Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta Salad
Enjoy a refreshing and satisfying meal with this Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta Salad. Perfect for warm summer days, this dish combines tender pasta with flaked salmon, fresh vegetables, and a tangy yogurt dressing that is both light and flavorful. Packed with nutrients and easy to customize, it allows you to experiment with your favorite ingredients. Serve it as a nutritious lunch or a delightful snack; it’s sure to please family and friends. Chill it for at least an hour to let the flavors meld together for the ultimate taste experience!
4
Servings
140
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
plain fat-free yogurt
1/2 cup (none)
light mayonnaise or fat-free mayonnaise
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh lemon juice
2 tablespoons (squeezed from fresh lemons)
fresh basil
2 teaspoons (chopped (or 1/2 tsp dried))
dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon (none)
salt and pepper
to taste (freshly ground, tricolor pepper recommended)
uncooked macaroni
2 cups (cooked according to package directions)
canned salmon
1 (7.5 ounce) can (drained and flaked)
chopped celery or fennel bulb
1 cup (chopped)
red bell pepper
1 (chopped)
red onion
1/4 cup (diced (to taste))
Instructions
1
Cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain and set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped basil, dried oregano, salt, and freshly ground pepper until smooth and well combined.
3
In a separate bowl, combine the cooked macaroni, flaked salmon, chopped celery (or fennel), red bell pepper, and diced red onion.
4
Gently fold the pasta and salmon mixture into the yogurt dressing until everything is evenly coated.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour before serving to let the flavors meld.
6
Before serving, gently stir the salad again to refresh the ingredients and serve chilled.
Nutrition Information
4g
Fat
17g
Carbs
8g
Protein
1g
Fiber
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the name of this dish?
The dish is called Creamy Lemon Herb Salmon Pasta Salad.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 4 servings.
What are the main nutritional facts per serving?
Each serving contains 140 calories, 4g of fat, 17g of carbohydrates, 8g of protein, and 1g of fiber.
What type of pasta is recommended?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of uncooked macaroni.
Is canned or fresh salmon used?
This recipe uses one 7.5 ounce can of salmon, drained and flaked.
What is the base of the creamy dressing?
The dressing is made from a combination of plain fat-free yogurt and light or fat-free mayonnaise.
How much lemon juice is needed?
You will need 2 tablespoons of fresh lemon juice, preferably squeezed from fresh lemons.
Which fresh herbs are used in the salad?
The recipe uses 2 teaspoons of chopped fresh basil.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh basil?
Yes, you can substitute 1/2 teaspoon of dried basil if fresh is unavailable.
What other dried spice is included in the dressing?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of dried oregano.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes chopped celery (or fennel bulb), a red bell pepper, and diced red onion.
What is a recommended substitute for celery?
You can use chopped fennel bulb instead of celery.
How should the red onion be prepared?
The red onion should be diced, using about 1/4 cup or to your personal taste.
What kind of pepper is suggested for seasoning?
Freshly ground tricolor pepper is recommended for the best flavor.
What are the first steps in preparing the salad?
First, cook the pasta according to package directions, then drain it and let it cool.
How do I mix the dressing?
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, basil, oregano, salt, and pepper until smooth.
When do I add the salmon and pasta?
Combine the macaroni, salmon, celery, bell pepper, and onion in a separate bowl before folding them into the dressing.
Does the salad need to be chilled before serving?
Yes, it should be chilled in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
How should I store the salad while it chills?
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container.
What should I do right before serving?
Gently stir the salad again to refresh the ingredients before serving it chilled.
Is this recipe suitable for lunch?
Yes, it is categorized as a nutritious lunch or a delightful snack.
Is this dish considered a summer recipe?
Yes, it is described as perfect for warm summer days due to its refreshing nature.
How much fat is in this salmon pasta salad?
This recipe is relatively low in fat, containing only 4g per serving.
Does this recipe contain any sugar?
The provided nutritional data shows the sugar content is null or not significant.
Is this a high-protein meal?
With 8g of protein per 140-calorie serving, it provides a good amount of protein for a light meal.
Is the recipe easy to customize?
Yes, the description notes that it is easy to customize with your favorite ingredients.
What type of yogurt should be used?
The recipe specifies using plain fat-free yogurt.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 11 ingredients in total.
What is the texture of the salmon in the salad?
The salmon should be drained and flaked to create a tender texture throughout the salad.
Is this recipe considered a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a quick meal and a versatile recipe.