Tuna Salad

Tuna Salad: A Quick and Satisfying Treat

When it comes to quick and healthy meals, tuna salad is at the top of many people's preferences. This recipe is not only simple but also packed with delicious flavors and varied textures that will delight your taste buds. With accessible and easy-to-find ingredients, tuna salad becomes an ideal dish for quick lunches at home, picnics, or informal dinners with friends.

Preparation time: 15 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Total time: 25 minutes
Servings: 2-3 servings

Ingredients:
- 100 g pasta (preferably penne or fusilli)
- 1 can of tuna in oil or water (approximately 150 g)
- 100 g sweet corn (can be canned or frozen)
- 1 small onion (preferably red for a sweeter taste)
- Fresh salad leaves (as desired, mixed salad, iceberg, arugula – the choice is yours)
- 4-5 cherry tomatoes (or regular tomatoes, diced)
- Juice of one lemon
- Salt and pepper to taste

Preparation:

1. Boil the pasta: Start by bringing a pot of water to a boil. Add a teaspoon of salt and once the water is boiling, add the pasta. Cook according to the package instructions, usually between 8 and 10 minutes. This step is essential to achieve al dente pasta, which won’t turn mushy in the salad.

2. Prepare the ingredients: While the pasta is boiling, open the can of tuna and drain the excess water or oil. Place the tuna in a large bowl. Then, add the sweet corn. This will provide a natural sweetness to your salad and will combine perfectly with the other ingredients.

3. Add the onion: Slice the onion into thin strips (julienne) and add it over the tuna. Red onion is an excellent choice due to its sweet flavor and vibrant color. If you prefer a milder taste, you can opt for white or green onion.

4. Prepare the salad: Wash the salad leaves under a stream of cold water to remove any impurities. Cut them into strips and add them to the bowl. Gently mix to distribute the ingredients evenly.

5. Add the tomatoes: Cut the cherry tomatoes in half or quarters, depending on their size, and add them to the bowl. They will not only add a color contrast but also a fresh and slightly tangy taste.

6. Mix everything: Once the pasta is ready, drain it in a colander and let it cool for a few minutes. Add the pasta to the bowl with the other ingredients.

7. Season: Sprinkle salt and pepper to taste and add the lemon juice. The lemon will not only enhance the flavors but will also bring a refreshing note, perfect for warm days.

8. Serve: Mix everything well, ensuring that each ingredient is well combined. You can serve the salad immediately or let it chill in the fridge. It will be just as delicious the next day!

Practical tips for a perfect salad:
- Vary the ingredients: Feel free to add olives, avocado, bell peppers, or even feta cheese to customize the salad to your taste.
- For a heartier salad: Add cubes of cooked chicken breast, shrimp, or tofu to turn the salad into a complete meal.
- Find a dressing combination: If you want a more complex dressing, you can mix olive oil, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, and honey.

Calories and nutritional benefits: Tuna salad is an excellent option for a healthy meal. It is rich in protein due to the tuna, while the pasta provides complex carbohydrates. Sweet corn adds fiber and vitamins, and fresh vegetables are full of antioxidants. A serving of salad has approximately 350-400 calories, depending on the added ingredients.

Frequently asked questions:
- Can I use fresh tuna? Yes, fresh tuna is an excellent alternative, but make sure to cook it well.
- What drinks go well with this salad? A glass of dry white wine or a refreshing lemonade are excellent choices to complement the meal.
- How can I store the salad? If you don't consume it immediately, keep it in an airtight container in the fridge, but avoid adding the dressing before serving.

Whether you choose to prepare it for an everyday meal or a special occasion, tuna salad will surely impress with its simplicity and versatility. Enjoy!