Tuna Salad

Delicious Recipe for Tri-Color Pasta and Tuna Salad

If you're looking for a quick, simple, and flavorful recipe, the tri-color pasta and tuna salad is the perfect choice! This salad is not only easy to prepare, but it is also a healthy option, ideal for light lunches or quick dinners. What makes this recipe truly special is the vibrant combination of colors and flavors that will delight your senses.

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

Ingredients:
- 250 g tri-color pasta (with tomatoes and spinach)
- 1 can of tuna in olive oil (about 200 g)
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 200 g canned sweet corn
- 3-4 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil
- Juice of 1 lemon
- Optional: cherry tomatoes, bell peppers, or olives for added flavor and texture

Recipe history:
Tuna salad is a dish that has gained popularity worldwide, with roots in Mediterranean cuisines, where tuna and fresh ingredients are a staple. This salad is perfect for hot summer days, but you can enjoy it anytime you need a quick and healthy meal. Over time, people have modified the basic recipe by adding various ingredients to give it a personal twist.

Step by step:

1. Cook the pasta: In a large pot, add water and a pinch of salt. Bring it to a boil. Add the tri-color pasta and cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes, until al dente. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

2. Cool the pasta: Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold running water. This step is essential to stop the cooking process and prevent the pasta from becoming sticky. Then place it on a large plate.

3. Prepare the ingredients: Slice the red onion thinly. Open the can of tuna and drain the excess oil (if desired) or you can leave a bit of oil for added flavor. Drain the canned sweet corn as well.

4. The perfect combination: In a large salad bowl, add the cooled pasta, red onion, tuna, and corn. Gently mix with a spatula to avoid breaking the tuna.

5. Delicious dressing: Add the olive oil and lemon juice. Mix again, ensuring that all ingredients are well coated. Taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your preference.

6. Optional additions: If desired, now is the time to add halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell peppers, or olives for a touch of freshness and color.

7. Serving: You can serve the salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. The tri-color pasta and tuna salad pairs perfectly with a slice of toasted bread or crackers.

Practical tips:
- Tuna: Choose a high-quality tuna, ideally opting for tuna in olive oil, as it adds a rich flavor.
- Pasta: If you want to make the salad even more interesting, you can experiment with whole grain pasta or other pasta shapes.
- Vegan option: You can replace the tuna with cooked chickpeas or marinated tofu for a delicious vegan version.
- Extra flavors: If you enjoy strong flavors, add some Kalamata olives or crumbled feta cheese for an authentic Mediterranean taste.

Nutritional information:
This tuna salad is an excellent source of protein due to the tuna and pasta, while the corn adds extra fiber and vitamins. By using olive oil, you also benefit from healthy fats. One serving contains approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use regular pasta? Yes, but tri-color pasta adds a special visual appeal.
- Can the salad be stored in the fridge? Yes, it’s even better the next day once the flavors have intensified.
- Can I add other vegetables? Of course! Cucumbers, carrots, or even arugula can be added for extra freshness.

This tri-color pasta and tuna salad is not only simple and quick, but also full of flavors and colors, perfect for impressing at a dinner with friends or treating yourself on an ordinary day. Enjoy every bite and indulge in a healthy, delicious dish that will have you coming back for more!