Cold Pasta with Salmon β A Refreshing Italian Delight
This Cold Pasta with Salmon recipe is a perfect dish for warm weather, offering a refreshing combination of flavors with the rich texture of salmon and the zesty taste of fresh vegetables. Served chilled, it’s a fantastic option for picnics, light lunches, or a hearty appetizer for a summer gathering. The creamy vegetable puree adds a unique twist to the classic pasta dish, while the fresh herbs and lemon zest give it a vibrant finish. Let’s dive into this easy yet flavorful recipe!
Ingredients (Serves 4)
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Farfalle (bow-tie pasta) | 320g |
| Salmon fillet | 470g |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Fresh basil | To taste |
| Extra virgin olive oil | To taste |
| Camone tomatoes (or cherry) | 240g |
| Yellow bell peppers | 180g |
| Red onions | 40g |
| Extra virgin olive oil | 30g |
| Fresh basil | 20g |
| Sea salt | To taste |
| Freshly ground black pepper | To taste |
| Lemon zest | To taste |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Vegetable Cream
- Wash and prep vegetables: Begin by washing all your vegetables thoroughly. Remove the tops of the bell peppers, then carefully remove the seeds and filaments. Cut the peppers into chunks.
- Halve the tomatoes: Slice the Camone tomatoes (or any small tomatoes you have) in half. Do the same with the red onion.
- Blend the vegetables: Place the peppers, tomatoes, onion, fresh basil leaves, salt, pepper, and olive oil into a blender or food processor. Blend everything until smooth, forming a creamy puree. Set this mixture aside for later.
Step 2: Cook the Salmon
- Cut the salmon: Slice the salmon fillet into thin strips.
- Sear the salmon: Heat a little extra virgin olive oil in a pan over medium heat. Once the oil is hot, add the salmon strips and cook for 4-5 minutes, stirring occasionally. Be careful not to break the salmon into pieces.
- Season: When the salmon is nearly cooked, season with a pinch of salt. Remove from the heat and allow it to cool.
Step 3: Cook the Pasta
- Boil the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once the water is boiling, add the farfalle pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente.
- Drain and cool: Once the pasta is cooked, drain it and transfer it to a large mixing bowl. Drizzle with olive oil to prevent sticking, and let it cool completely.
Step 4: Combine Everything
- Mix the pasta with the vegetable cream: Once the pasta has cooled, pour the vegetable cream over it and toss well to coat.
- Add the salmon: Gently fold in the cooled salmon pieces, making sure everything is evenly mixed.
Step 5: Final Touches
- Garnish with lemon zest: Grate some fresh lemon zest over the top to add a fragrant, citrusy finish to your dish.
- Refrigerate: Cover the pasta and refrigerate for about an hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill completely.
Serving Suggestions
This cold pasta with salmon is a fantastic make-ahead dish for picnics, barbecues, or a light meal on a hot day. You can serve it as an appetizer or main dish, and it pairs wonderfully with a crisp, chilled white wine or a light sparkling water.
Tips
- For added flavor, try using smoked salmon in place of fresh salmon.
- You can experiment with other herbs like mint or parsley to give the dish your personal touch.
- The vegetable cream can be made in advance and stored in the fridge for a day or two, making this recipe even easier to prepare.
Nutritional Information (per serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 460 kcal |
| Protein | 27g |
| Carbohydrates | 36g |
| Fat | 28g |
| Saturated Fat | 4g |
| Fiber | 5g |
| Sugars | 6g |
| Sodium | 600mg |
This Cold Pasta with Salmon is the ideal dish for those who crave something light yet satisfying, with fresh flavors and a hearty texture. The combination of fresh vegetables, succulent salmon, and aromatic herbs creates a delicious meal thatβs sure to be a hit at your next gathering. Enjoy it with loved ones, and let the flavors transport you to the sun-kissed shores of Italy.
