Dive into a bowl of vibrant flavors with our irresistible Salmon and Pesto Pasta Salad! This dish brings together succulent salmon, aromatic pesto, and fresh cherry tomatoes, creating a delightful harmony that will tantalize your taste buds. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for your next gathering, this recipe is not only easy to make but also packed with nutrients. In just 25 minutes, you can serve up a gourmet meal that will have everyone asking for seconds. Ready to elevate your culinary game? Let’s get cooking!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Salmon fillet
- Pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- Pesto sauce
- Cherry tomatoes
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: fresh salmon fillets, your choice of pasta (such as fusilli or penne), pesto sauce, cherry tomatoes, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Fill a large pot with water and add a generous pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil over high heat.
- Once the water is boiling, add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, usually around 8-10 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. Season the salmon fillets with salt and pepper on both sides.
- In a large skillet, heat a tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon fillets skin-side down. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side, or until the salmon is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Remove the salmon from the skillet and let it rest for a few minutes.
- While the salmon is resting, halve the cherry tomatoes and set them aside.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about 1/2 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander.
- In the same pot used for the pasta, combine the drained pasta, pesto sauce, and a splash of the reserved pasta water. Toss well to coat the pasta evenly with the pesto. If the pasta seems dry, add more reserved water as needed.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta along with the halved cherry tomatoes.
- To serve, divide the pasta salad into bowls or plates. Drizzle with a little olive oil, and sprinkle grated Parmesan cheese on top. Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if desired.
- Enjoy your delicious Salmon and Pesto Pasta Salad while it's fresh!
Tips
- Choose the Right Pasta: Opt for pasta shapes like fusilli or penne that hold onto the pesto sauce beautifully, ensuring every bite is bursting with flavor.
- Perfectly Cooked Salmon: Keep an eye on the salmon while cooking. It should be golden brown on the outside and flaky on the inside. If you're unsure, use a fork to check for flakiness; it should come apart easily.
- Customize Your Pesto: Feel free to experiment with different types of pesto! A sun-dried tomato pesto or a spinach and basil blend can add unique flavors to the dish.
- Add Freshness: For an extra pop of color and flavor, consider adding some fresh herbs like basil or parsley just before serving.
- Make Ahead: This pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator. Just keep the salmon separate until you're ready to serve to maintain its texture.
- Serving Suggestions: Pair your pasta salad with a crisp green salad or garlic bread for a complete meal that’s sure to impress!
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 739kcal
Carbohydrates: 50g
Protein: 37g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: 75mg
