Description
This Smoked Salmon Pasta Salad is a refreshing and flavorful dish perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner. Featuring tender pasta, smoky salmon, crisp cucumber, juicy cherry tomatoes, and a creamy, tangy dressing enhanced with fresh dill and capers, this salad combines vibrant textures and flavors. Ready in just 25 minutes, it can be served immediately or chilled to meld the flavors, making it a versatile and delicious meal option.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Salad Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (penne, rotini, or farfalle work well)
- 4 oz smoked salmon, flaked
- 1 small cucumber, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup capers (optional)
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp honey (optional, for a touch of sweetness)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool it down. Set aside.
- Prepare the salad ingredients: While the pasta is cooking, dice the cucumber, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and chop the fresh dill. Flake the smoked salmon into bite-sized pieces and set everything aside.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, and honey (if using). Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or lemon juice, depending on your preference.
- Assemble the pasta salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, smoked salmon, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, and capers (if using).
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss gently: Toss gently to coat everything evenly ensuring all ingredients are well combined without breaking up the salmon.
- Garnish and serve: Sprinkle fresh dill on top of the salad for a fresh garnish. Serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Notes
- Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it before mixing with the dressing.
- Capers add a delightful briny flavor but can be omitted if you prefer a milder taste.
- You can substitute sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- For extra freshness, add a handful of arugula or baby spinach before tossing the salad.
- This salad is best eaten the same day but can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
