Description
A colorful and nutritious dish combining pasta, tuna, and fresh vegetables, perfect for any meal occasion.
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: Boil water according to the pasta package directions. Add the pasta and cook for 8-10 minutes or until it’s al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop it from cooking further.
- Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, mix together the cooled pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, diced bell pepper, finely chopped red onion, and olives (if you are using them).
- Dress the salad: Drizzle the Italian dressing over the combined ingredients and toss gently to ensure everything is coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste, depending on your preference.
- Chill the salad: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together perfectly.
- Serve and garnish: Before serving, garnish your salad with fresh parsley if you like. It adds a nice touch! And then, serve it up and enjoy your delicious Italian Tuna Pasta Salad.
Notes
Consider adding sliced lemon wedges for a zesty touch. Best when made ahead and refrigerated to meld flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: No cooking required after pasta is cooked
- 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, easy recipes, Italian, picnic, barbecue