Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad is a delightful medley of flavors and textures, perfect for any occasion. The dish combines tender pasta, flaky salmon, and a colorful array of fresh vegetables, all tossed in a zesty vinaigrette. It’s easy to prepare, making it a fabulous choice for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch. Feel free to substitute with chilled, baked salmon for a richer flavor, and adjust the dressing to your taste for extra zing. This dish is not only low in cholesterol but also packed with nutrients, making it a healthy choice for everyone.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
14
Ingredients
Ingredients
Red Salmon
15.5 ounces (Rinsed, skin and bones removed, flaked)
Rotini Pasta
1 lb (Cooked and chilled)
Carrots
2 cups (Thinly sliced)
Celery
2 cups (Thinly sliced)
Ripe Olives
1/3 cup (Sliced)
Green Onions
3 (Chopped)
Red Bell Pepper
1/4 large (Thinly sliced)
Red Wine Vinegar
1/3 cup (None)
Vegetable Oil
1/8 cup (None)
Virgin Olive Oil
1 tablespoon (None)
Sugar
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Crushed Dried Oregano Leaves
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Salt
1/2 teaspoon (None)
Pepper
1/8 teaspoon (None)
Instructions
1
Start by rinsing the canned red salmon under cold water. Remove any skin, bones, or tissue, and flake the salmon into medium-sized pieces.
2
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold water until completely chilled. Set aside.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the flaked salmon, chilled pasta, thinly sliced carrots, celery, sliced olives, chopped green onions, and bell pepper.
4
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the red wine vinegar, vegetable oil, virgin olive oil, sugar, crushed oregano, salt, and pepper until well combined.
5
Pour the dressing over the pasta salad mixture and gently toss to coat all the ingredients evenly.
6
You can serve it immediately, or cover the bowl and refrigerate it for at least an hour to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant medley of tender pasta, flaky salmon, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty vinaigrette.
What type of salmon is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 15.5 ounces of canned red salmon, rinsed and flaked.
Can I use fresh salmon instead of canned?
Yes, you can substitute canned salmon with chilled, baked salmon for a richer flavor profile.
How should I prepare the canned salmon?
Rinse it under cold water, remove any skin, bones, or tissue, and then flake it into medium-sized pieces.
What kind of pasta is recommended?
The recipe specifically recommends using 1 lb of rotini pasta.
How do I prepare the pasta for the salad?
Cook the rotini according to package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water until it is completely chilled.
Which vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes thinly sliced carrots, celery, sliced ripe olives, chopped green onions, and thinly sliced red bell pepper.
What ingredients make up the dressing?
The dressing consists of red wine vinegar, vegetable oil, virgin olive oil, sugar, crushed dried oregano, salt, and pepper.
How do I mix the dressing?
Whisk the vinegar, oils, sugar, oregano, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until they are well combined.
Is this recipe considered healthy?
Yes, it is described as a nutrient-packed, healthy choice that is low in cholesterol.
Can I serve this salad immediately?
Yes, you can serve it immediately after tossing, though chilling it for an hour allows flavors to meld.
Should the pasta salad be refrigerated?
For the best flavor, cover and refrigerate the salad for at least one hour before serving.
What are the total number of ingredients needed?
There are 14 ingredients required for this Mediterranean Salmon Pasta Salad.
What is the serving suggestion for this dish?
It is perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a light lunch.
How much carrots should I add?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of thinly sliced carrots.
What type of olives are used?
The recipe uses 1/3 cup of sliced ripe olives.
Can I adjust the dressing?
Yes, you can adjust the dressing to your personal taste if you prefer more zing.
Is there sugar in the dressing?
Yes, a 1/2 teaspoon of sugar is used to balance the flavors in the vinaigrette.
How much celery is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of thinly sliced celery.
What kind of vinegar is best for this recipe?
Red wine vinegar is specified for the zesty dressing.
Does the recipe use both vegetable and olive oil?
Yes, it uses a combination of 1/8 cup vegetable oil and 1 tablespoon of virgin olive oil.
How many green onions should I use?
You will need 3 chopped green onions.
What seasoning is used for the Mediterranean flavor?
Crushed dried oregano leaves provide the primary Mediterranean herbal note.
Is this a quick meal to prepare?
Yes, it is tagged as an easy recipe and a quick meal, especially if using canned salmon.
How much red bell pepper is needed?
The recipe uses 1/4 of a large red bell pepper, thinly sliced.
Is this recipe low in cholesterol?
Yes, it is specifically noted for being a low cholesterol dish.
What texture should the salmon have?
The salmon should be flaked into medium-sized pieces for a tender and flaky texture.
Is this dish suitable for outdoor events?
Yes, its versatility makes it a fabulous choice for picnics and potlucks.
What is the first step in making the salad?
The first step is rinsing the canned salmon and removing the skin and bones.
How do I ensure the pasta doesn't stick together?
Rinsing the cooked rotini under cold water until chilled helps keep the pasta separate and ready for mixing.