few spoonfuls and add more according to your taste. You can also adjust the olive oil to make the pasta more flavorful and silky.
An Easy Mediterranean Pasta for Any Day
This salmon, zucchini, and pesto pasta proves that a simple meal can still be full of flavor. Fresh salmon, lemon, olive oil, colorful zucchini, pesto, and herbs come together for a delicious pasta dish that works just as well for a family dinner as it does for a special meal.
Save this Farfalle with Fresh Salmon, Zucchini & Pesto recipe for the next time you want an easy Mediterranean-inspired dinner ready in 30 minutes.
View Recipe:
Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta with Zucchini and Pesto
4
servings30
minutes30
minutes520
kcalFarfalle with fresh salmon, zucchini, pesto, olive oil, and herbs is an easy Mediterranean-inspired pasta recipe full of fresh flavor. This simple salmon pesto pasta makes a delicious weeknight dinner and comes together in about 30 minutes.
Ingredients
12 oz (340 g) farfalle pasta
12 oz (340 g) fresh salmon, skin removed and cut into bite-size pieces
1 medium zucchini, sliced or diced
½ cup basil pesto
1–2 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
1 tbsp fresh herbs, chopped — basil, parsley, or a mix
Salt and black pepper, to taste
Lemon juice and zest, optional but recommended for freshness
Directions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle and cook for about 12 minutes, or until al dente. Drain and set aside.
Cook the salmon: Place the fresh salmon in the air fryer. Season with salt and pepper and drizzle with fresh lemon juice. Air fry until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily, about 8–10 minutes at 400°F (200°C), depending on the thickness. - Cook the zucchini: Slice 2 zucchini—one green and one yellow. Heat olive oil in a large pan and sauté the zucchini with fresh herbs until tender and lightly golden.
Combine: Add the cooked farfalle and salmon to the pan with the zucchini. Gently toss everything together.
Add the pesto: Stir in a few spoonfuls of pesto and a drizzle of olive oil. Toss until everything is lightly coated.
Finish: Add fresh basil just before serving. Taste and adjust with salt, pepper, or a little more lemon juice if desired.
Notes
- Salmon and Zucchini Pesto Pasta: For the best flavor, add the pesto and fresh basil after removing the pan from the heat. This keeps the pesto fresh and preserves the bright flavor of the basil.
