Tuna Pasta Salad

Pasta salad with tuna and kiwi - a quick and hearty recipe

When you're hungry and want something tasty, filling, and especially quick to prepare, the pasta salad with tuna and kiwi is the perfect choice. This recipe is not just a simple salad, but an explosion of flavors and textures that will delight your taste buds. You will find that while the pasta is boiling, you can occupy your time with the other ingredients, so that in the end you receive well-deserved compliments!

Preparation time: 20-25 minutes
Total time: 20-25 minutes
Number of servings: 4

Ingredients

- 300 g pasta (we recommend farfalle or penne)
- 2 cans of tuna (in water, for a cleaner taste)
- 1 large ripe kiwi
- 150 g boiled corn (can be canned or freshly boiled)
- 100 g pitted olives (preferably green for a color contrast)
- 1 egg (for mayonnaise)
- 200 ml oil (sunflower or olive, according to preference)
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice (freshly squeezed, for a vibrant taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation instructions

1. Boiling the pasta
In a large pot, add water with a little salt and bring it to a boil. When the water starts to boil, add the pasta. All types of pasta have different boiling times, but for farfalle, 10 minutes is enough. However, if you prefer your pasta more well-cooked, you can leave it for 15 minutes. Once cooked, drain and rinse under cold running water to stop the cooking process. Let it drain well.

2. Preparing quick mayonnaise
In a tall blender jar, add one egg, 200 ml of oil, and a pinch of salt. Increase the blender speed and in just one minute, you will have a creamy and delicious mayonnaise. This is a great time-saving technique, but make sure all ingredients are at room temperature to achieve a perfect emulsion.

3. Preparing the ingredients
Meanwhile, peel the kiwi and cut it into small cubes. The sliced olives are next on the list. They will add a salty taste and a crunchy texture to your salad.

4. Assembling the salad
In a large bowl, combine the drained pasta, mayonnaise, kiwi cubes, well-drained tuna from the cans, and corn. Add lemon juice, salt, and pepper to taste. Gently mix everything so that the ingredients integrate perfectly. It is important not to mix too much to avoid crushing the kiwi cubes.

5. Serving
You can serve the salad immediately, but if you have time, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. It is a versatile salad that can be adapted according to your preferences. For example, you can add cherry tomatoes, avocado, or even some nuts for extra crunch.

Helpful tips

- Ingredients: Choose whole grain pasta for a healthier option. You can also use tuna in water to reduce calories.
- Variations: If you are not a fan of kiwi, you can substitute with tart apples or pineapple for a tropical note.
- Serving: This salad pairs perfectly with fresh lemonade or a glass of dry white wine.
- Calories: A serving of salad has approximately 400-450 calories, depending on the amount of mayonnaise used.

Nutritional benefits

This pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with nutrients! Pasta provides complex carbohydrates for energy, and tuna is rich in protein and omega-3 fatty acids, essential for heart health. Kiwi is an excellent source of vitamin C and antioxidants, while corn brings fiber and essential vitamins.

Frequently asked questions

- Can I use gluten-free pasta?
Yes, you can use rice or legume pasta for a gluten-free option.

- How can I store the salad?
The salad can be stored in the refrigerator in an airtight container for 2-3 days, but it is recommended to add fresh mayonnaise just before serving to avoid soggy pasta.

- What other ingredients can I add?
You can experiment with diced bell peppers, red onion, or even fresh herbs like parsley or basil.

A personal note

Like many recipes, this salad has a story. I discovered it during a summer day when I was looking for a light and refreshing meal. I was pleasantly surprised by the combination of flavors and how easy it was to prepare. It is perfect for picnics or a quick family dinner, always bringing smiles to the faces of loved ones.

In conclusion, this pasta salad with tuna and kiwi is an excellent choice for moments when you want to enjoy a delicious, healthy, and quick dish. I encourage you to try it and personalize the recipe to your liking. Enjoy your meal!