Zesty Lemon Tuna Pasta Salad
Revitalize your pasta salad experience with this vibrant Zesty Lemon Tuna Pasta Salad. Bursting with fresh flavors, this dish combines perfectly al dente penne pasta with tender peas, colorful red peppers, and crunchy carrots, all brought together with a creamy lemon mayonnaise dressing. The addition of canned tuna in olive oil provides a hearty element, while the peppery rocket and shaved Parmesan cheese add an irresistible finishing touch. This dish is not only a winner for a quick lunch or dinner but also a crowd-pleaser for gatherings, proving that pasta salads can be both satisfying and refreshing. Try it warm or cold, and experience its delightful taste any time of the year!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
10
Ingredients
Ingredients
penne pasta
300 g (cooked al dente)
frozen peas
1 cup (cooked)
mayonnaise
4 tablespoons (for dressing)
lemon
1/2 (juiced)
tuna in olive oil
200 g (drained and flaked)
red peppers
2 (seeded and sliced)
red onion
1 (thinly sliced)
rocket (arugula)
to taste (fresh, for topping)
carrot
1 (thinly sliced)
Parmesan cheese
to taste (shaved, for topping)
Instructions
1
Begin by cooking the penne pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water, following package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and set aside, reserving a small amount of the pasta water.
2
Cook the frozen peas in a separate pot of boiling water for about 2-3 minutes until tender. Drain and set aside.
3
In a mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and 1 tablespoon of the tuna oil until smooth and creamy. Adjust seasoning with salt and pepper to taste.
4
Carefully drain the canned tuna, ensuring to save the oil, and then flake it gently with a fork. Add the tuna to the mayonnaise mixture, combining it well.
5
In a large salad bowl, combine the drained pasta, peas, sliced red peppers, thinly sliced red onion, and carrot. Add the tuna-mayo mixture and toss gently, ensuring all ingredients are well coated. If the salad seems dry, you can add a splash of the reserved pasta water.
6
Just before serving, scatter a generous handful of fresh rocket (arugula) over the top and shave some Parmesan cheese for added texture and flavor.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Zesty Lemon Tuna Pasta Salad?
It is a vibrant, refreshing dish that combines penne pasta with tuna, peas, red peppers, and carrots in a creamy lemon mayonnaise dressing.
What type of pasta is best for this recipe?
Penne pasta is used in this recipe, cooked until al dente for the best texture.
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, fresh peas can be used; simply boil them until they are tender, similar to the frozen ones.
How do I make the dressing creamy?
The dressing is made by whisking together mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and a tablespoon of the oil from the canned tuna.
Should I keep the oil from the canned tuna?
Yes, you should reserve the oil as one tablespoon of it is used to add flavor and creaminess to the dressing.
How do I prepare the tuna for the salad?
Drain the tuna carefully and then flake it gently with a fork before mixing it into the dressing.
Can this pasta salad be served warm?
Yes, this dish is versatile and can be enjoyed either warm or cold.
Is this recipe suitable for meal prep?
Absolutely, it is a great option for a quick lunch or dinner and can be prepared in advance.
What vegetables are included in this salad?
The salad includes frozen peas, sliced red peppers, thinly sliced red onion, and carrots.
Why should I reserve some pasta water?
The reserved pasta water can be added to the salad if it seems too dry, helping to loosen the dressing and coat the ingredients.
Can I substitute the red onion?
Yes, you can use green onions or shallots if you prefer a milder onion flavor.
What is a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Greek yogurt or sour cream can be used as a substitute for a different tangy flavor profile.
What can I use instead of rocket (arugula)?
Fresh baby spinach or watercress are excellent alternatives to rocket.
How long does it take to cook the peas?
The frozen peas only need about 2 to 3 minutes in boiling water until they are tender.
Can I add more lemon juice?
Yes, you can adjust the amount of lemon juice to suit your personal preference for tartness.
How should the carrots be prepared?
The carrots should be thinly sliced to ensure they provide a pleasant crunch without being too hard.
Can I use tuna in spring water?
You can, but you may need to add an extra tablespoon of olive oil to the dressing to compensate for the missing tuna oil.
What kind of cheese is recommended for the topping?
Shaved Parmesan cheese is recommended for its salty flavor and firm texture.
How do I prevent the salad from being dry?
Ensure the tuna-mayo mixture is well combined and use a splash of reserved pasta water if needed.
Can I add other vegetables to this recipe?
Yes, vegetables like cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or corn would also work well in this salad.
Is this tuna pasta salad healthy?
Yes, it features fresh vegetables, lean protein from tuna, and healthy fats if using olive oil-based tuna.
How can I make this recipe vegetarian?
To make it vegetarian, omit the tuna and consider adding chickpeas or extra vegetables.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long will the salad stay fresh in the fridge?
The salad will stay fresh and tasty for up to 2 to 3 days when properly refrigerated.
Is this dish good for large gatherings?
Yes, it is a crowd-pleaser and easy to scale up for parties or potlucks.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
It is generally better not to rinse the pasta so the dressing adheres better, but you can if you want to cool it down quickly for a cold salad.
What if I don't have penne pasta?
You can use other short pasta shapes like fusilli, farfalle (bow-tie), or rotini.
Can I use bottled lemon juice?
Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor, but bottled juice can be used in a pinch.
When should I add the rocket and Parmesan?
Scatter the rocket and shave the Parmesan over the top just before serving to keep them fresh.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
Based on the ingredient amounts, this recipe typically serves approximately 4 people.