Skip to main content

Linguine With Salmon, Asparagus, Cherry Tomatoes. And Lots of Other Good Things!

Linguine With Salmon, Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

Buzz. Buzz. Buzz. That pretty much sums up the state of my brain when Friday came around. And fried. The word I’d use if asked how my head felt. The last few weeks have been pretty packed and at the same time completely fulfilling and inspiring. It’s always Christmas morning when I head over to the studio. Even when I start feeling the week weighing me down just a tad, I can’t but look at the beautiful shots produced with my team and feel elated and grateful.

 

Garlic

This past week was especially packed and fast paced but knowing that we all worked hard and came together as creatives to produce quality original artwork makes me forget the rhythm I imposed on myself. At the end of the day, all you can do is give yourself 100% to what you want to accomplish and be proud of. 

 

Asparagus

And, let’s face it, at the end of the day, all I want is to come home to something easy to put together for dinner and a good glass of wine. When my food stylists don’t have a care package filled with leftovers ready for me to grab on my way out, I have but the distance of the ride home to make a plan.Yes, cooking for one after a full day behind the camera has yet to leave me completely inspired. On the other hand, I cook a bunch of more elaborate/creative/fun things during the weekend. Meals I know would not necessarily jive with the husband so until he moves here permanently in June, I still have full ownership of the kitchen!!

 

Garlic

One staple of my week days has been seafood (cooks fast) and pasta (boils fast). Tossed together with plenty of herbs from the garden, lots of seasonal vegetables and dressed with just a drizzle of extra virgin oil, lots of garlic and I am in heaven. And my stomach stops growling. My two favorite seafood/pasta combinations so far have been with hot smoked salmon, caramelized leeks and fresh asparagus or with pan seared salmon, asparagus, cherry tomatoes from my garden, a good bit of lemon zest and lemon thyme. This one is definitely a winner right now. Just plain good and good for you. 

Even as a "temporary" single gal, I still take the time to set the table and eat in peace and quiet for a few minutes. One of my little quirks. Just like starting my mornings with a cup of coffee on the back deck. Curious though, what are yours some of your "feel good" routines? A good meal? A little time out? A good piece of chocolate? Please share!

Linguine With Salmon, Asparagus and Cherry Tomatoes

Lemon Thyme Linguine With Salmon And Seasonal Vegetables:

Plenty for two…

Ingredients:

1/2 pound fresh or hot smoked salmon (skin on)

a handful asparagus tips, sliced in half lengthwise

a handful cherry tomatoes, sliced thin

4 bundles dried or fresh linguine (I use gf ones)

olive oil

salt and pepper

zest of half a lemon

a few sprigs lemon thyme

Lots and lots of pan seared garlic (see below)

Directions:

If using fresh salmon, heat a nonstick pan over medium high heat. Drizzle a little olive oil on the bottom and add the salmon skin side down (the fat released from the skin will further grease your pan so you can flip the salmon without fearing it will stick). Cook for about 4 minutes, flip it with a wide spatula and cook another 4 minutes. Remove from the heat and let cool. Once cooled, flake the salmon over a large bowl.

If using hot smoked salmon, separate the skin from the flesh with your fingertips and flake the salmon into small pieces over a large bowl.

To that bowl, add the asparagus, tomatoes (or cooked leeks, broccoli, artichoke hears, etc.. whatever your little heart desires…). Reserve.

Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the package, drain well and toss with the salmon and vegetables. Add a little olive oil, salt and pepper to taste.

When ready to serve, zest some lemon right over the pasta and add a few leaves of lemon thyme (or basil, or regular thyme…), a few squeezed pan seared garlic cloves, give it a good toss and serve.

Pan Seared Garlic:

I admit, I am a garlic freak. Several times a week, I will set a small pan on the stove and pour about 1/2 inch of olive oil in it while it heats up over medium high, then add a handful of garlic cloves (skin on) and cook tem until tender inside and golden brown on the outside. And then I eat them like candy…

With this pasta dish, once the garlic cloves are cooled, I just squeeze their flesh out of the outer skin right into the bowl before I toss it to serve… So good.

Related Posts

Similar Articles


Comments


One of Ottawa's Real Foodies May 28, 2013 um 12:53 am

We love using the good china and silver for our everyday meals, not just for special occasions. It really creates a calm, but also makes it feel like 'date night'.


Tieghan May 28, 2013 um 3:12 am

So pretty and it sounds delicious!


Content Director – Strong Female Leaders May 28, 2013 um 6:26 am

This is a great way to combo salmon and asparagus. Looks delicious.


Momentos Editados May 28, 2013 um 8:03 am

God! Sounds delicious!


Ruth May 28, 2013 um 10:13 am

I'm not the biggest pasta fan, however this combo I love the sound of. Wonder if it'll convert me?! 🙂


Unknown May 28, 2013 um 11:04 am

I like the way you sear your garlic, i do that with my peeled tomatoes.. and never thought to do the same with my garlic.. Thanks!! Your photos are amazing!!

Regards
Johlene
Flavours&Frosting


Dena May 28, 2013 um 12:23 pm

This looks delicious. We are just getting fresh herbs from the garden and you have given me new inspirations on how to use them.

