Coastal Delight Salmon Pasta Salad
This Coastal Delight Salmon Pasta Salad is a cherished family favorite that has transcended generations. Originally crafted for a summer picnic, this dish is a symphony of flavors, combining tender shell pasta with succulent salmon, crisp celery, and a hint of tang from sweet pickle relish. The refreshing essence of fresh parsley and green onions adds a vibrant touch, making it not just a meal but an experience. Perfect for gatherings or as a nutritious lunch option, it's a versatile dish that can be served as a side or a standalone main course on a bed of greens. Whether it's a sunny picnic or a cozy family dinner, this salad is sure to impress and satisfy all palates.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
13
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shell pasta
2 cups (Uncooked)
French dressing
1/4 cup (Catalina is best)
Canned salmon
7-8 ounces (Drained and flaked)
Celery
1/2 cup (Diced)
Sweet pickle relish
2 tablespoons (None)
Hard-boiled eggs
2 (Chopped)
Green onion
1/4-1/3 cup (Chopped (to taste))
Fresh parsley
3 tablespoons (Minced)
Mayonnaise
2/3 cup (None)
Salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Garlic salt
1/4 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Prepared mustard
1 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the shell pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain the pasta and set it aside.
2
While the pasta is still warm, drizzle the French dressing over it. Toss gently to coat the pasta evenly, allowing the flavors to meld. Let it cool to room temperature, then transfer it to the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes.
3
In a separate bowl, drain the canned salmon and carefully flake it with a fork to avoid large chunks.
4
Once the pasta has cooled, add the flaked salmon, diced celery, sweet pickle relish, chopped hard-boiled eggs, green onions, fresh parsley, mayonnaise, salt, garlic salt, pepper, and prepared mustard. Gently toss all the ingredients together until combined, ensuring not to break up the salmon too much.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for a minimum of 2 hours, allowing the flavors to develop and marry beautifully.
6
Serve the salad chilled, either as a delightful side dish or as a light meal over a bed of lettuce, garnished with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Coastal Delight Salmon Pasta Salad?
It is a cherished family recipe featuring shell pasta, succulent canned salmon, crisp celery, and a tangy dressing, perfect for picnics or family dinners.
What type of pasta is best for this salmon salad?
The recipe specifically calls for 2 cups of uncooked shell pasta.
How much salmon is required?
You will need one 7-8 ounce can of salmon, which should be drained and flaked.
Which dressing is recommended for coating the pasta?
The recipe suggests 1/4 cup of French dressing, noting that Catalina dressing is the best choice.
When should I add the French dressing to the pasta?
Drizzle the French dressing over the pasta while it is still warm to allow the flavors to meld properly.
How long should the pasta chill initially?
After tossing with dressing and cooling to room temperature, the pasta should chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Does this recipe include eggs?
Yes, it includes 2 hard-boiled eggs that have been chopped.
What vegetables are added to the salad?
The salad includes 1/2 cup of diced celery and 1/4-1/3 cup of chopped green onions.
What kind of relish is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish.
What herbs are used in the salmon pasta salad?
3 tablespoons of minced fresh parsley are added for a vibrant, refreshing touch.
How much mayonnaise is used for the dressing?
The recipe uses 2/3 cup of mayonnaise to create a creamy texture.
Is mustard used in this recipe?
Yes, 1 teaspoon of prepared mustard is included to add a hint of tanginess.
What seasonings are needed?
You will need 1/4 teaspoon of salt, 1/4 teaspoon of garlic salt, and 1/8 teaspoon of pepper.
How long should the finished salad refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for a minimum of 2 hours to allow the flavors to develop and marry.
Can I serve this as a main course?
Absolutely! It can be served as a light standalone meal over a bed of lettuce.
What are the recommended garnishes for serving?
It is recommended to garnish the salad with sliced tomatoes and cucumbers when serving.
How should I handle the salmon while mixing?
Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure you do not break up the flaked salmon too much.
How do I cook the pasta for this recipe?
Cook the shell pasta in a large pot of boiling salted water according to the package instructions until it reaches an al dente texture.
Is this recipe suitable for a picnic?
Yes, this dish was originally crafted for summer picnics and is perfect for outdoor gatherings.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
The recipe features a total of 13 ingredients.
Is this salmon pasta salad considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy, nutritious lunch or meal option.
What tags are associated with this recipe?
The recipe is tagged with salad, salmon, pasta, spring, picnic, family-friendly, healthy, and easy recipe.
How much green onion should I add?
You can add between 1/4 and 1/3 cup of chopped green onion, adjusted to your personal taste.
Should the canned salmon be flaked?
Yes, you should flake the salmon with a fork after draining it, taking care to avoid leaving very large chunks.
Can this salad be served as a side dish?
Yes, it is a versatile dish that works well as both a side dish and a main course.
What is the preparation method for the celery?
The celery should be diced into small pieces before being added to the salad.
Does the recipe require fresh or dried parsley?
The recipe calls for fresh parsley that has been minced.
What is the overall flavor profile of this salad?
It is a symphony of flavors combining succulent salmon, crisp vegetables, a hint of tang from relish, and a creamy, savory dressing.
Is this an easy recipe to follow?
Yes, it is categorized as an 'easy recipe' suitable for various skill levels.
What makes this recipe special?
It is a cherished family favorite that has transcended generations and provides a refreshing eating experience.