Description
A refreshing smoked salmon and zucchini pasta salad, perfect as a side dish for any occasion.
Ingredients
Scale
- 3 medium zucchini (450g), sliced into even rounds
- 4 oz mascarpone cream cheese (113g), good quality
- 4 oz smoked salmon (113g)
- 1 lb short pasta of your choice (450g), e.g., farfalle
- 1/2 cup whole milk (120ml)
- 2 lemons, zest and juice
- 1 bunch of zucchini blossoms (optional)
- Extra virgin olive oil (to taste)
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
- Freshly cracked black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook Pasta Perfectly: Start by boiling a pot of salty water and toss in the pasta when it is bubbling away. Keep an eye on it to avoid overcooking; al dente is the way to go here.
- Fry Zucchini for Texture: Heat some oil in a pan and toss in the zucchini slices. Fry until they are golden brown on both sides, which adds a nice crispness. Make sure not to overcrowd the pan; otherwise, they will steam instead of fry, leaving them soggy.
- Make the Dressing: In a bowl, mix mascarpone with lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. It should smell fresh and tangy to boost the salad’s flavor. A common error is not tasting the dressing before adding it to the salad; adjust the seasoning to your liking.
- Toss Ingredients Together: In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fried zucchini, smoked salmon, and dressing. You want a good mix, but be gentle to keep the salmon intact.
- Let It Chill: Cover the salad and pop it in the fridge for about 15 minutes. This allows the flavors to mingle, creating a more cohesive dish.
- Adjust Before Serving: Before you dig in, give the salad a taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. A squeeze of lemon or a dash more salt can make it sing.
Notes
- Storage Tips: Refrigerate overnight if making ahead. Before serving, allow to warm up slightly and add olive oil and lemon juice to loosen.
- Expert Tips: Slice zucchini into uniform rounds for even cooking. Dress pasta while warm for better absorption of flavors. Taste the dressing and adjust seasoning before mixing.
- Reheating Instructions: Serve chilled with a lemon wedge on the side.
- Serving Suggestions: Serve chilled with a lemon wedge on the side. Pair with a crisp white wine for a refreshing combination. Garnish with fresh dill or chives for added flavor.
- Recipe Variations: Replace zucchini with roasted butternut squash for a different texture. Substitute mascarpone with Greek yogurt for a lighter option. Add capers for an extra tangy flavor.
- Ingredient Notes: For zucchini, choose medium zucchinis that are firm and bright in color. Look for a good quality mascarpone cream cheese for the best results. Choose smoked salmon from a quality brand that smells fresh.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 600mg
- Fat: 20g
- Saturated Fat: 7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 15g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 90mg