Salmon Pesto Pasta Salad

This simple Salmon Pesto Pasta salad is a delicious make-ahead recipe that’s perfect for a summer picnic or lunch. Using prepared basil pesto sauce is a great time-saver but you can always make your own.

Salmon Pesto Pasta

Servings

8-10

servings
Prep time

20

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes

Ingredients

  • 12-14 oz salmon, baked, cooled and flaked, according to package directions

  • 1 1/2 lbs bowtie pasta

  • 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 1/2 cups prepared basil pesto

  • 1 10-oz package frozen chopped spinach, defrosted and squeezed dry

  • juice of 1 medium lemon

  • 1 1/4 cups mayonnaise

  • 1/2 cup grated Parmesan

  • 1 1/2 cups fresh peas OR frozen peas, defrosted

  • 3/4 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 3/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Directions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the bowties and cook for 10 to 12 minutes, until pasta is al dente.
  • Drain and toss into a large bowl with the olive oil. Let cool.
  • In the bowl of a food processor, puree the pesto, spinach, and lemon juice. Add the mayonnaise and pulse.
  • Add the pesto mixture to the cooled pasta, then add the Parmesan, peas, salmon, salt, and pepper.
  • Mix well, season to taste, and serve at room temperature.

Notes

  • We love Costco’s Kirkland Signature Imported Basil Pesto for this recipe, as well as their frozen Atlantic salmon fillets

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