Bright, refreshing, and elegantly simple, this Pasta Salad with Smoked Salmon and Fava Beans is a must-try for your next meal. Featuring tender pasta tossed with delicate slices of smoked salmon, sweet-tart cherry tomatoes, vibrant fava beans, and peppery baby arugula, this dish is bursting with fresh, bold flavors. The zesty lemon-garlic dressing, accented with aromatic dill, ties everything together beautifully, making it a light yet satisfying recipe perfect for lunches, picnics, or potlucks. Ready in just 35 minutes, this pasta salad can be served chilled or at room temperature, making it as convenient as it is delicious. Packed with protein, greens, and irresistible smoky notes, this recipe is a standout choice for a healthy pasta salad that doesnβt compromise on flavor.
Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring it to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Reserve 1/4 cup of the pasta cooking water, then drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
If using fresh fava beans, remove them from their pods. Blanch the beans in boiling water for 2-3 minutes, then transfer them to an ice bath. Once cooled, peel the outer skins to reveal the bright green beans inside. If using frozen fava beans, simply thaw them according to the package instructions.
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, lemon zest, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper to create the dressing.
In a large salad bowl, combine the cooked pasta, fava beans, cherry tomatoes, baby arugula, and smoked salmon. Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss everything together until well combined.
Sprinkle the chopped fresh dill over the salad and give it a final toss. Taste and adjust the seasoning with additional salt or lemon juice if needed.
Serve the pasta salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy this light and satisfying dish as a main course or side dish.
Calories |
1327 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 57.6 g | 74% | |
| Saturated Fat | 9.5 g | 48% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.0 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 54 mg | 18% | |
| Sodium | 4045 mg | 176% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 135.4 g | 49% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 19.7 g | 70% | |
| Total Sugars | 12.3 g | ||
| Protein | 70.7 g | 141% | |
| Vitamin D | 13.4 mcg | 67% | |
| Calcium | 214 mg | 16% | |
| Iron | 7.4 mg | 41% | |
| Potassium | 1956 mg | 42% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.