On a warm summer day or a cozy winter evening, a flavorful and refreshing dish like Tuna Pasta Salad with Olive Oil is a perfect go-to recipe. This dish combines the freshness of vegetables with the heartiness of tuna and pasta, all brought together with a drizzling of rich olive oil. It’s a versatile dish that can be served as a light lunch, a side dish, or even your main course. Plus, the colorful array of ingredients makes it not only delicious but visually appealing too. Let’s dive into the recipe and create this delightful Tuna Pasta Salad with Olive Oil.
Ingredients:
– 8 oz pasta (such as fusilli or penne)
– 2 cans of tuna, drained
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
– 1/3 cup extra-virgin olive oil
– 2 tablespoons lemon juice
– Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions:
1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside in a large mixing bowl.
2. Add the drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, red onion, cucumber, black olives, and fresh basil to the bowl with the pasta.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the extra-virgin olive oil and lemon juice until well combined. This will be the dressing for the salad.
4. Pour the olive oil dressing over the pasta salad ingredients. Gently toss everything together until the dressing evenly coats all the ingredients.
5. Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Remember, the tuna already adds some saltiness, so be cautious with the amount of additional salt you add.
6. Let the salad sit in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to an hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
7. Before serving, give the pasta salad a final mix to redistribute the dressing. You can garnish it with some extra fresh basil leaves for an added touch of freshness.
This Tuna Pasta Salad with Olive Oil is a fantastic dish to have in your repertoire. It’s quick and easy to put together, making it perfect for those busy days when you want a satisfying meal without spending hours in the kitchen. The olive oil dressing brings a luxurious mouthfeel to the salad, while the combination of vegetables and tuna offers a balanced mix of flavors and textures. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue, packing a picnic, or simply looking for a light and delicious meal at home, this recipe will surely become a favorite in your household. Enjoy the vibrant colors and flavors of this Tuna Pasta Salad with Olive Oil as you savor each bite!
