Salmon Confetti
Salmon Confetti is a comforting baked pasta dish combining tender macaroni with flaked salmon, vibrant vegetables, and melted cheese, offering a savory and satisfying meal perfect for family dinners or entertaining guests. Its creamy texture and flavorful ingredients make it a crowd-pleaser for seafood lovers.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Drain the salmon and reserve the liquid.
- Cook the macaroni until al dente.
- Saute chopped onion, chopped green pepper, and chopped celery in butter for 10 minutes.
- Stir in the flour and cook, stirring, for 2 minutes.
- Add hot milk and stir until thickened. Stir in the reserved salmon liquid, salt, white pepper, and 2 cups of shredded Cheddar cheese. Cook, stirring, until the cheese is melted.
- Stir in chopped pimento, salt, and pepper.
- Combine the cooked macaroni and the salmon mixture in a 1 1/2-quart casserole.
- Sprinkle with the remaining cheese.
- Bake at 350°F for 20 minutes or until very hot.
Tips & Substitutions
For a creamier texture, consider adding a splash of heavy cream to the cheese mixture. If you don't have elbow macaroni, any small pasta shape will work well. You can also substitute the Cheddar cheese with Gruyère or mozzarella for a different flavor. For added richness, mix in some cooked crab or shrimp, making it reminiscent of other seafood recipes.
Serving Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with a fresh green salad or steamed vegetables for a complete meal. For a more casual setting, serve alongside crusty bread or garlic toast. It also makes a great main dish for family gatherings or potlucks, where it can stand out among other seafood recipes.
Storage & Reheating
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. To reheat, place in the oven at 350°F until heated through, about 15-20 minutes, or microwave individual portions until warm. You may want to add a splash of milk to maintain creaminess when reheating.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Salmon Confetti contains roughly 967 calories, with 63g protein, 58g carbohydrates, and 55g fat. It is an excellent source of protein (126% of the Daily Value), calcium (81% of the Daily Value), and vitamin C (75% of the Daily Value), and a good source of vitamin D. Note that it is relatively high in sodium, at 2902mg per serving (126% 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 use fresh salmon instead of canned salmon?
Absolutely! Fresh salmon can be poached or baked and then flaked into the dish. Just make sure to season it adequately and adjust the cooking time as needed to ensure it’s fully cooked before mixing it into the casserole.
Is there a way to make this dish gluten-free?
Yes! You can use gluten-free pasta and substitute the flour with a gluten-free blend or cornstarch to thicken the sauce. Ensure that your Cheddar cheese and other ingredients are certified gluten-free to avoid any cross-contamination.
What can I serve with Salmon Confetti?
This dish is versatile and pairs well with a crisp garden salad or roasted vegetables. For an appetizer, consider serving it alongside a light dip like Crawfish Dip, which complements the flavors of the casserole beautifully.
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).