Delightful Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs for Summer Fun

Every bite of Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is a delightful dance of flavors. Imagine tender pasta intertwined with juicy tuna, bright green herbs, and a zingy dressing that makes your taste buds do a happy little jig. This dish isn’t just food; it’s an experience, one that whisks you away to picnics in the park and sun-drenched backyard barbecues.

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Picture this: you’re at a summer gathering, the sun is shining, and someone brings out a bowl of this vibrant Tuna Pasta Salad. The aroma hits you first—the freshness of herbs mingled with the savory scent of tuna creates an irresistible allure. You take a bite, and suddenly you’re transported to a care-free moment where every worry melts away into the deliciousness of this dish. Trust me; you’ll want to make this salad for every occasion, whether it’s a lazy Sunday lunch or a fancy potluck—because who doesn’t love a dish that tastes like sunshine?

I remember the first time I made this salad for my friends; their eyes lit up as they took their first bites, declaring it “the best pasta salad ever.”

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

• Pasta: Choose your favorite type; I love using fusilli for its perfect sauce-hugging shape.

• Canned Tuna: Opt for high-quality tuna packed in olive oil for extra flavor.

• Fresh Herbs: Basil and parsley add freshness—feel free to mix in whatever herbs you love.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Sweet and juicy cherry tomatoes bring vibrant color and flavor to the salad.

• Red Onion: A small amount adds crunch and sharpness; let it soak in lemon juice to mellow its bite.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens every ingredient in the salad.

• Olive Oil: A good quality extra virgin olive oil enhances richness in each bite.

• Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning; adjust according to your taste preferences.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it together

Cook the Pasta: Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add your pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking.

Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained tuna, diced cherry tomatoes, finely chopped red onion, and roughly chopped fresh herbs. Stir gently so as not to break up the tuna too much.

Make the Dressing: Whisk together olive oil, freshly squeezed lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified. Taste it—if it’s lacking zing, add more lemon!

Toss Everything Together: Add cooled pasta to the tuna mixture. Pour over the dressing and give everything a good toss until all ingredients are well coated and mixed evenly.

Chill & Serve!: Let your Tuna Pasta Salad chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows all those fantastic flavors to meld beautifully together.

This delightful Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is not just quick but also versatile enough to adapt based on what you have on hand. Enjoy every flavorful forkful—your taste buds will thank you!

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water to cool. While the pasta cooks, prep your veggies and herbs for a seamless assembly.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap tuna for canned chicken or add roasted red peppers for extra flavor. You can also toss in some olives or feta cheese for a Mediterranean twist.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftover Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy it cold straight from the fridge without reheating.

I remember making this Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs for a summer picnic. Friends devoured it faster than I could serve! It became my go-to dish for gatherings, always met with rave reviews.

FAQ

Can I use fresh herbs in Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs?

Absolutely! Fresh herbs enhance flavor significantly compared to dried ones.

How long can I store Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs?

You can store it in the fridge for up to three days without losing quality.

Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?

Yes! It’s perfect for meal prep since it keeps well and tastes great cold.

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Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is a refreshing and flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion. Tender pasta meets juicy tuna, vibrant cherry tomatoes, and a medley of fresh herbs, all tossed in a zesty lemon dressing. This easy-to-make salad can be served at picnics, potlucks, or as a quick lunch option. With its colorful presentation and burst of flavors, it’s sure to impress your guests and leave them craving more.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz fusilli pasta
• 1 (5 oz) can high-quality tuna packed in olive oil, drained
• 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
• 1/4 cup fresh basil, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the fusilli pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, red onion, basil, and parsley.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk together lemon juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper until emulsified.
4. Add the cooled pasta to the tuna mixture. Pour the dressing over and toss gently until well combined.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: Mediterranean

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (about 230g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 420mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 11g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 30g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 18g
• Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: You can substitute canned chicken for tuna or add olives for an extra flavor boost. For meal prep, store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.