Cool pasta salad with tuna

Refreshing Pasta Salad with Tuna

Who doesn't love a fresh and delicious salad to cool us down on hot summer days? Tuna pasta salad is a perfect choice, offering not only wonderful flavor but also a combination of essential nutrients. This simple yet flavorful recipe can quickly become one of your favorites. Let's discover together how to prepare this delicious salad and enjoy every bite!

Preparation time: 10 minutes
Cooking time: 7 minutes
Total time: 17 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients:
- 250g pasta (shells or your preferred type)
- 1 can of tuna in oil (approximately 150g)
- 2 green onions
- 1 large tomato
- ½ lemon
- 125g mozzarella (about ½ of a ball)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: fresh parsley leaves for garnish

Preparation:

1. Boil the pasta: In a large pot, add water and salt, then put it on the heat. When the water starts to boil, add the pasta. Whether you choose shells or another type, follow the cooking time indicated on the package, usually between 7-10 minutes for al dente pasta. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Drain the pasta: After the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold running water. This step is essential to stop the cooking process and maintain the perfect texture of the pasta.

3. Prepare the fresh ingredients: Dice the tomato into small cubes, slice the green onions into thin rings, and cut the mozzarella into cubes. These ingredients will add not only freshness but also a contrast of textures that will make the salad more interesting.

4. Combine the ingredients: In a large bowl, add the drained pasta, drained tuna, tomato, green onions, and mozzarella. Gently mix all the ingredients, ensuring they are evenly distributed.

5. Season: Squeeze the juice of ½ lemon over the salad for an extra touch of freshness. Season with salt and pepper to taste. These simple seasonings will enhance the flavors of the ingredients.

6. Serve: You can garnish the salad with fresh parsley leaves for a more attractive appearance. This salad is best served immediately, but it can also be kept in the refrigerator for a few hours, allowing the flavors to meld even better.

Practical tips:
- Choose whole grain pasta for a healthier, fiber-rich option.
- You can also add olives or corn for a variety of flavors.
- If you want a heartier salad, you can add diced cooked chicken or roasted vegetables.

Nutritional benefits:
This salad is rich in protein due to the tuna and contains carbohydrates from the whole grain pasta, providing a balanced meal. Tomatoes contribute an important amount of antioxidants, while mozzarella adds essential calcium for bone health.

Recipe history:
Pasta salads originally appeared as picnic dishes, being easy to transport and eat outdoors. Over time, they have developed into numerous variations, each with unique combinations of ingredients. This tuna pasta salad is a modern reinterpretation, easy to prepare and perfect for any occasion.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can substitute the pasta with gluten-free options, and the salad will be just as delicious.

2. What other ingredients can I add?
In addition to those mentioned, you can add avocado, bell pepper, or even some olives for an extra flavor boost.

3. Can it be served warm?
Although it is a cold salad, you can serve the pasta warm, but it will change the final texture.

Ideal pairings:
Tuna pasta salad pairs perfectly with a glass of fresh lemonade or a dry white wine. Additionally, you can accompany it with a slice of garlic toast for a complete lunch.

This salad is not just a delicious meal but also a healthy choice that will delight you and your loved ones. I encourage you to try this simple recipe, experiment with the ingredients, and enjoy every bite! Bon appétit!