Description
A delightful dish combining pasta, fresh vegetables, and hearty tuna, perfect for lunch, picnics, or barbecues.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or penne)
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced (optional)
- 1/4 cup Italian dressing
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh parsley for garnish (optional)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Begin by boiling a pot of water according to the pasta package directions. When the water reaches a rolling boil, add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until al dente. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and olives if you choose to add them. Ensure even distribution of the ingredients for balanced flavor.
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the combined ingredients. Gently toss everything together using a spatula or wooden spoon until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated in the dressing. Don’t forget to season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This helps the flavors meld together for an even tastier dish when served.
- Serve and garnish: Once chilled, remove the salad from the fridge. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired for an added touch of color and flavor. Serve in bowls or on plates and enjoy!
Notes
For meal prep, store in an airtight container and add dressing just before serving to maintain freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Chilling
- Cuisine: Italian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 12g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 45g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: Pasta Salad, Tuna Salad, Italian Recipe, Healthy Meal, Quick Lunch