Zesty Cold Pasta Salad with Tuna and Vibrant Vegetables

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When you’re looking for a light, refreshing, yet satisfying meal, this Zesty Cold Pasta Salad with Tuna is the perfect choice. Packed with colorful vegetables and tossed in a tangy, flavorful dressing, this pasta salad is not only delicious but also easy to prepare. It’s an ideal dish for picnics, potlucks, or a quick lunch, offering a delightful mix of textures and flavors. The combination of tender pasta, protein-rich tuna, and a medley of fresh veggies, all brought together by a zesty dressing, makes this salad a crowd-pleaser.

Ingredients

Cold Pasta Salad with Tuna

  • For the Salad:
    • 340 grams (12 ounces) pasta (fusilli, penne, or any short pasta)
    • 2 cans of tuna, drained
    • 1 cup corn kernels (canned or cooked)
    • 1 cup cucumber, chopped
    • ½ cup green bell pepper, diced
    • ½ cup red bell pepper, diced
    • ½ cup white onion, finely chopped
  • For the Dressing:
    • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
    • 1 tablespoon soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce
    • 2 tablespoons mustard
    • 3 tablespoons tomato sauce
    • 3 tablespoons mayonnaise
    • 1 tablespoon olive oil
    • ½ teaspoon salt
    • ¼ teaspoon black pepper or oregano

Instructions

  1. Prepare the Pasta: Heat a big pot of salted water until it’s boiling. Drop in the pasta and cook it according to the package directions until it’s perfectly al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to cool it down quickly. Set aside to drain completely.
  2. Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, prepare the vegetables. Chop the cucumber, green bell pepper, red bell pepper, and finely chop the white onion. Place all the chopped vegetables in a large mixing bowl along with the drained corn.
  3. Add the Tuna: Open the cans of tuna, drain any excess liquid, and flake the tuna into the bowl with the vegetables. Gently toss to combine the tuna with the vegetables.
  4. Make the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce, mustard, tomato sauce, mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and black pepper or oregano.
  5. Assemble the Salad: Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna and vegetables. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad. Toss everything together gently until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together. Prior to serving, give the salad a final mix and tweak the seasoning as necessary.

Conclusion

This Zesty Cold Pasta Salad with Tuna is a perfect dish for those who enjoy fresh, vibrant flavors in a convenient and healthy meal. The combination of tender pasta, protein-packed tuna, and crunchy vegetables all dressed in a tangy, flavorful sauce makes it a delightful option for any occasion. Whether you’re preparing a quick lunch or bringing a dish to share at a gathering, this pasta salad is sure to impress with its refreshing taste and appealing presentation. Enjoy the simplicity and deliciousness of this cold pasta salad!

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