Mediterranean Tuna Farfalle Salad
This vibrant Mediterranean Tuna Farfalle Salad brings together the rich flavors of Omega-rich Barilla plus multi-grain pasta, fresh veggies, and tender, flaked tuna. Each bite is a delightful mix of textures and tastes, perfect for a quick meal or as a refreshing side dish. Loaded with nutritious ingredients, this salad is not only satisfying but also a wholesome choice for a busy lifestyle. The combination of crunchy cucumbers, sweet peas, and zesty fire-roasted red peppers come together beautifully with a creamy, cholesterol-free canola mayonnaise dressing, making it a hit at picnics, barbecues, or family dinners. Prepare it ahead of time for a hassle-free mealtime solution that everyone will love!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
11
Ingredients
Ingredients
light chunk tuna in water
2 (cans, rinsed, drained, and flaked)
farfalle pasta (Barilla plus multi-grain pasta)
14.5 (ounces)
frozen peas
1 (cup)
cucumber
1 (cup, seeded and diced)
onion
1/3-1/2 (cup, finely chopped)
fire roasted red pepper
1 (minced)
canola mayonnaise
1 (cup, cholesterol-free)
red wine vinegar
2 (tablespoons)
fresh parsley
1/4 (cup, chopped)
salt
to taste
pepper
to taste
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the farfalle pasta and cook for 9 minutes according to package instructions. In the last minute of cooking, add the frozen peas. Drain well and set aside to cool.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the rinsed and flaked tuna, diced cucumber, finely chopped onion, minced fire-roasted red pepper, canola mayonnaise, red wine vinegar, and chopped parsley. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Toss well to combine all the ingredients evenly.
3
Once the pasta and peas have cooled, add them to the vegetable and tuna mixture in the bowl. Gently toss everything together until the pasta is well coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together. Before serving, give it a gentle stir and garnish with a sprig of fresh parsley.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the main protein in the Mediterranean Tuna Farfalle Salad?
The main protein in this recipe is light chunk tuna in water, which should be rinsed, drained, and flaked.
What type of pasta is recommended for this recipe?
The recipe calls for farfalle pasta, specifically Barilla plus multi-grain pasta for its omega-rich benefits.
How long should the farfalle pasta be cooked?
The farfalle pasta should be cooked for 9 minutes according to the package instructions.
When should I add the frozen peas to the pot?
Add the frozen peas to the boiling water during the last minute of the pasta's cooking time.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate before serving?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld together.
What kind of mayonnaise is used in the dressing?
The recipe uses cholesterol-free canola mayonnaise for a creamy yet wholesome dressing.
What type of vinegar provides the zest in this salad?
Red wine vinegar is used to add a zesty Mediterranean flavor to the dressing.
How should the cucumber be prepared?
The cucumber should be seeded and diced before being added to the salad.
What kind of peppers are included in the recipe?
The recipe includes minced fire-roasted red peppers.
Is this recipe suitable for a quick meal?
Yes, it is tagged as a 30-minute meal and a quick meal option.
What herb is used for both flavor and garnish?
Fresh parsley is used both in the salad and as a garnish before serving.
How many ingredients are required for this salad?
There are 11 ingredients in total, including salt and pepper.
What are the primary health benefits of this salad?
It is described as omega-rich, healthy, and filled with fresh vegetables and multi-grain pasta.
Can this salad be served at outdoor events?
Yes, it is highly recommended for picnics, barbecues, and family dinners.
How much onion should be added?
The recipe suggests 1/3 to 1/2 cup of finely chopped onion.
What is the weight of the pasta package used?
The recipe uses a 14.5-ounce package of farfalle pasta.
Is the tuna used in oil or water?
The recipe specifically calls for tuna in water.
How do you ensure the dressing coats the pasta evenly?
Gently toss the cooled pasta and peas with the tuna and vegetable mixture until well coated.
What should I do after the pasta and peas are cooked?
Drain them well and set them aside to cool before mixing with other ingredients.
Does this salad contain fiber?
Yes, the use of multi-grain pasta and fresh vegetables makes it a fiber-friendly choice.
What is the first step in preparing the tuna?
The tuna should be rinsed and drained before being flaked for the salad.
Can I prepare this recipe in advance?
Yes, preparing it ahead of time is a great hassle-free mealtime solution.
What seasonings are recommended?
Salt and pepper are added to taste to season the salad.
How much parsley is needed for the mixture?
The recipe requires 1/4 cup of chopped fresh parsley.
What is the texture of the finished salad?
It features a mix of textures, including crunchy cucumbers and tender, flaked tuna.
Is there a specific brand of pasta mentioned?
The recipe suggests Barilla plus multi-grain pasta.
How much frozen peas are required?
You will need 1 cup of frozen peas.
What should be done just before serving?
Give the salad a gentle stir and garnish it with a sprig of fresh parsley.
What is the flavor profile of the salad?
It is described as vibrant, zesty, and creamy with rich Mediterranean flavors.
How much red wine vinegar is used?
The recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of red wine vinegar.