The moment you take a bite of Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs, your taste buds will dance like they just won the lottery. This dish is a delightful blend of flavors and textures that’ll make your mouth sing. Picture this: perfectly cooked pasta mingling with tender tuna, crisp veggies, and a sprinkle of fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty dressing that’s so good you’ll want to drink it straight from the bowl.
This recipe holds a special place in my heart; it reminds me of sunny picnics and family gatherings where laughter fills the air. It’s the kind of dish that brings everyone together, making memories one delicious bite at a time. Whether you’re enjoying it at a barbecue or as a quick lunch, I promise this Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs will leave you craving more.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- This Tuna Pasta Salad is incredibly easy to prepare, allowing you to whip it up in no time for any occasion
- The flavor profile is both refreshing and satisfying, making it an instant crowd-pleaser
- Its vibrant colors and textures not only please the palate but also look stunning on any table
- Perfect for summer picnics or as a quick weeknight dinner option without compromising on taste
I remember the first time I made this salad for my friends; their reactions were priceless as they gobbled it up like there was no tomorrow.
Essential Ingredients
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
Pasta (Fusilli or Penne): Choose your favorite shape; I love fusilli because it holds the sauce beautifully.
Canned Tuna: Opt for high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for richer flavor.
Cherry Tomatoes: Fresh and juicy cherry tomatoes add sweetness and color to your salad.
Cucumber: A crisp cucumber provides refreshing crunch that balances the other ingredients.
Red Onion: Finely diced for a hint of sharpness without overpowering the dish.
Fresh Herbs (Basil and Parsley): Bright herbs elevate flavors; use fresh whenever possible for best results.
Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice adds zesty brightness that ties everything together.
Olive Oil: Quality extra virgin olive oil enriches the dressing with depth and smoothness.
Salt and Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all those fabulous flavors.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
Let’s Make It Together
Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot; add salt for flavor before tossing in your pasta. Cook until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
Prepare the Vegetables: While pasta cooks, chop cherry tomatoes and cucumber into bite-sized pieces. Dice red onion finely; remember not to cry too much!
Mix the Tuna: In a large bowl, combine canned tuna (drained) with cooled pasta and prepared vegetables. Gently fold them together using a spatula—no mashing allowed!
Create the Dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until well combined. Drizzle over your pasta mixture generously.
Add Fresh Herbs: Toss in chopped basil and parsley; these herbs will make your salad aromatic! Mix gently until everything is well coated with dressing.
Chill Before Serving: For best results, let your salad chill in the fridge for about 30 minutes before serving. This allows flavors to meld beautifully.
Now you have an incredible Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs ready to impress anyone lucky enough to join you at the table!
You Must Know
- This Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs not only offers delightful flavors but also allows for easy meal prep
- The fragrance of fresh herbs mingling with pasta is simply irresistible
- It’s perfect for picnics or quick lunches, making it a versatile dish for any occasion
Perfecting the Cooking Process
Start by cooking the pasta until al dente, then drain and cool it. While the pasta cools, mix the dressing and prepare your veggies to save time and enhance flavor.
Add Your Touch
Feel free to swap tuna for chickpeas or add seasonal veggies like cherry tomatoes or bell peppers for extra crunch and color. Personalize it to suit your taste!
Storing & Reheating
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, enjoy cold without reheating to maintain freshness.
Chef's Helpful Tips
- Use high-quality canned tuna for a richer flavor; don’t skimp on the herbs for aroma
- Remember that letting the salad sit boosts flavor absorption, making each bite more enjoyable
- Aim for a balance between creamy and tangy dressings to elevate your dish!
Sharing this recipe at a family gathering was a hit; everyone raved about how refreshing and tasty it was—a reminder that simple ingredients can create extraordinary meals.
FAQ
Can I use fresh fish instead of canned tuna?
Absolutely! Grilled or poached fresh fish works beautifully in this recipe.
What herbs pair best with Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs?
Basil, parsley, dill, and chives complement the tuna wonderfully, adding depth to the salad.
How can I make this salad gluten-free?
Simply substitute regular pasta with gluten-free pasta options available in stores today.
Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: Serves 4
Description
Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines perfectly cooked pasta, tender tuna, and crisp vegetables, all tossed in a zesty dressing. This delightful salad is perfect for summer picnics, family gatherings, or quick weeknight dinners. With its bright flavors and satisfying textures, it’s sure to become a favorite at your table!
Ingredients
- 8 oz (225g) fusilli or penne pasta
- 1 can (5 oz/140g) high-quality tuna packed in olive oil, drained
- 1 cup (150g) cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cup (150g) cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup (40g) red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup (15g) fresh basil, chopped
- 1/2 cup (15g) fresh parsley, chopped
- Juice of 1 lemon (about 2 tbsp)
- 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- 1. Cook the pasta in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and let cool.
- 2. While the pasta cools, chop the cherry tomatoes and cucumber, and dice the red onion.
- 3. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna with cooled pasta and prepared vegetables. Gently mix using a spatula.
- 4. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper. Drizzle over the pasta mixture.
- 5. Add chopped basil and parsley; toss gently to coat everything in the dressing.
- 6. Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes before serving to let flavors meld.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
- Calories: 320
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 300mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 11g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
