• Pasta salad with salmon and avocado is a wonderful lunch. Salty salmon and creamy avocado are a delicious combination, great with penne. Flavoured and filling but not too heavy, this dish is sure to keep you satisfied for the rest of the afternoon.  

    Pasta salad with salmon and avocado

    Serves: 4
    Cooking Time: 25 mins

    Ingredients

    • 200g penne pasta
    • 100g fine asparagus
    • 250ml (1 cup) mascarpone cheese
    • 10ml (2 tsp) garlic, finely chopped
    • zest of 1 lemon
    • salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
    • 45ml (3 tbsp) capers
    • 70g (½ cup) cooked peas
    • a handful of dill, chopped
    • 200g smoked salmon
    • 2 avocados, cut into cubes
    • lime wedges, to serve

    Instructions

    1

    Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook until al dente, about 8 – 10 minutes.

    2

    Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add the asparagus and blanch for 2 minutes. Remove from the water and place directly into a bowl of ice water. Drain and set aside.

    3

    Combine the mascarpone, garlic and lemon zest in a small bowl and season to taste. Stir through the hot pasta.

    4

    Add the asparagus, capers, peas and dill to the pasta and place in a serving dish. Top with slices of smoked salmon and avocado. Garnish with lime wedges.

    Notes

    To drink: A fresh bubbly – made with Chardonnay for a hint of toastiness – loves buttery salmon and avocado.