Indulge in the simplicity and delectable experience of a classic dish that’s perfect for those balmy summer days as well as a delightful choice year-round. This easy-to-make tuna pasta salad is a versatile meal that can be whipped up in no time and is sure to delight with its range of textures and flavors.
Begin by selecting your preferred pasta variety. Consider shapes like rotini, farfalle, or penne, which are great at holding the dressing and mingling seamlessly with the salad’s components. Cook the pasta until it’s al dente, following the instructions on the packaging. Once done, cool the pasta under cold water and drain it to maintain its perfect texture.
The next step involves flaking tuna into the cooked pasta. This ingredient is the centerpiece of the salad, adding a satisfying substance to the dish. It’s essential here to choose a good-quality tuna for the most enjoyable taste.
Now, think about adding a colorful and crunchy variety of vegetables to the mix. These will introduce a freshness and a pop of color to the salad. The choice of veggies can be tailored to preference or availability, ensuring the salad is customizable to your taste each time you prepare it.
Including fresh herbs can dramatically enhance the overall flavor profile of the salad. Herbs have a way of infusing the dish with an aromatic quality that pairs beautifully with the other elements, so choose your favorites or mix a few for a complex flavor.
When it comes to the dressing, opt for a light and zippy combination that marries well with the savory tuna and the refreshing crunch of the vegetables. Aim for a balance of acidity and seasoning to bring the whole salad together.
An extra step is to allow the salad to chill in the refrigerator once it’s assembled. This step lets the flavors develop and intertwine, resulting in a more cohesive and rounded taste.
Serving this salad can be as straightforward or as creative as you like. You might opt to finish it off with a sprinkle of your preferred cheese or an extra scattering of herbs for both taste and presentation.
This tuna pasta salad is not only delightful in terms of flavor but also flexible in its serving options—enjoyable as a main dish, a satisfying lunch, or even as a companion to other dishes at gatherings. Its combination of simplicity, taste, and nutritional value makes it a wonderful addition to any meal plan.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 250 g pasta casarecce (your preference)
- 140 g tuna canned
- 30 g capers
- 60 g sweet corn canned
- 60 g chickpeas canned
- 100 g cherry tomatoes halved
- 2 tbsp mayonnaise
- 15 g spring onions sliced
- Pepper
- 2 tbsp olive tapenade
Instructions
- Boil the pasta. When it is cooked, strain & rinse with some cold water.
- Drain the oil from the tuna & flake the tuna with a fork.
- Crush the chickpeas a bit with a fork.
- In a bowl, mix together the tuna, chickpeas, sweet corn, capers, spring onions, tomatoes, olive tapenade & mayonnaise.
- Season with some pepper.
- Mix everything & then add the pasta. Mix everything together.
