healthy pasta salad with tuna
A nutritious and vibrant pasta salad featuring whole-grain rotini, high-quality albacore tuna, and crunchy fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty lemon-Dijon vinaigrette.
- Prep Time: 20 mins
- Cook Time: 10 mins
- Total Time: 30 mins
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
- Diet: High Protein
Ingredients
12 oz Whole Wheat Rotini
10 oz Canned White Albacore Tuna
1 medium Red Bell Pepper
1 cup English Cucumber
0.25 cup Red Onio
0.25 cup Fresh Parsley
0.33 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
3 tablespoons Fresh Lemon Juice
1 tablespoon Dijon Mustard
1 pinch Salt and Black Pepper
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the whole wheat pasta according to package directions until al dente
- Drain the pasta and immediately rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process; drain thoroughly
- Open the tuna cans, drain the liquid, and use a fork to flake the tuna into bite-sized pieces in a large mixing bowl
- Finely dice the red pepper, cucumber, and onion, then add them to the bowl with the tuna and fresh parsley
- In a small jar or bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until emulsified
- Add the cooled pasta to the large bowl with the tuna and vegetables
- Pour the dressing over the ingredients and toss gently until evenly coated
- Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld
Notes
Salt the pasta water generously to season the noodles from the inside out.
Always use fresh lemon juice rather than bottled for better flavor acidity.
Solid white albacore tuna is recommended over chunk light for better texture.
If raw onion is too strong, soak minced onions in cold water for ten minutes before adding to the salad.
The salad can be stored in an airtight container for 3-4 days but should not be frozen.
Find it online: https://powerecipe.com/healthy-pasta-salad-with-tuna/