Alaska Salmon and Avocado Pasta Salad

Pasta flavored with French salad dressing and combined with salmon, green onion, bell pepper and cilantro. Seasoned with coarse salt and fresh ground black pepper and tossed with a dressing of fresh lime juice, fresh lime zest, mayonnaise, sour cream, and tomato paste. Salad is chilled until ready to serve, the avocado is folded in at the last minute, and the salad is served on a bed of lettuce. A sprinkle of paprika provides a nice garnish.

Ingredients -

6 ounces Dry Pasta (macaroni, penne, Rotini or shells)
1 (14-3/4 ounces) can Alaska Salmon
2 tablespoons French Dressing
1 Red Bell Pepper, thinly sliced
3 tablespoons Cilantro or Parsley, chopped
1 Fresh Lime, juiced and zested
1 tablespoon Tomato Paste
1/2 cup Sour Cream
Paprika to taste
1 bunch Green Onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons Light Mayonnaise
3 ripe Avocados, diced
Lettuce Leaves to serve on

Preparation:

1. Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and toss with the French dressing. Allow to cool.

2. Drain and flake the salmon.

3. Add to the pasta with the green onions, sliced bell pepper and cilantro.

4. Whisk together the lime juice and grated rind, the mayonnaise, sour cream and tomato paste until thoroughly combined.

5. Toss the pasta salad with the dressing.

6. Season to taste with salt and pepper; cover and chill.

7. Before serving, gently toss the avocados into the salad.

8. Spoon the salad onto a bed of lettuce leaves.

9. Sprinkle with paprika for garnish.

Avocado Salad Making Tips -

Haas Avocados

Haas avocados are a dark green variety with an alligator texture like outer skin. The Haas avocado is primarily grown in California.

Avocado Salad Making Tips -

Canned Alaskan Salmon

Canned Alaskan salmon comes in several sizes and varieties. Red salmon is the preferred choice. Most supermarkets carry canned salmon products along with other canned fish and seafood items. Canned salmon can be a bit pricey, so watch for sales.