Greek Salmon Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon-Tahini Sauce 🍋🐟✨
Ingredients:
• For the Za’atar-Seasoned Grilled Salmon:
• 4 salmon fillets (skin-on or skinless)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 1 tbsp za’atar seasoning
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• Salt and pepper, to taste
• For the Pasta Salad:
• 2 cups chickpea pasta (or your preferred pasta)
• 1 cup roasted veggies (e.g., zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant)
• 1/2 cup kalamata olives, pitted and sliced
• 1/2 cucumber, diced
• Fresh parsley, for garnish
• For the Creamy Lemon-Tahini Sauce:
• 1/4 cup tahini
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp olive oil
• 1 garlic clove, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (or 1 tsp dried)
• 2-3 tbsp water (to adjust sauce consistency)
• Salt and pepper, to taste
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Instructions:
1. Grill the Salmon:
• Preheat your grill or grill pan over medium-high heat.
• Rub the salmon fillets with olive oil, za’atar seasoning, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
• Grill the salmon for 4-5 minutes per side, or until the fish is cooked through and flakes easily with a fork. Once grilled, remove from heat and set aside to cool slightly before flaking into bite-sized pieces.
2. Cook the Pasta:
• In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the chickpea pasta according to package instructions (typically 7-9 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta.
3. Roast the Veggies:
• Preheat the oven to 400°F (200°C).
• Toss the diced vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, eggplant, or your choice) with a little olive oil, salt, and pepper. Spread them out on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender and lightly charred.
4. Make the Lemon-Tahini Sauce:
• In a small bowl, whisk together tahini, lemon juice, olive oil, minced garlic, dill, and water. Adjust the consistency by adding more water if needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Assemble the Pasta Salad:
• In a large bowl, combine the cooked chickpea pasta, roasted veggies, sliced olives, diced cucumber, and flaked grilled salmon.
• Drizzle the creamy lemon-tahini sauce over the salad and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
6. Serve:
• Garnish with fresh parsley and additional lemon wedges if desired.
• Serve immediately or refrigerate for a chilled meal.
Servings: 4
Calories: Approx. 450-500 per serving (depending on portion sizes and toppings)
This Greek Salmon Pasta Salad with Creamy Lemon-Tahini Sauce combines bright Mediterranean flavors with a creamy, nutty twist. The za’atar salmon and tangy lemon-tahini sauce create a perfect balance, making this salad both light and satisfying! 🍋🐟✨