Imagine a dish that transports you to the sun-drenched coastlines of Italy with just one bite - a perfect symphony of flavors that combines tender pasta, succulent tuna, and vibrant roasted peppers. This Pasta Tuna and Roasted Pepper Salad isn't just a meal; it's a culinary adventure that promises to revolutionize your lunch or dinner routine. Whether you're a busy professional seeking a quick yet gourmet meal or a food enthusiast craving something extraordinary, this recipe will become your new go-to comfort dish that's both nutritious and irresistibly delicious!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1 cup roasted red peppers, sliced
- 1/4 cup olives, sliced
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Once boiling, add 8 oz of pasta (fusilli or penne) and cook according to the package instructions until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes.
- While the pasta is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Drain 1 can of tuna and set aside in a large mixing bowl.
- Slice 1 cup of roasted red peppers and add them to the bowl with the tuna.
- Next, slice 1/4 cup of olives and dice 1/4 cup of red onion. Add both to the mixing bowl with the tuna and roasted peppers.
- Once the pasta is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool for a few minutes before adding it to the mixing bowl.
- In a small bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of red wine vinegar. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Pour the olive oil and vinegar dressing over the pasta and other ingredients in the mixing bowl. Gently toss everything together until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper if necessary. Serve the Pasta Tuna and Roasted Pepper Salad immediately, or refrigerate for 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving.
Tips
- Always cook pasta al dente to maintain the perfect texture - it should have a slight bite and not be mushy.
- Rinse pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent overcooking.
- Use high-quality olive oil and red wine vinegar for the dressing to enhance the overall flavor profile.
- For extra flavor, consider adding fresh herbs like basil or parsley before serving.
- Let the salad sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- Choose sustainably caught tuna for better taste and environmental responsibility.
- Feel free to customize by adding capers, fresh garlic, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for extra kick.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 350kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 25mg
