Tuna and pasta salad

Delicious salad with tuna and pasta - a perfect combination of flavors and textures

Who doesn't love a fresh and hearty salad that perfectly combines the basic ingredients like tuna, pasta, and vegetables? This tuna and pasta salad is not only a quick and simple dish, but also an excellent choice for light lunches or dinners. Moreover, it is a versatile recipe that you can adapt to your tastes. Let’s start our culinary adventure!

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total: 25 minutes
Servings: 4

Ingredients:

- 200 g pasta (preferably fusilli or penne)
- 1 can of tuna in oil (approximately 160 g)
- 1/2 head of lettuce (you can use romaine or iceberg)
- 1 can of corn (approximately 300 g)
- 5 fresh basil leaves
- 3-4 tablespoons of extra virgin olive oil
- Salt, to taste

Step-by-step preparation:

1. Cook the pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt to enhance the pasta's flavor. When the water starts to boil, add the pasta. Each type of pasta has a specific cooking time, so check the package to ensure you cook it perfectly - usually between 7 and 10 minutes.

2. Prepare the salad: Meanwhile, take a large bowl and fill it with cold water. Add a few drops of vinegar and place the lettuce cut into large pieces. Let it soak for 15 minutes. This step helps the lettuce become crisper.

3. Rinse the lettuce: After the lettuce has soaked in the vinegar water, remove it and rinse it under cold running water to eliminate excess vinegar and maintain freshness. Use a paper towel to absorb the water. This step is essential to avoid a soggy salad.

4. Prepare the basil dressing: Chop the basil leaves finely. In a small bowl, mix the chopped basil with the olive oil. This mixture will add a wonderful aroma and fresh note to your salad.

5. Combine the ingredients: When the pasta is ready, drain it well and cool it under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, add it to the large bowl with the lettuce, drained corn, and tuna (also drained and broken into smaller pieces).

6. Add the dressing: Pour the basil dressing over the tuna and pasta salad. Gently mix so that all ingredients combine well without breaking the pasta.

7. Serve: You can serve this salad immediately or let it chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld better. It is perfect to be enjoyed cold, especially on hot summer days.

Useful tips:

- Vegetarian option: If you prefer a vegetarian version, you can replace the tuna with cooked chickpeas or feta cheese.
- For extra flavor: Add some olives or halved cherry tomatoes.
- Sweetening the salad: A splash of freshly squeezed lemon juice will bring a note of acidity that balances the flavors.

Calories and nutritional benefits:

This tuna and pasta salad is an excellent nutritional choice. Each serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the amount of olive oil used. It is rich in protein due to the tuna and pasta, while the lettuce provides a good supply of fiber and vitamins. Additionally, basil is known for its antioxidant properties.

Frequently asked questions:

1. Can I use whole grain pasta? Absolutely! Whole grain pasta is a healthy choice and will add extra fiber.

2. How can I make the salad more filling? You can add diced avocado or sliced hard-boiled eggs. These will transform the salad into a complete meal.

3. How long can it be stored in the refrigerator? The salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 1-2 days, but it is best enjoyed fresh.

Serving and pairings:

This tuna and pasta salad pairs perfectly with a glass of white wine or fresh lemonade. It is also an excellent choice for picnics or barbecues, alongside a fresh dessert like a fruit tart.

I hope you enjoyed this recipe! I wish you delightful moments in the kitchen and to surprise your friends and family with this tasty salad. Cook with your heart and don’t hesitate to experiment with your favorite ingredients!