Chilled Herbed Salmon Penne Salad
Transform leftover salmon into a delightful and refreshing Chilled Herbed Salmon Penne Salad. This dish combines the rich flavor of salmon with al dente penne pasta, vibrant cherry tomatoes, olives, and a hint of onion, all tossed in a light and tangy dressing. Perfect as a quick lunch or a side dish, this salad is not only delicious but also a fantastic way to make use of leftover protein. Its medley of herbs brings a fresh taste, while the chilled pasta offers a satisfying bite. Enjoy it straight from the fridge, and feel free to add a splash more mayo for extra creaminess if desired. A wonderful make-ahead option, this salad is sure to become a favorite!
3
Servings
150
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
cooked salmon
6 ounces (flaked)
penne pasta
6 ounces (cooked al dente and cooled)
light mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (for dressing)
black olives
12 (sliced)
cherry tomatoes
20 (halved)
onion
1/2 (finely chopped)
tarragon
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
dill weed
1/2 teaspoon (dried)
salt
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
pepper
1/4 teaspoon (to taste)
Instructions
1
Cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked cooked salmon, sliced black olives, chopped onion, and halved cherry tomatoes.
3
Add the cooled penne pasta to the bowl with the salmon mixture. Gently toss to combine all the ingredients.
4
Add 2 tablespoons of light mayonnaise to the mixture, stirring gently until everything is just coated without being overly creamy.
5
Season the salad with salt, pepper, dill weed, and tarragon. Adjust the seasonings to taste.
6
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and to chill.
7
When ready to serve, check the creaminess of the salad. If it appears dry, add a bit more mayonnaise and stir gently before serving.
Nutrition Information
5g
Fat
15g
Carbs
11.7g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Chilled Herbed Salmon Penne Salad?
It is a refreshing pasta salad featuring cooked salmon, penne pasta, cherry tomatoes, and olives tossed in a light herb-infused dressing.
How many servings does this salmon penne salad recipe yield?
This recipe makes 3 servings.
How many calories are in one serving of this salad?
Each serving contains approximately 150 calories.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for penne pasta cooked al dente and cooled.
How much cooked salmon do I need?
You will need 6 ounces of flaked cooked salmon.
Is this a good recipe for using leftover salmon?
Yes, it is specifically described as a fantastic way to transform leftover salmon into a new meal.
What kind of dressing is used for this salad?
A light dressing made with 2 tablespoons of light mayonnaise, salt, pepper, dill weed, and tarragon.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of light mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise if you prefer more creaminess.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes halved cherry tomatoes, sliced black olives, and finely chopped onion.
How should the cherry tomatoes be prepared?
The recipe requires 20 cherry tomatoes that have been halved.
What herbs are used to season the dish?
The dish is seasoned with 1/2 teaspoon of dried tarragon and 1/2 teaspoon of dried dill weed.
How long should the salad be refrigerated?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld and the dish to chill.
What should I do if the salad looks dry after chilling?
If the salad appears dry, you can add a bit more mayonnaise and stir gently before serving.
What is the protein content per serving?
Each serving provides about 11.7 grams of protein.
How much fat is in this salmon salad?
There are 5 grams of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this recipe?
There are 15 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
How many olives are required?
The recipe calls for 12 sliced black olives.
How much onion is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 of an onion, finely chopped.
Do I need to rinse the pasta?
Yes, after cooking the penne al dente, you should drain and rinse it under cold water to cool it down.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy lunch option with lean protein and fresh vegetables.
Can this salad be made ahead of time?
Yes, it is a wonderful make-ahead option and tastes great when chilled.
What flavor profile does this salad have?
It has a fresh, herbed, and slightly tangy Mediterranean flavor profile.
How much salt and pepper should I add?
The recipe suggests starting with 1/4 teaspoon each of salt and pepper, then adjusting to taste.
How many total ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe quick to prepare?
Yes, especially if using leftover salmon, it is tagged as a quick recipe.
Should the salmon be flaked before mixing?
Yes, the instructions state to combine flaked cooked salmon with the other ingredients.
Is this served hot or cold?
This is a cold dish intended to be served chilled.
Can I add extra herbs?
Yes, the recipe encourages adjusting the seasonings to your personal taste.
How much penne pasta is needed?
You will need 6 ounces of penne pasta.
What is the first step of the instructions?
The first step is to cook the penne pasta in salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.