Mediterranean Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad
This Mediterranean Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad is a delightful and nutritious meal perfect for anyone on the go, especially for my hardworking boyfriend, Bill. Packed with protein and carbohydrates, this dish not only fuels his busy day but also delights his taste buds with vibrant flavors. The combination of tender rotini pasta, protein-rich tuna, and aromatic pesto creates a satisfying lunch that keeps well in the fridge, making it an ideal meal prep option. Bring a bit of sunshine to your lunch break with this easy-to-make pasta salad that provides both energy and deliciousness!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
tuna in olive oil
2 (cans (6 ounces each), drained and flaked)
prepared pesto sauce
4 (tablespoons)
black pepper
1/4 (teaspoon)
mayonnaise
1/2 (cup)
parmesan cheese
2 (tablespoons, grated)
lemons
1 (juice of, or 2 tablespoons lemon juice)
sliced black olives
1 (can (8 ounces))
rotini pasta
3 (cups, uncooked)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained and flaked tuna, prepared pesto sauce, black pepper, mayonnaise, grated parmesan cheese, sliced black olives, and freshly squeezed lemon juice. Stir until well combined, ensuring that the tuna is evenly coated.
3
Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the tuna mixture. Gently fold the pasta into the tuna and pesto mix until everything is well incorporated.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
5
Serve chilled or at room temperature, and enjoy a tasty and satisfying lunch that travels well!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mediterranean Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad?
It is a nutritious, protein-rich meal featuring rotini pasta, tuna, pesto, and Mediterranean flavors like olives and lemon juice.
What type of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cups of uncooked rotini pasta.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, while rotini is recommended, you can substitute other short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne.
How many cans of tuna are needed?
You will need two 6-ounce cans of tuna.
Should I use tuna in water or olive oil?
The recipe specifically recommends using tuna in olive oil for the best flavor.
Do I need to drain the tuna?
Yes, the tuna should be drained and flaked before being added to the mixture.
How much pesto sauce is required?
The recipe uses 4 tablespoons of prepared pesto sauce.
Is there mayonnaise in this pasta salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 1/2 cup of mayonnaise to help create a creamy texture.
What type of olives are included?
The recipe calls for one 8-ounce can of sliced black olives.
How much lemon juice should I use?
You should use the juice of one lemon, which is approximately 2 tablespoons.
Can I use bottled lemon juice instead of fresh?
Yes, you can substitute the juice of a fresh lemon with 2 tablespoons of bottled lemon juice.
Is there cheese in the Mediterranean Tuna Pesto Pasta Salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 tablespoons of grated parmesan cheese.
How much black pepper is added?
The recipe includes 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper.
How should the pasta be cooked?
Cook the rotini pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down before mixing.
How do I prepare the tuna mixture?
In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, pesto, black pepper, mayonnaise, parmesan, olives, and lemon juice.
When do I add the pasta to the other ingredients?
Add the pasta once it has completely cooled down after being rinsed.
How long should the salad refrigerate?
The salad should be refrigerated for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Why does the salad need to be refrigerated?
Refrigerating the salad allows the various flavors to meld together properly.
Can this salad be served at room temperature?
Yes, it can be served either chilled or at room temperature.
Is this recipe good for meal prep?
Yes, it is an ideal meal prep option because it keeps well in the fridge and travels easily.
Is this a high-protein recipe?
Yes, the combination of tuna and pasta makes it a protein-rich and energy-boosting meal.
Is this recipe suitable for a work lunch?
Absolutely, it is designed as a satisfying lunch that is easy to take on the go.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 8 main ingredients in this recipe.
Can I add extra vegetables?
While not in the original recipe, you can certainly add ingredients like cherry tomatoes or cucumbers for extra crunch.
What makes this 'Mediterranean'?
The use of ingredients like olive oil-based tuna, pesto, black olives, and lemon juice gives it a Mediterranean flavor profile.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is described as an easy-to-make pasta salad with simple assembly steps.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is cooking the rotini pasta until al dente.
How should I combine the pasta and the tuna mixture?
Gently fold the cooled pasta into the tuna and pesto mix until everything is well incorporated.
Who was the inspiration for this recipe?
The recipe was created as a nutritious meal for the creator's boyfriend, Bill.