Clasic Tuna-Pasta Salad

Classic Tuna-Pasta Salad Recipe from Italy | Vegetarian Recipe

Region / culture: Italy | Preparation time: 20 minutes | Cooking time: 10 minutes | Servings: 6 |

Vegetarian diet

Introduction

This Classic Tuna-Pasta Salad is a delicious and satisfying dish that is perfect for a light lunch or dinner. Packed with fresh vegetables, tuna chunks, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends.

History

Tuna-Pasta Salad is a classic dish that has been enjoyed for generations. It is a popular choice for picnics, potlucks, and summer gatherings. The combination of tuna, pasta, and fresh vegetables creates a flavorful and satisfying meal that is easy to prepare.

Ingredients

0.5 lb (227 g) fresh green beans, cut into 0.5 inch lengths
8 ripe plum tomatoes, each cut into 8 pieces
6 scallions, with 3 inches of green part, thinly sliced on a diagonal
0.5 cup coarsely chopped pitted black olives
1 tbsp capers
1 tsp finely minced garlic or 4 tbsp garlic powder
1 tsp salt, to taste
1 tsp pepper, to taste
1.75 cup optional all-purpose cream
5 tbsp fresh chopped parsley
0.25 cup extra-virgin olive oil
2 cans tuna, drained (reserve oil or water if desired) or 1 kg fresh tuna chunks, sliced
0.75 lb (340 g) tube-shaped pasta (ziti or penne), cooked al dente

How to prepare

Blanch the green beans in boiling water for about 2 minutes, or until they are just crisp but tender.
Drain the green beans, rinse them under cold water, and pat them dry.
In a large bowl, combine the cooked green beans with tomatoes, scallions, olives, capers, garlic, salt, pepper, cream (optional), and parsley.
Drizzle the mixture with olive oil, and gently fold the ingredients together.
Let the mixture rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to blend.
To serve, flake the tuna into large pieces and add it to the sauce.
Add the cooked pasta and gently toss everything together.
Adjust the seasonings and garnish with the remaining parsley.
Serve the dish at room temperature.

Variations

Add diced bell peppers or cucumbers for extra crunch.
Use whole wheat pasta for added fiber.
Substitute Greek yogurt for the cream for a lighter dressing.

Notes

Instead of the store-bought, canned tuna, cook the fresh, sliced tuna chunks first in oil in a frying pan.

Cooking Tips & Tricks

Be sure to cook the pasta al dente to prevent it from becoming mushy in the salad.

- Allow the salad to sit at room temperature for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs.

Serving Suggestions

This salad can be served on its own as a light meal, or paired with a side of crusty bread or a green salad for a more substantial meal.

Cooking Techniques

Blanching the green beans helps to retain their vibrant color and crisp texture in the salad.

Ingredient Substitutions

Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite vegetables, herbs, or dressing ingredients.

Make Ahead Tips

This salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Just be sure to let it come to room temperature before serving.

Presentation Ideas

Garnish the salad with additional parsley or a sprinkle of grated Parmesan cheese for a pop of color and flavor.

Pairing Recommendations

This Classic Tuna-Pasta Salad pairs well with a crisp white wine or a refreshing iced tea.

Storage and Reheating Instructions

Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Serve chilled or at room temperature.

Nutrition Information

Calories per serving

Each serving of this Classic Tuna-Pasta Salad contains approximately 350 calories.

Carbohydrates

This Classic Tuna-Pasta Salad is a good source of carbohydrates, with approximately 30 grams per serving.

Fats

This salad is a moderate source of fats, with approximately 15 grams per serving.

Proteins

Tuna is a rich source of protein, making this salad a great option for those looking to increase their protein intake. Each serving contains approximately 20 grams of protein.

Vitamins and minerals

This salad is packed with vitamins and minerals from the fresh vegetables and tuna. It is a good source of vitamin C, vitamin A, potassium, and iron.

Alergens

This recipe contains fish (tuna) and wheat (pasta), so it may not be suitable for those with allergies to these ingredients.

Summary

Overall, this Classic Tuna-Pasta Salad is a balanced and nutritious meal that provides a good mix of carbohydrates, fats, proteins, vitamins, and minerals.

Summary

This Classic Tuna-Pasta Salad is a delicious and nutritious dish that is perfect for a light meal or side dish. Packed with fresh vegetables, tuna chunks, and a creamy dressing, this salad is sure to be a hit with your family and friends. Enjoy!

How did I get this recipe?

I remember the excitement that washed over me when I first saw this recipe. It was a warm summer day, and I had invited my friend Margaret over for lunch. She arrived carrying a big bowl of what looked like the most delicious pasta salad I had ever seen.

As we sat down at the table, Margaret revealed that the secret ingredient in her salad was none other than tuna! I was intrigued, as I had never thought to add tuna to a pasta salad before. She explained that she had learned the recipe from her grandmother, who had picked it up from a friend many years ago.

I knew right then and there that I had to learn how to make this classic tuna-pasta salad. Margaret graciously agreed to teach me, and we spent the afternoon in my kitchen, chopping vegetables, boiling pasta, and mixing in the tuna. The end result was a creamy, tangy, and oh-so-satisfying dish that I couldn't get enough of.

From that day on, classic tuna-pasta salad became a staple in my recipe repertoire. I made it for family gatherings, potlucks, and any time I needed a quick and delicious dish to share. Over the years, I have made a few tweaks here and there, adding my own personal touch to the recipe.

One of my favorite memories involving this dish was when my grandchildren came to visit. They were picky eaters, but they loved pasta and tuna, so I knew this salad would be a hit. I let them help me in the kitchen, showing them how to mix the dressing and toss everything together. They were so proud of themselves when we sat down to eat, and they couldn't stop raving about how good it was.

As the years went by, I continued to make classic tuna-pasta salad for any occasion that called for a simple yet delicious dish. It has become a comfort food for me, reminding me of all the wonderful times I have shared with friends and family over a bowl of this tasty salad.

I am grateful to Margaret for introducing me to this recipe all those years ago. It has brought me joy, memories, and a sense of connection to the past. And now, as I pass it down to my own grandchildren, I hope that they will continue to enjoy it as much as I have.

So here it is, my beloved classic tuna-pasta salad recipe. I hope you enjoy it as much as I have over the years. And who knows, maybe one day you'll pass it down to your own loved ones, creating new memories and traditions along the way. Bon appétit!