Pasta Primavera with Honey-Citrus Salmon

Name: Pasta Primavera with Honey-Citrus Salmon
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 35 min
Yield: Serves 4
Ingredients: 8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne); 1 cup zucchini, sliced; 1 cup bell peppers, sliced; 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 2 tablespoons olive oil; Salt and pepper to taste; 4 salmon fillets; 2 tablespoons honey; Juice of 1 orange; Juice of 1 lemon; 1 tablespoon soy sauce; 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard; Salt and pepper to taste

Highlighted under: International Flavor Recipes

I absolutely love creating vibrant dishes, and this Pasta Primavera with Honey-Citrus Salmon truly captures the essence of fresh ingredients. The balance of al dente pasta, seasonal vegetables, and the sweet-and-tangy glaze from the salmon makes every bite a delightful experience. Cooking it together not only saves time but also elevates the flavors as they meld beautifully. Perfect for a weeknight dinner or impressing guests, this dish brings a burst of color and taste to my table every time we prepare it.

Created by

Emily

Last updated on 2026-02-09T16:25:28.039Z

When I first experimented with combining honey and citrus with salmon, I was blown away by how they complemented each other. The natural sweetness of the honey brings out the richness of the fish, while the citrus adds a refreshing zing. During the cooking process, I always recommend searing the salmon skin side down for a delicious crispy texture that enhances the overall dish.

This Pasta Primavera showcases seasonal vegetables, and I particularly love using zucchinis, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Not only do they add a pop of color, but they also bring a wealth of flavor and nutrition. Tossing everything together at the end allows the pasta to absorb the honey-citrus glaze, making each forkful incredibly satisfying.

Why You Will Love This Recipe
Bright, fresh vegetables that burst with flavor
A deliciously sweet and tangy salmon glaze
A perfect balance of nutrients in every bite

Enhancing Flavor with Fresh Ingredients

The key to a vibrant Pasta Primavera is undoubtedly the use of fresh, in-season vegetables. Zucchini and bell peppers not only provide crunch but also bring a range of colors to the dish, making it visually appealing. When selecting cherry tomatoes, look for firm ones with a bright sheen; they should burst with sweetness when cooked. This combination not only enhances the dish's flavor but also boosts its nutritional profile, packing in vitamins and antioxidants that are beneficial for health.

Don't hesitate to experiment with other seasonal vegetables. Asparagus, snap peas, or even asparagus can be fantastic replacements or additions. Each vegetable has its own cooking time, so consider adding them in stages based on how tender you prefer them. For instance, asparagus may take a bit longer to soften than zucchini, so it’s best to adjust the sautéing order accordingly for an even texture.

Mastering the Honey-Citrus Glaze

The honey-citrus glaze is what elevates the salmon in this recipe, creating a fabulously sweet and tangy finish. Using fresh juice from an orange and a lemon helps to brighten the dish with acidity, balancing the richer flavors of the salmon. If you’re pressed for time, bottled citrus juice can work in a pinch, but fresh juice enhances the overall freshness and taste. Remember to whisk the glaze ingredients until thoroughly combined; this will help achieve the desired glossy texture when poured over the fish.

To achieve the perfect glaze consistency, monitor the cooking process carefully. If you find the glaze is too thin, allow it to cook down for an additional minute or two over medium heat. If it thickens too much, simply whisk in a little water until you reach your preferred consistency. Pouring the glaze over the salmon just before it finishes cooking allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a tender, flavorful fillet.

Ingredients

For the Pasta Primavera

8 oz pasta (fettuccine or penne)
1 cup zucchini, sliced
1 cup bell peppers, sliced
1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
2 cloves garlic, minced
2 tablespoons olive oil
Salt and pepper to taste

For the Honey-Citrus Salmon

4 salmon fillets
2 tablespoons honey
Juice of 1 orange
Juice of 1 lemon
1 tablespoon soy sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

Cooking Steps

Prepare the Pasta

In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.

Sauté the Vegetables

In a large skillet, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add garlic and sauté for 1 minute. Then, add the zucchini, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes. Cook for 5-7 minutes or until vegetables are tender. Season with salt and pepper.

Make the Honey-Citrus Glaze

While the vegetables are cooking, in a small bowl, whisk together honey, orange juice, lemon juice, soy sauce, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.

Cook the Salmon

In a separate skillet, heat a bit of oil over medium-high heat. Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper. Place skin side down and cook for 5-6 minutes until crispy. Flip and pour the honey-citrus glaze over the top. Cook for another 3-4 minutes until cooked through.

Combine and Serve

Toss the cooked pasta with the sautéed vegetables in the large skillet. Serve the pasta primavera on plates, and top with the honey-citrus salmon. Drizzle any remaining glaze over the salmon.

Enjoy Your Meal!

Pro Tips

To add an extra crunch, consider garnishing with toasted pine nuts or chopped fresh herbs like basil or parsley.

Tips for Leftovers

Storing any leftovers from this dish is simple. Place the pasta primavera and salmon in an airtight container and refrigerate for up to three days. When reheating, I recommend using a skillet over medium heat to gently warm the pasta and salmon while preserving their textures. If the pasta seems dry, add a splash of olive oil or a touch of water to rehydrate.

For those looking to make this dish for meal prep, consider preparing the salmon and pasta separately. This allows you to maintain the integrity of both components. Cook the pasta and vegetables, allow them to cool, then store them in one container. The glazed salmon can be stored in another. This method keeps the salmon from becoming soggy while also making it easy to assemble fresh meals throughout the week.

Scaling the Recipe

This Pasta Primavera with Honey-Citrus Salmon recipe is easily scalable whether you're cooking for a family or a gathering. For parties, simply double the ingredients, ensuring to adjust the cooking times particularly for the salmon. If using larger fillets, you may need to increase the cooking time by a minute or two on each side to ensure it cooks through fully.

When preparing larger batches, make sure your skillet is adequately sized to accommodate all the ingredients without overcrowding, as this can result in steamed rather than sautéed vegetables. If necessary, cook in batches to maintain that perfect sautéed texture.

Questions About Recipes

→ Can I use frozen vegetables for this recipe?

Yes, frozen vegetables work well, but be sure to thaw them before cooking to avoid excess moisture.

→ What type of pasta works best?

Any pasta shape you prefer can be used, but I recommend fettuccine or penne for better sauce adherence.

→ Is there a substitute for honey?

Maple syrup can be used as a delicious alternative if you're looking for a vegan option.

→ How do I know when the salmon is cooked?

The salmon should be opaque and flake easily with a fork; it’s best cooked to medium for optimal flavor.