Are you craving a quick, delicious meal that transports you straight to the sun-drenched coastlines of the Mediterranean? Look no further! This Super Simple Tuna Orzo Salad is about to become your new obsession. Imagine a light, refreshing dish packed with protein, bursting with fresh flavors, and ready in less time than it takes to scroll through social media. Whether you're a busy professional, a health-conscious foodie, or just someone who loves a fantastic no-fuss meal, this recipe is your ultimate culinary shortcut to happiness!
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 cup orzo pasta
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/4 cup red onion, diced
- 1/4 cup parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Begin by gathering all your ingredients: 1 cup of orzo pasta, 1 can of drained tuna, 1/2 cup of halved cherry tomatoes, 1/4 cup of diced red onion, 1/4 cup of chopped parsley, 2 tablespoons of olive oil, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and salt and pepper to taste.
- In a medium-sized pot, bring water to a boil. Once boiling, add a pinch of salt and then pour in the 1 cup of orzo pasta. Cook the orzo according to the package instructions, usually about 8-10 minutes, until it is al dente.
- While the orzo is cooking, prepare the other ingredients. Drain the can of tuna and set it aside in a mixing bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes, dice the red onion, and chop the parsley. Add all these ingredients to the bowl with the tuna.
- Once the orzo is cooked, drain it in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This will help prevent the orzo from becoming mushy.
- Add the cooled orzo to the mixing bowl with the tuna, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Gently mix everything together to combine.
- In a small bowl, whisk together the 2 tablespoons of olive oil and 1 tablespoon of lemon juice. Pour this dressing over the tuna and orzo mixture.
- Season the salad with salt and pepper to taste. Toss everything together until the salad is evenly coated with the dressing and the flavors are well combined.
- Let the salad sit for a few minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. You can serve it immediately or refrigerate it for later.
- Serve the Super Simple Tuna Orzo Salad chilled or at room temperature. Enjoy your Mediterranean-inspired dish!
Tips
- Pasta Perfection: Always cook orzo al dente and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent a mushy texture.
- Flavor Enhancement: Let the salad rest for 10-15 minutes before serving to allow the ingredients to marinate and develop deeper flavors.
- Customization Options: - Add crumbled feta cheese for a tangy twist - Include kalamata olives for extra Mediterranean flair - Swap parsley with fresh basil or dill for variation
- Meal Prep Hack: This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for 2-3 days, making it perfect for quick lunches or make-ahead dinners.
- Temperature Tip: While delicious chilled, letting the salad sit at room temperature for 10 minutes before serving can help the flavors bloom.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 300kcal
Carbohydrates: 35g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 10g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Cholesterol: 25mg
