:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/tuna-and-veggie-pasta-salad-2121993-hero-02-eb23297df9b5428888d80ea5979ea389.jpg)
The Spruce / Qi Ai
Nutrition Facts (per serving) | |
---|---|
402 | Calories |
29g | Fat |
18g | Carbs |
18g | Protein |
Nutrition Facts | |
---|---|
Servings: 4 to 6 | |
Amount per serving | |
Calories | 402 |
% Daily Value* | |
Total Fat 29g | 37% |
Saturated Fat 4g | 22% |
Cholesterol 32mg | 11% |
Sodium 971mg | 42% |
Total Carbohydrate 18g | 7% |
Dietary Fiber 4g | 14% |
Total Sugars 2g | |
Protein 18g | |
Vitamin C 39mg | 193% |
Calcium 56mg | 4% |
Iron 2mg | 10% |
Potassium 401mg | 9% |
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice. |
Tuna pasta salad is a potluck and picnic classic, and this one ups the game with the addition of crisp blanched broccoli, juicy cherry tomatoes, olives and scallions. This colorful, one-dish meal is also ideal for a quick, kid-friendly supper on a busy night, or for toting along in packed lunches.
Look forward to that packed lunch by pairing this tuna pasta combo with a delicious salad. Iced tea and fresh strawberries are ideal go-withs, too.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
-
8 ounces (227 grams) rotini pasta, or fusilli pasta
-
2 cups small fresh broccoli florets
-
2 (5-ounce) cans water-packed tuna, drained
-
1 cup cherry tomatoes, or grape tomatoes, halved
-
3/4 cup sliced black or green olives
-
3 medium scallions, white and light green parts only, sliced crosswise
For the Dressing:
-
1/2 cup (115 milliliters) mayonnaise
-
1/4 cup (60 milliliters) olive oil
-
1 tablespoon white wine vinegar, or rice vinegar
-
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard, optional
-
1/2 teaspoon salt
-
1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
Steps to Make It
-
Gather the ingredients.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
Cook pasta according to package directions in boiling salted water.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
For the last minute of cooking, add the broccoli florets.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
Drain noodles and broccoli.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
Rinse immediately under very cold running water and drain well.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
In a large bowl, combine the pasta and broccoli with the tuna, tomatoes, olives, and scallions.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise, olive oil, vinegar, mustard (if using), salt and pepper.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
Beat with a whisk for a creamy-textured dressing.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
-
Just before serving, pour dressing over tuna-pasta salad and mix well.
The Spruce / Qi Ai
Variations
- Want to make the recipe more wholesome? Try swapping regular pasta for whole wheat. Between the veggies, tuna, and dressing, there are lots of complementary flavors and textures in the dish to help whole-grain newbies get acclimated to the change.
- Not a fan of mayo-based dressings? Skip it and toss the salad with a fruity extra virgin olive oil and freshly squeezed lemon juice to taste. Season with freshly cracked black pepper and a pinch of coarse sea salt, if desired.
Tip
- Tuna and mayo are both pretty perishable, so if you're sending this to work or school, be sure to pack the refrigerated salad in a thermos to keep it safely cool until lunchtime.
- Transporting it to a picnic or potluck? A well-insulated cooler bag with plenty of ice packs is a good bet.
Recipe Tags: