The Fresh Salmon and Cherry Tomato Pasta is a hymn to taste, a dish that in its simplicity conquers the palate with refinement and elegance. A perfect first course for any occasion, whether it’s a family lunch, a romantic dinner, or a cheerful evening with friends. A triumph of flavors, the combination of fresh salmon, with its delicate and rich taste, and the sweetness of cherry tomatoes, creates an explosion of flavors that conquers from the first bite. A dish that embodies the freshness of the sea and the genuineness of the land, in a perfect balance that enhances seasonal raw materials. An easy and quick recipe despite its refined taste, fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta is surprisingly easy and quick to prepare. In a few minutes, you can bring a gourmet first course to the table that will leave your guests speechless. For a personal touch, the basic recipe for fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta is a starting point to which you can give free rein to your creativity. You can add capers, olives, a touch of cream for a creamier taste, or a pinch of aromatic herbs like basil, parsley, or chives. A dish that lends itself well to being customized according to your tastes and needs. A guaranteed success. Fresh Salmon and Cherry Tomato Pasta is a dish that everyone loves, both adults and children. A guaranteed success that will make you look good with your guests. Whether it’s for a special occasion or a simple family dinner, this first course will win everyone’s hearts. So, are you ready to create this masterpiece of simplicity? Follow our step-by-step recipe and get ready to amaze your diners!
- Difficulty: Very Easy
- Cost: Affordable
- Rest time: 10 Minutes
- Preparation time: 10 Minutes
- Portions: 4
- Cooking methods: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian
- Seasonality: Spring, Summer, All Seasons
- Energy 576.08 (Kcal)
- Carbohydrates 66.12 (g) of which sugars 7.33 (g)
- Proteins 31.67 (g)
- Fat 22.99 (g) of which saturated 4.94 (g)of which unsaturated 15.48 (g)
- Fibers 3.54 (g)
- Sodium 675.08 (mg)
Indicative values for a portion of 336 g processed in an automated way starting from the nutritional information available on the CREA* and FoodData Central** databases. It is not food and / or nutritional advice.
* CREATES Food and Nutrition Research Center: https://www.crea.gov.it/alimenti-e-nutrizione https://www.alimentinutrizione.it ** U.S. Department of Agriculture, Agricultural Research Service. FoodData Central, 2019. https://fdc.nal.usda.gov
Ingredients
- 11.29 oz pennette rigate
- 14.11 oz salmon (Fresh fillet)
- 7.05 oz cherry tomatoes
- 2.82 oz Taggiasca olives
- 2 tablespoons pumpkin seeds (Organic)
- 1 clove garlic
- 2 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- 1 pinch black pepper
- to taste coarse salt
- A few leaves basil (Optional)
Tools
- 1 Pot
- 1 Wok
Steps
To start, you need to carefully clean the fresh salmon fillet. First, remove the skin with a sharp knife by cutting close to the flesh and gently pulling it upward. Then proceed to remove the fattier part of the salmon, usually dark and firm, using the knife. Finally, run your fingers over the flesh to locate the bones and carefully extract them one by one with tweezers.
While the salmon rests, let’s prepare a tasty mix of olives and capers. Use a sharp knife to coarsely chop a good amount of Taggiasca olives, black olives, and green olives. Don’t worry if some pieces are larger as we will leave some whole to add texture to the dish. Add capers to the mix, adjusting to taste.
In addition to the olive and caper mix, you can add a crunchy touch to your dish with a coarsely chopped mix of organic, shell-less pumpkin seeds. Chop them roughly with a sharp knife, leaving some larger pieces for a rustic effect. Toasted pumpkin seeds are a tasty alternative, but you can also use almonds, pistachios, or other nuts to your liking.
With the ingredients ready, it’s time to cook the salmon. Take a non-stick pan and pour in a splash of extra virgin olive oil. Heat it over medium-high until the oil is hot. Gently place the salmon fillet in the pan and let it brown for about 2 minutes per side, or until the surface is golden and crispy. Be careful not to overcook the salmon, so it remains juicy and tender inside.
Once the salmon is seared, set it aside for now. In the same pan, without the need to clean it unless excessively dirty, add another splash of extra virgin olive oil and sauté the cherry tomatoes for about 10 minutes over medium heat. The cherry tomatoes should wilt slightly and begin to char.
Then add the olive and caper mix prepared earlier and deglaze with half a ladle of pasta cooking water. This step will help season the sauce. Cover the pan with a lid and turn off the heat.
While the cherry tomato, olive, and caper sauce rests, cook the pasta in plenty of salted boiling water. Drain it al dente, reserving a ladle of cooking water, and pour it directly into the pan with the sauce. Add the reserved cooking water and stir carefully to combine everything.
Heat the pan over moderate heat and toss the pasta for a couple of minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the sauce. If necessary, add a little more cooking water to achieve the desired creaminess.
Once the pasta is well tossed, turn off the heat. Add the seared salmon you set aside, gently flaking it with a fork to evenly distribute it over the pasta. Stir carefully to combine the salmon with the sauce.
At this point, if you want extra crunch, add the pumpkin seed crumble you prepared earlier. Sprinkle with a pinch of freshly ground black pepper and garnish with a few fresh basil leaves for a touch of color and freshness.
And here it is, your fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta is ready to be enjoyed! A simple dish to prepare, yet full of flavor and perfect for a special occasion.
Remember to serve the pasta hot, to best appreciate the creaminess of the sauce and the freshness of the cherry tomatoes. The crunchiness of the pumpkin seeds will add an extra touch to the dish, making it irresistible.
Enjoy your meal from DadCook!
Tips and variations for fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta:
Ingredients:
You can use different types of pasta for this recipe, like linguine, penne, fusilli, or spaghetti.If you prefer a smokier taste, you can replace the fresh salmon with smoked salmon.You can add other ingredients to the sauce, such as black olives, capers, bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.For a spicier flavor, you can add a fresh chili pepper or a pinch of chili powder.If you like creaminess, you can add a tablespoon of fresh cream or ricotta to the sauce.You can garnish the dish with a sprinkle of fresh parsley or basil.
Variations:
Smoked salmon and ricotta pasta: Use smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon and add 200 g of ricotta to the sauce.Pasta with salmon and pesto: Make a pesto with basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. Add the pesto to the cherry tomato and salmon sauce.Pasta with salmon, cream, and vodka: Deglaze the salmon with vodka before adding the cherry tomatoes. Add 200 ml of fresh cream to the sauce.Pasta with salmon, zucchini, and lemon: Cut the zucchini into cubes and sauté them in a pan with a splash of olive oil. Add them to the cherry tomato and salmon sauce. Grate the zest of one lemon and add the juice of half a lemon to the finished dish.I hope these tips are useful for creating your personalized versions of fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta!
Smoked salmon and ricotta pasta: Use smoked salmon instead of fresh salmon and add 200 g of ricotta to the sauce.Pasta with salmon and pesto: Make a pesto with basil, pine nuts, garlic, parmesan, and olive oil. Add the pesto to the cherry tomato and salmon sauce.Pasta with salmon, cream, and vodka: Deglaze the salmon with vodka before adding the cherry tomatoes. Add 200 ml of fresh cream to the sauce.Pasta with salmon, zucchini, and lemon: Cut the zucchini into cubes and sauté them in a pan with a splash of olive oil. Add them to the cherry tomato and salmon sauce. Grate the zest of one lemon and add the juice of half a lemon to the finished dish.I hope these tips are useful for creating your personalized versions of fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta!
Wines to pair with fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta:
The choice of wine to pair with fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta depends on several factors, such as the type of tomato used, the presence or absence of other ingredients in the sauce, and your personal preferences.However, here are some general tips:White wines:Sauvignon Blanc: A Sauvignon Blanc with herbal and fruity notes like grapefruit, lime, and kiwi pairs well with the freshness of the cherry tomatoes and the savoriness of the salmon.Fiano: A medium-bodied Fiano with floral and fruity aromas like peach, melon, and apple pairs well with the creaminess of the sauce and the taste of the salmon.Vermentino: A Vermentino with mineral and citrus notes like lemon, lime, and grapefruit pairs well with the savoriness of the salmon and the acidity of the cherry tomatoes.
Rosé wines:Salento Rosé: A light-colored Salento Rosé with floral and fruity aromas like strawberry, cherry, and citrus pairs well with the freshness of the cherry tomatoes and the taste of the salmon.Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo: A cherry-colored Cerasuolo d’Abruzzo with aromas of red fruits, spices, and licorice pairs well with the structure of the sauce and the taste of the salmon.Sparkling wines:Franciacorta: A Franciacorta with notes of apple, pear, and brioche pairs well with the creaminess of the sauce and the taste of the salmon.Champagne: A Champagne with notes of citrus, green apple, and toasted bread pairs well with the freshness of the cherry tomatoes and the taste of the salmon.
Besides these tips, here are some factors to keep in mind when choosing the wine:The type of tomato: If you use sweet cherry tomatoes, you can choose a wine with higher acidity. If you use riper and more flavorful tomatoes, you can choose a wine with a more structured body.The presence of other ingredients: If you add other ingredients to the sauce, like olives, capers, or chili, you will need to choose a wine that pairs well with these flavors.Your personal preferences: Choose a wine you like and that matches your taste.With a bit of experimentation, you will surely find the perfect wine to pair with your fresh salmon and cherry tomato pasta!
