Description
A light yet filling pasta salad with fresh vegetables and protein-packed tuna, perfect for picnics and gatherings.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 ounces pasta (e.g., fusilli or penne)
- 1 can of tuna, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell peppers, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/3 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh herbs (e.g., basil or parsley) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is at a rolling boil, add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to package instructions, usually around 8-10 minutes, until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool at room temperature.
- Prepare the ingredients: While the pasta is cooling, gather fresh vegetables. Rinse the cherry tomatoes and cut them in half. Dice the cucumber and bell peppers into small pieces. Finely chop the red onion and slice the olives.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, bell peppers, red onion, and olives. Use a spatula or wooden spoon to gently fold everything together.
- Add the dressing: Pour the Italian dressing over the salad mixture. Gently stir to ensure every piece is coated with dressing.
- Season to taste: Add salt and pepper to your liking. Adjust according to your preference.
- Garnish: Chop fresh herbs like basil or parsley and sprinkle them over the top of the salad.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
Notes
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3-4 days for best quality.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 40g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 20g
- Cholesterol: 40mg
Keywords: pasta salad, tuna salad, Italian recipes, healthy lunch, picnic food