Perfectly Balanced Salmon Pasta Salad

Keyword: salmon pasta salad

Salmon pasta salad is a perfect dish for those who love the combination of fresh herbs and seafood in a light, refreshing salad. This versatile dish can be enjoyed as a main course or served alongside grilled chicken for an elegant side. The key ingredients are salmon, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red bell peppers, parsley, and lemon juice.

This recipe yields approximately 4 servings and takes about 30 minutes to prepare. Let's dive into how you can make this delightful dish.

Ingredients:

• 450 grams of cooked pasta
• 2 salmon fillets, skinless (about 10 ounces)
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 red bell pepper, diced
• 3 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• Zest and juice of one lemon
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions:

Step 1: Prepare the Salmon

1. Preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit.
2. Cut the salmon fillets into bite-sized pieces and place them on a baking sheet lined with parchment paper. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
3. Bake in the preheated oven for about 12-15 minutes until the fish is opaque and flakes easily with a fork.

Step 2: Cook the Pasta

1. If you have already cooked your pasta, move to the next step. Otherwise, bring a large pot of water to boil over high heat. Add salt (optional) and cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente.
2. Once done, drain the pasta well and let it cool completely. This can be achieved by placing the cooked pasta in an ice bath for about 5 minutes.

Step 3: Prepare the Salad Dressing

1. In a small bowl, whisk together lemon zest and juice with olive oil until well combined. This will serve as your dressing which you’ll drizzle over the pasta later on.

Step 4: Combine Ingredients

1. Mix the cooled cooked pasta with the cherry tomatoes, diced red bell peppers, and chopped parsley in a large bowl. The fresh herbs add an extra layer of flavor to the salad that pairs beautifully with the lemony dressing.
2. Once everything is well combined, add the baked salmon fillets into the mixture.
3. Dribble over the prepared dressing; ensure each ingredient gets enough dressing so that they are evenly coated. Toss gently but thoroughly to make sure every bite of pasta and fish has a nice balance of flavors.

Step 5: Serve

1. Serve the salmon pasta salad either at room temperature or chilled, depending on your preference. Garnish with additional fresh parsley if desired for added color and freshness.

Tips & Tricks:

• For a healthier version of this dish, consider using whole wheat or whole grain pasta instead of regular pasta. This increases the fiber content which is great for digestion.
• If you want to add more vegetables, feel free to include baby spinach leaves, cucumbers, or even some avocado slices for extra creaminess and freshness.

Conclusion:

Salmon pasta salad is not only delicious but also a great way to incorporate various nutrients into your diet. By combining the health benefits of fresh produce with the protein-rich goodness of salmon, this dish offers something everyone can appreciate. Whether you're hosting dinner parties or just looking for a new recipe to add to your weekly meal plan, give it a try and experience why this dish has become so popular.

Remember that adjusting the quantity of ingredients based on how many people you are serving is key to ensuring every person gets enough. This recipe can be scaled up easily if needed.

About Time & Servings:

Cooking time: 30 minutes

Servings: 4