Imagine a dish that transports you to a sun-drenched Mediterranean coastline with every single bite - a vibrant, refreshing pasta salad that combines the rich, flaky texture of salmon, the sweet tropical burst of mango, and a spicy chili tzatziki that will make your taste buds dance. This isn't just another boring salad; this is a culinary adventure that transforms ordinary ingredients into an extraordinary meal that's ready in just 25 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta, cooked and cooled
- 1 cup cooked salmon, flaked
- 1 ripe mango, diced
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon chili paste
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by preparing the pasta. In a large pot, bring salted water to a boil. Add 8 oz of pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the salmon. If you haven't already, cook the salmon by baking, grilling, or pan-searing until it is fully cooked and flakes easily with a fork. Allow it to cool slightly before flaking it into bite-sized pieces. You will need 1 cup of cooked salmon.
- Next, prepare the mango. Take a ripe mango, peel it, and dice it into small cubes. Set the diced mango aside.
- Prepare the cherry tomatoes by washing them and cutting them in half. You will need 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes.
- Dice 1/4 cup of red onion finely. This will add a nice crunch and flavor to the salad.
- In a medium bowl, prepare the chili tzatziki dressing. Combine 1/2 cup of Greek yogurt, 1 tablespoon of chili paste, and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Mix well until all ingredients are thoroughly combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, flaked salmon, diced mango, halved cherry tomatoes, and diced red onion. Gently toss the ingredients together to ensure they are evenly distributed.
- Pour the chili tzatziki dressing over the pasta salad mixture. Gently fold the dressing into the salad until everything is well coated.
- Once combined, taste the salad and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice if desired.
- Cover the pasta salad with plastic wrap or transfer it to an airtight container. Refrigerate for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the salad a final toss and garnish with additional diced mango or fresh herbs if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired Pasta Salad with Salmon and Mango and Chili Tzatziki!
Tips
- Always rinse pasta with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent clumping
- Use fresh, ripe mango for the best sweet flavor profile
- Let the salad rest in the refrigerator for at least 10 minutes to allow flavors to meld
- For extra freshness, add the dressing just before serving to maintain ingredient texture
- Choose wild-caught salmon for the most authentic and rich flavor
- Adjust chili paste quantity based on your spice tolerance
- For a gluten-free version, substitute pasta with quinoa or zucchini noodles
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 12g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 45mg
