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
8-10
servings20
minutes10
minutesIngredients
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