Pasta With Asparagus And Salmon
A quick, flavorful pasta dish featuring tender asparagus and flaked salmon, tossed in a savory soy-ginger sauce with sesame seeds—perfect for a healthy and satisfying meal.
Ingredients
- 1 Tbsp. olive oil ⓘ
- 3 Tbsp. reduced sodium soy sauce
- 4 tsp. rice vinegar or white wine vinegar ⓘ
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp. fresh ginger root, minced or grated
- freshly ground pepper to taste ⓘ
- 10 oz. rotini ⓘ
- 3 c. fresh asparagus, broken into 1 1/2 to 2-inch spears
- 1 c. flaked cooked salmon or smoked salmon or canned salmon, skin removed ⓘ
- 2 to 3 tsp. sesame seed ⓘ
- hot red pepper flakes or green nori (seaweed) flakes to taste (optional) ⓘ
Instructions
- In a small bowl, combine the olive oil, soy sauce, vinegar, garlic, and ginger.
- Cook the rotini until al dente according to the package directions.
- Five minutes before the pasta is done, add the asparagus to the pot with the pasta and continue simmering for 5 minutes.
- Immediately drain the pasta and asparagus and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Add the flaked salmon, soy sauce mixture, and sesame seed, then toss until evenly coated.
- Serve immediately while still hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For added flavor, consider marinating the salmon in the soy sauce mixture before adding it to the pasta. If you're short on time, you can substitute asparagus with broccoli or snap peas. Adjust the heat level by adding more or fewer red pepper flakes according to your preference. Fresh ginger can be replaced with ground ginger in a pinch, but fresh has a brighter flavor.
Serving Suggestions
This pasta dish pairs beautifully with a light salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. You can also serve it with a side of garlic bread for a comforting touch. For a refreshing drink, try a crisp white wine or sparkling water with a slice of lemon to complement the flavors. Explore more Mediterranean recipes for additional side ideas.
Storage & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, gently warm the pasta in a skillet over low heat, adding a splash of water or broth to prevent drying. Alternatively, you can microwave it in short intervals, stirring occasionally until heated through.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Pasta With Asparagus And Salmon contains roughly 242 calories, with 6g protein, 29g carbohydrates, and 12g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (101% of the Daily Value), and a good source of dietary fiber and iron. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 1160mg per serving (50% of the Daily Value).
Estimated from ingredients & per-serving nutrition — verify against package labels for allergies or strict diets.
* % Daily Values based on a 2,000 calorie diet (FDA 2020).
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this dish vegetarian?
Yes, you can easily adapt this dish by omitting the salmon and adding more vegetables. Consider using sautéed mushrooms, bell peppers, or zucchini to enhance the dish's flavor and texture. You can also use tofu for added protein and a savory flavor.
Nutrition is estimated from USDA FoodData Central ingredient data and may vary with brand, portion and preparation — see our methodology. This information is for general educational purposes only and is not medical or dietary advice (disclaimer).