Imagine a dish that combines the rich, herbal notes of pesto, the delicate flakiness of salmon, and the fresh crunch of cherry tomatoes - all in one spectacular pasta salad. This isn't just another recipe; it's a culinary journey that transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet experience that will transport you straight to the Italian coastline. Whether you're looking for a quick weeknight dinner or an impressive dish to wow your guests, this Pesto Pasta Salad with Salmon is about to become your new obsession!
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- Pasta (your choice)
- Pesto sauce
- Cooked salmon
- Cherry tomatoes
- Spinach
- Parmesan cheese
- Olive oil
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: pasta of your choice, pesto sauce, cooked salmon, cherry tomatoes, fresh spinach, grated Parmesan cheese, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. This usually takes about 8-10 minutes, depending on the type of pasta you choose.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Rinse the cherry tomatoes under cold water and slice them in half. Set them aside.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the fresh spinach. You can use baby spinach or regular spinach, depending on your preference. The spinach will wilt slightly when mixed with the warm pasta.
- Once the pasta is cooked, reserve about half a cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain the pasta in a colander. Rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down for the salad.
- Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the spinach. The heat from the pasta will help to slightly wilt the spinach, enhancing its flavor.
- Next, add the pesto sauce to the pasta and spinach. Start with a few tablespoons and mix well, adding more to taste. If the mixture seems too dry, you can add a bit of the reserved pasta water to achieve your desired consistency.
- Flake the cooked salmon into bite-sized pieces and gently fold it into the pasta mixture, being careful not to break it up too much.
- Add the halved cherry tomatoes to the bowl, along with a drizzle of olive oil, and season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix everything together until well combined.
- To serve, divide the pesto pasta salad among four plates or bowls. Top each serving with a generous sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for added flavor.
- Optionally, garnish with extra cherry tomatoes or a few fresh basil leaves for a pop of color and freshness.
- This dish can be served immediately or chilled in the refrigerator for a refreshing pasta salad. Enjoy your Pesto Pasta Salad with Salmon!
Tips
- Choose the right pasta: Use short pasta like rotini or penne that can hold the pesto sauce well and mix easily with other ingredients.
- Salmon selection matters: Use freshly cooked salmon or high-quality canned salmon for the best flavor and texture.
- Pesto perfection: If using store-bought pesto, taste and adjust. Homemade pesto can elevate the entire dish.
- Temperature trick: Let the warm pasta slightly wilt the spinach for enhanced flavor and texture.
- Make ahead friendly: This salad tastes even better after chilling for an hour, allowing flavors to meld together.
- Customize your salad: Feel free to add pine nuts, swap spinach for arugula, or use different types of fish for variety.
- Keep it creamy: If the salad seems dry, add a splash of reserved pasta water or a bit more olive oil.
- Cheese tip: Freshly grated Parmesan will always taste better than pre-grated varieties.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: g
Fat: g
Saturated Fat: g
Cholesterol: mg
