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Summer Tuna Pasta Salad

Summer Tuna Pasta Salad
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This Summer Tuna Pasta Salad is a light, vibrant, and protein-packed dish perfect for warm days. Combining tender pasta, flaky tuna, fresh vegetables, and a zesty lemon-olive oil dressing, it’s quick to make and refreshing to eat. Ready in under 20 minutes, it serves as a nutritious, adaptable meal ideal for lunch or casual dinners throughout the summer season.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta

  • 200g rotini or penne pasta

Protein

  • 1 can (about 150g) good-quality tuna in water or olive oil, drained

Vegetables

  • 150g cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1 medium cucumber, diced
  • 1 small red onion, finely chopped
  • 50g black olives, sliced

Herbs & Dressing

  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley or basil, roughly chopped
  • 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook your chosen pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
  2. Prepare the veggies: While the pasta cooks, halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the cucumber, finely chop the red onion, and slice the black olives. Wash and roughly chop the fresh herbs.
  3. Combine tuna and veggies: Drain the canned tuna and flake it gently with a fork. In a large bowl, mix the tuna with the prepared vegetables and herbs to distribute flavors evenly.
  4. Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together extra virgin olive oil, fresh lemon juice, salt, and pepper until emulsified to create a bright and balanced dressing.
  5. Toss everything together: Add the cooled pasta to the tuna and vegetable mixture, then pour the dressing over. Gently toss to coat everything evenly without breaking up the tuna flakes.
  6. Chill and serve: Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld beautifully. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Notes

  • Use high-quality tuna to enhance flavor.
  • Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to prevent sticking and keep salad refreshing.
  • Don’t overdress the salad; start with a light amount and add more if needed to avoid sogginess.
  • Fresh herbs like parsley or basil elevate the salad’s aroma and flavor depth.
  • Letting the salad rest in the fridge for 30 minutes helps flavors marry beautifully.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • This salad does not freeze well due to fresh vegetables and pasta texture.
  • If reheating, do so gently without dressing or serve at room temperature to preserve vegetable crispness.

Nutrition

Keywords: summer tuna pasta salad, tuna pasta salad, light pasta salad, quick lunch recipe, protein packed salad, Mediterranean salad

Find it online: https://mydishez.com/summer-tuna-pasta-salad/