Vegetable-Salmon Pasta Salad
A vibrant, protein-packed pasta salad combining fresh vegetables, flaked salmon, and herbs, perfect for a quick, flavorful meal or picnic, appealing to seafood and veggie lovers alike.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Cook broccoli in a large saucepan of boiling water until crisp-tender and green, about 2 to 3 minutes.
- Remove broccoli with a slotted spoon and set aside.
- Add pasta to the same water and cook until tender, about 15 minutes.
- Drain the pasta and rinse in cold water, then drain again and transfer to a large serving bowl.
- Add cooked broccoli, chopped plum tomatoes, sliced green onions, flaked salmon, black olives, minced garlic, chopped parsley, dried dill weed, and olive oil to the bowl.
- Toss lightly to combine all ingredients.
- Do not refrigerate.
- Serve immediately.
Tips & Substitutions
For an extra burst of flavor, consider adding a squeeze of lemon juice or zest to the salad. You can substitute the salmon with canned tuna or grilled chicken if desired. For a vegetarian option, omit the fish entirely and add more vegetables or chickpeas. Fresh herbs like dill or basil can enhance the dish's freshness, making it an ideal choice for Mediterranean recipes.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this vibrant pasta salad as a light main dish or a side at your next gathering. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats or seafood recipes like Catch Of The Day Plank Fish. For a complete meal, accompany it with crusty bread or a fresh green salad, creating a delightful Mediterranean-inspired feast.
Storage & Reheating
This pasta salad is best enjoyed fresh, but if you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. To reheat, gently warm in the microwave, adding a splash of olive oil to retain moisture. Avoid reheating multiple times to maintain the best texture and flavor.
Nutrition & Diet Analysis (per serving)
Each serving of Vegetable-Salmon Pasta Salad contains roughly 148 calories, with 6g protein, 11g carbohydrates, and 10g fat. It is an excellent source of vitamin C (42% of the Daily Value), and a good source of iron and vitamin A.
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 frozen broccoli instead of fresh?
Yes, you can use frozen broccoli as a convenient alternative. Just blanch it in boiling water for a minute before adding it to the salad. Keep in mind that frozen broccoli may have a softer texture, so adjust the cooking time accordingly to maintain some crunch.
How can I make this salad more filling?
To make this pasta salad more filling, you can add protein such as grilled chicken, shrimp, or chickpeas. Incorporating more vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini can also enhance its heartiness. Additionally, serving it with a side of garlic bread can round out the meal nicely.
Is this salad suitable for meal prep?
While this salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can be prepared in advance for meal prep. Store the ingredients separately and combine them just before serving to preserve texture. Keep the dressing separate until serving to prevent the pasta from becoming mushy.
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).