Ingredients with Measurements:
- 8 oz. pasta (penne or fusilli)
- 4 oz. smoked salmon, chopped
- 2 tbsp. capers, drained
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh dill, chopped
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1 tbsp. Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp. lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Special equipment needed:
- Large pot for cooking pasta
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk
Step-by-step instructions:
1. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. In a mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until well combined.
3. Add the cooked pasta, smoked salmon, capers, red onion, and dill to the mixing bowl. Toss until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
4. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5. Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Time:
Preparation time: 10 minutes
- Cooking time: 10-12 minutes
- Total time: 50 minutes (including chilling time)
Temperature:
- Serve chilled
Serving size:
- 4-6 servings
Nutritional information:
- Calories per serving: 320
- Total fat: 14g
- Saturated fat: 3g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
- Sodium: 580mg
- Total carbohydrates: 33g
- Dietary fiber: 2g
- Sugars: 2g
- Protein: 14g
Substitutions for ingredients:
- Smoked salmon can be substituted with canned tuna or cooked shrimp.
- Red onion can be substituted with shallots or green onions.
- Dill can be substituted with parsley or basil.
Variations:
- Add chopped celery or cucumber for extra crunch.
- Use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream for a healthier option.
- Substitute the pasta with zucchini noodles for a low-carb version.
Tips and tricks:
- Rinse the cooked pasta with cold water to prevent it from sticking together.
- Use a good quality smoked salmon for the best flavor.
- Make the dressing ahead of time and refrigerate until ready to use.
Storage instructions:
- Store leftover pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Reheating instructions:
- This pasta salad is best served cold and does not need to be reheated.
Presentation ideas:
- Serve the pasta salad in a large bowl or on individual plates.
- Garnish with extra chopped dill or capers.
Garnishes:
- Chopped dill or capers
Pairings:
- Serve with a side of crusty bread or garlic bread.
Suggested side dishes:
- Grilled vegetables or a green salad.
Troubleshooting advice:
- If the pasta salad seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise or sour cream to the dressing.
Food safety advice:
- Keep the pasta salad refrigerated until ready to serve.
- Do not leave the pasta salad out at room temperature for more than 2 hours.
Food history:
- Pasta salad is a popular dish in many cultures and has been around for centuries.
Flavor profiles:
- This pasta salad is creamy, tangy, and savory with a hint of smokiness from the salmon.
Serving suggestions:
- Serve as a light lunch or as a side dish for a summer barbecue.
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