Creamy Salmon Shell Pasta Salad with Spinach and Dill
This delightful Creamy Salmon Shell Pasta Salad is a vibrant and nutritious dish, perfect for warm weather gatherings or a quick family dinner. Combining tender large shell pasta with hearty canned salmon, fresh spinach, crunchy green onions, and juicy cherry tomatoes, this salad is a feast for the eyes and the palate. Tossed in a creamy dressing featuring yogurt, mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and fragrant dill, each bite bursts with flavor. Whether served chilled or at room temperature, this pasta salad is versatile and can easily be made ahead of time.
N/A
Servings
245
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
Shell pasta
3 cups (large, cooked, and drained)
Green onions
3 (chopped)
Canned red salmon
1 cup (drained and flaked)
Cherry tomatoes
1/2 cup (cut in half)
Baby spinach
1 cup (washed and drained)
Plain yogurt
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Mayonnaise
1/2 cup (no preparation needed)
Lemon juice
2 tablespoons (freshly squeezed)
Dill weed
2 tablespoons (fresh, chopped)
Capers
2 tablespoons (drained)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, whisk together the plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill weed, and drained capers until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked shell pasta, chopped green onions, canned salmon (drained and flaked), halved cherry tomatoes, and washed baby spinach.
3
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
4
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld or serve immediately.
Nutrition Information
16g
Fat
18g
Carbs
9.5g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Salmon Shell Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant and nutritious dish featuring large shell pasta, canned salmon, fresh spinach, green onions, and cherry tomatoes tossed in a creamy lemon-dill dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
Large shell pasta is recommended for this recipe as the shells help hold the creamy dressing and small ingredients.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon?
Yes, while the recipe calls for canned red salmon for convenience, you can substitute it with cooked and flaked fresh salmon.
What are the main components of the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together plain yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon juice, chopped dill weed, and capers.
How many calories are in a serving of this pasta salad?
Each serving contains approximately 245 calories.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is tagged as a healthy recipe because it incorporates protein-rich salmon and fresh vegetables like spinach and tomatoes.
How much protein does this salad provide?
This recipe provides 9.5g of protein per serving.
Can I serve this dish immediately?
Yes, it can be served immediately, though chilling it for 30 minutes is recommended to allow the flavors to meld.
What kind of yogurt should I use?
The recipe calls for plain yogurt, but you can also use plain Greek yogurt for a thicker consistency.
Do I need to cook the spinach?
No, the baby spinach should be used fresh, washed, and drained for a crisp texture.
How should I prepare the canned salmon?
The canned salmon should be thoroughly drained and flaked before being added to the mixing bowl.
What type of cuisine does this recipe belong to?
This recipe is identified with Australian cuisine.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, this salad is versatile and can easily be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator.
How many grams of fat are in one serving?
There are 16g of fat per serving.
What is the carbohydrate count for this dish?
There are 18g of carbohydrates per serving.
What ingredients are needed for the salad base?
The base consists of cooked shell pasta, green onions, canned red salmon, cherry tomatoes, and baby spinach.
Are there any special instructions for the cherry tomatoes?
The cherry tomatoes should be cut in half before being added to the salad.
Can I substitute the lemon juice?
Freshly squeezed lemon juice is best for the zesty flavor, but lime juice could be used as an alternative.
How many green onions are required?
The recipe requires 3 chopped green onions.
Can I use dried dill instead of fresh?
The recipe specifies fresh chopped dill weed; if using dried, you should reduce the amount as dried herbs are more concentrated.
What is the role of capers in this recipe?
Capers are included in the dressing to provide a tangy and salty flavor profile.
How many ingredients are in this recipe total?
There are 10 ingredients in total.
Is this recipe easy for beginners?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe involving simple whisking and tossing steps.
How should I mix the dressing and the salad?
Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently toss until all ingredients are evenly coated.
What is the recommended serving temperature?
This pasta salad can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Yes, you can easily customize it by adding other vegetables like cucumbers or bell peppers.
Is the mayonnaise necessary?
The mayonnaise helps create the creamy texture, but you could experiment with using all yogurt for a lower-fat version.
How should the pasta be prepared?
The 3 cups of shell pasta should be cooked and drained before mixing.
Is this dish suitable for a summer gathering?
Absolutely, it is specifically tagged as a summer dish and is perfect for warm weather gatherings.
How long does it stay fresh in the refrigerator?
While best served fresh or after 30 minutes, it can typically be stored in an airtight container for up to 2 days.