When I get the chance to cook for myself, I love to roast a chicken the French way: free range hen with a bit of Dijon mustard and garlic cloves tucked under the skin, roasted on high so that the skin is ultra crispy. A Caesar salad on the side, some chilled Riesling, on the porch at sunset. Heaven. Then more of the same as leftovers the next day….

So glad you are taking care of yourself during this singleton phase. And glad your husband will be with you full time shortly.


Vicki Bensinger May 28, 2013 um 12:49 pm

When I'm all alone I find myself creating dishes my husband won't eat. Then sit outside, weather permitting, and enjoy the peace and quiet with birds chirping and dogs at my side. It's such a treat since my hubby hates eating outdoors.

Your dish sounds like something I'd love – fresh veggies, salmon with a bit of pasta. Sounds delicious and calming.


Unknown May 28, 2013 um 2:13 pm

I am deeply ashamed to admit that my go to single gal meal is toast. Shocking huh?
Janie x


Susan Lindquist May 28, 2013 um 2:38 pm

Love the simplicity of your combinations with the pasta … so fresh-looking and easy to throw together … yup, perfect for busy days and exhausted evenings!


Katherines Corner May 28, 2013 um 3:03 pm

visiting your delicious blog always makes me smile. xo


Dan From Platter Talk May 28, 2013 um 3:26 pm

Beautfiully done and SO tasty looking!


Laura Plumb May 28, 2013 um 4:06 pm

You make everything look special, romantic, charming and deeply nourishing ~ not just to the body, but to the soul. Thank you!


Unknown May 28, 2013 um 4:13 pm

So worthwhile cooking something lovely 'just' for yourself. Aren't you worth it.


L'amore è una spezia May 28, 2013 um 6:53 pm

I neve tried raw asparagus what does it taste Like? I would happily volunteer to give it a try seeing your magical shots:-).


L'amore è una spezia May 28, 2013 um 6:53 pm

I neve tried raw asparagus what does it taste Like? I would happily volunteer to give it a try seeing your magical shots:-).


Colette (Coco) May 28, 2013 um 8:58 pm

Love your "garlic candy!"
Drinking tea usually kills my horrific breath.

This pasta dish is so fresh and lovely. I'm going to make it for my family tonight.
Merci! Merci!


Missy A May 28, 2013 um 9:25 pm

I'm new to following your blog … it is beautiful and inspiring.

A daily routine for me is to always set the table and light the candles; whether we are dining inside or outdoors. It creates such nice ambiance.


Chung-Ah | Damn Delicious May 28, 2013 um 11:14 pm

At the end of the day, I just want to come home to a plate of this!


Helene May 29, 2013 um 5:51 am

L'amore è una spezia: at this time of year, asparagus are right in season so the tips are usually super tender and don't need cooking. If you make the recipe when they are not in season, you might want to blanch them for 2 minutes in boiling water as they may be a bit harder.


Anonymous May 29, 2013 um 7:51 pm

Magazine. Bubble Bath. Glass of chocolate wine.

Even writing it is making me crave that combination!


Anonymous May 29, 2013 um 7:51 pm

Magazine. Bubble Bath. Glass of chocolate wine.

Even writing it is making me crave that combination!


Triple Crème Decadence May 30, 2013 um 11:23 am

This looks so refreshing and delicious!


Yolène @ Crème de Citron May 30, 2013 um 5:12 pm

Your lovely dish looks and sounds so fresh and delicious!

The moment I prepare dinner is my own personal quiet time. I have a little routine with everything I prepare, I do not rush and use this time also to relax, that's what cooking does to me: relaxation. It's my own little way of meditating 🙂


El Cajón de las Especias May 31, 2013 um 9:29 am

Wonderful recipe!
Fantastic to eat now that we're almost summer.

'Spicy' greetings


Rocky Mountain Woman May 31, 2013 um 4:40 pm

Yes, please! Can I have two servings?


Caravaningcamping June 1, 2013 um 7:10 am

Just wanted to say I love reading through your blog and look forward to all your posts! Carry on the excellent work!


Gourmet Creations June 3, 2013 um 1:41 am

GREAT!


Rhonda June 4, 2013 um 3:28 pm

I have some salmon that I was just wondering how I wanted to prepare it, you've inspired me!

I'm a little old fashioned with my routine. Coffee and the newspaper at the kitchen table, there's just a whole history of comfort in that.


Anonymous June 6, 2013 um 12:21 am

I really enjoy having a cup of tea- but its almost more about the sitting and taking a deep breath, feeling the tension dissolve from my shoulders- than the tea itself. Accompanied with a homemade little biscuit of sorts, and the evening news- one of the favourite routines of my day. Closely followed by a small piece of homemade cake/slice, a mug of hot chocolate and a favourite TV show to round out the evening after dinner. 🙂


Little Cooking Tips June 13, 2013 um 10:40 am

A beautiful dish with great materials! A must-try! Thank you for sharing this!


Linda July 15, 2013 um 2:29 pm

Looks delicious, thank you


Write a Comment