| Prep: 20 mins | Cook: 15 mins | Difficulty: Easy | Serves: 6 |
| kcal | fat | saturates | carbs |
| 379 | 15g | 3g | 42g |
| sugars | fibre | protein | salt |
| 5g | 6g | 22g | 1.29g |
There’s a certain joy that comes with creating a dish that highlights not just the richness of flavour, but also the health benefits it brings to the table. Our Smoked Salmon and Celtuce Pasta is such a recipe – a charming blend of delicious, hearty ingredients packed with nutrition that sits in the sweet spot between coastal fare and mountain cuisine.
A Taste of the Mountains with a Seafood Twist
Being from Colorado, home to both towering peaks and bubbling rivers, my recipes usually reflect its inspiring landscape. While this dish isn’t your typical hearty mountain meal, it’s reminiscent of those trout dishes famous in my home state, given its spotlight on smoked salmon. The celtuce, a sturdy vegetable bursting with fresh flavor, brings to mind the lusciously green hues of Rocky Mountain summers. This pasta indulges my love for rustic yet elegant meals, perfect for warming up in the chilly mountain evenings or delighting in the cool, crisp afternoons.
The Health Benefits
Part of the reason why I love the Smoked Salmon and Celtuce Pasta recipe is for its health benefits. Smoked salmon, a personal favourite of mine, is known for its high protein content and a great source of Omega-3 fatty acids, supporting heart health. Healthline offers an excellent rundown on the health benefits of smoked salmon. Meanwhile, celtuce is packed with vitamins and minerals, notably Vitamin C and potassium. While this dish flaunts a tantalising play of flavours, it also addresses your nutritional needs with each mouthful.
And let’s not forget the cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves, lending their antioxidant properties to this delightful dish. A sprinkle of Parmesan cheese, while enriching the dish with its nutty taste, provides calcium. Olive oil, known for its ‘healthy fats’, contributes to a well-rounded and nutritionally dense meal.
Pairings and Similar Dishes
If you’re a fan of Mediterranean recipes like Shrimp Scampi, this pasta recipe adapts to that flavor profile with grace. Its texture profiles closely mimic that of a well-made Scampi while adding an unexpected burst with the celtuce. For a wine pairing, a bright, crisp white like a Sauvignon Blanc or a sparkling Prosecco would complement the lemony, smoky, and herbal notes of this pasta dish.
In the end, Smoked Salmon and Celtuce Pasta is more than a recipe. It’s a celebration of regional flavours married to nutritional values. It’s a dish that echoes the great outdoors while sitting comfortably on your dinner table – an offering that Gordon and I often enjoy on our quiet, starlit nights here in the Rockies.
What You’ll Need
- 1 pound smoked salmon
- 2 celtuce
- 12 ounces uncooked pasta
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes
- 1/2 cup shredded Parmesan cheese
- 1/4 cup fresh basil leaves
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
Method
Step One
Begin by preparing your ingredients. Cut your smoked salmon into thin slices (approximately 1 inch each). Peel the celtuce and slice it into 1/2 inch rounds. Mince your garlic and cut your cherry tomatoes in half. Measure out your olive oil, salt, black pepper, and lemon juice. Shred your Parmesan cheese and chop your fresh basil leaves.
Step Two
In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add your uncooked pasta and cook according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta, but reserve about 1 cup of the pasta water for later use.
Step Three
While the pasta is cooking, heat your olive oil in a large pan over medium heat. Add your minced garlic and cook for about 2 minutes, until it is fragrant but not browned. Add the celtuce rounds and cook for about 4-5 minutes until they begin to soften. Add the smoked salmon slices, salt, and black pepper. Cook for another 2 minutes.
Step Four
When the pasta is cooked and drained, add it to the pan with the celtuce and smoked salmon. Toss everything together to fully combine. Add the cherry tomatoes and half of the shredded Parmesan cheese, tossing again to incorporate.
Step Five
If the pasta seems a little dry, add some of the reserved pasta water, a tablespoon at a time, until you reach your desired consistency. Remove the pan from heat and drizzle in your lemon juice, tossing once more to distribute.
Step Six
Serve your smoked salmon and celtuce pasta topped with the remaining shredded Parmesan and fresh basil leaves. Enjoy while hot.
