Salmon Pasta Salad with Mediterranean Flavors

Fill a large container with water, adding a moderate amount of salt to it. Bring the mixture to a rolling boil before introducing the penne pasta. Continue cooking, occasionally stirring the pasta with a spoon, until it reaches your desired level of doneness - still slightly firm in the center but not hard. This process typically takes around 10 minutes.

Once cooked, remove the penne from the boiling water with a slotted spoon and transfer it to a sink filled with cold running water. Allow the pasta to rinse thoroughly before draining off any excess water and placing it in a serving dish.

Create the base of your salad by arranging sliced cucumber, cherry tomatoes, and thinly sliced shallot in a decorative pattern on top of the pasta.

Prepare the protein component by breaking up cooked salmon into smaller pieces and sprinkling it evenly over the salad.

Make the dressing by combining olive oil, vinegar, freshly squeezed lemon juice, a pinch of lemon-pepper seasoning, mustard, salt, and chopped dill in a small bowl. Whisk the ingredients together until they form a smooth, well-blended mixture.

Finish your salad by drizzling the vinaigrette over the top, using a gentle motion to combine all the ingredients and create a harmonious balance of flavors.