Zesty Tuna Pasta Salad 🥗🍝

This Tuna Pasta Salad is a refreshing and vibrant dish that's perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or a quick weekday meal. With its zesty dressing and crunchy veggies, this salad will tantalize your taste buds and leave you wanting more! Feel free to customize it with your favorite ingredients, making it a dish that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients

For the pasta salad

• 8 oz. of pasta (fusilli or penne work great)
• 1 can (5 oz.) of tuna in water, drained
• 1 cup of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/2 cup of cucumber, diced
• 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup of black olives, sliced
• 1/4 cup of sweet corn (canned or frozen, thawed)
• 1/4 cup of bell pepper, diced (any color)
• Fresh parsley or basil for garnish

For the dressing

• 1/4 cup of olive oil
• 2 tablespoons of lemon juice (freshly squeezed for best flavor)
• 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard
• 1 clove of garlic, minced
• Salt and pepper to taste
• A pinch of red pepper flakes (optional, for a spicy kick)

Instructions

• Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.

🥄 Rinsing the pasta helps prevent it from becoming sticky and allows the dressing to coat each piece evenly.

• In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, olives, sweet corn, and bell pepper.

• In a separate bowl, whisk together the olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper, along with the red pepper flakes if you're using them.

• Add the cooled pasta to the vegetable and tuna mixture, then pour the dressing over the top. Gently toss everything together until well coated.

🥗 Letting the salad sit for at least 30 minutes in the refrigerator allows the flavors to meld beautifully!

• Serve chilled, garnished with fresh parsley or basil on top.

Variations

• Protein-packed: Add a boiled egg or chickpeas for extra protein and texture. 🥚
• Vegetarian: Substitute tuna with chickpeas or drained canned lentils for a tasty plant-based version. 🌱
• Creamy: For a creamier take, mix in 1/4 cup of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise into the dressing.
• Herb-infused: Try adding fresh dill or chives to the dressing for an herby twist.

🌿 Feel free to experiment with any seasonal veggies you have on hand—this recipe is incredibly versatile!

Indulge in this Tuna Pasta Salad and bring a flavorful burst to your dining table! Enjoy! 🎉