Cold pasta with avocado pesto and salmon is ready

There’s nothing better than a home-cooked meal that’s both delicious and easy to prepare. One such recipe that comes to mind is the cold pasta with avocado pesto and salmon. This dish is for hot summer days when you want something light, refreshing and healthy.

To begin with, you will need some cooked pasta, preferably fusilli, as it holds up well with the pesto sauce. The pasta will act as the base for the dish, so cook enough to fill your plate. Boil water in a pot, add a pinch of salt, and cook the pasta for 10 to 12 minutes, or until it’s al dente. Drain and set aside.

For the avocado pesto, you will need a ripe avocado, some fresh basil leaves, garlic cloves, lemon juice, olive oil, and pine nuts. Start by peeling the avocado and removing the seed. Cut it into chunks and add it to a food processor along with the basil leaves, garlic, lemon juice, and pine nuts. Pulse until the mixture is smooth, then gradually add the olive oil while pulsing, until the pesto is creamy.

Next, it’s time to prepare the salmon. You can use either fresh or canned salmon, depending on your availability and preference. Canned salmon is more convenient, but fresh salmon tastes better. If you’re using fresh salmon, season it with salt and pepper and pan-fry it in a hot non-stick pan for two to three minutes on each side, until it’s cooked through. Let it cool slightly, then break it into flakes.

If you’re using canned salmon, remove it from the can and drain the liquid. Using a fork, break the salmon into flakes and set it aside.

Now it’s time to combine everything. Add the pasta to a large mixing bowl and pour the avocado pesto over it, mixing well until the pasta is coated evenly. Next, add the salmon flakes and toss again until they are distributed throughout the pasta.

It’s best to chill the pasta in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving, to allow the flavors to meld together and for the pasta to cool down. Once you’re ready to serve, you can add some more pine nuts or grated Parmesan cheese on top for some extra texture and flavor.

The cold pasta with avocado pesto and salmon is a great way to enjoy a healthy and tasty meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The flavors of the avocado pesto, combined with the salmon, make the dish a filling and satisfying meal, while the cold pasta keeps it light and refreshing.

Overall, this dish is perfect for lunch, dinner, or even as a side dish at a barbecue or potluck. It’s easy to make, versatile, and will impress your guests with its vibrant colors and flavors. Give it a try, and it might just become your new go-to summer recipe!