Pasta Salad with Tuna, Pine Nuts, and Red Peppers ๐๐ฅ
Description: This pasta salad is a delightful blend of flavors, combining the richness of tuna with the crunch of pine nuts and the sweetness of red peppers. It’s a versatile dish that tastes great freshly made but even better when left to meld together overnight, allowing the flavors to intensify.
Cook Time: 15 minutes
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 30 minutes
Recipe Category: Tuna
Keywords: < 30 Mins, Easy
Nutritional Information (per serving):
- Calories: 553.9
- Fat Content: 26.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 3.8g
- Cholesterol Content: 77.4mg
- Sodium Content: 934.1mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 58.9g
- Fiber Content: 4g
- Sugar Content: 2.6g
- Protein Content: 20.6g
Servings: 6
Ingredients:
| Quantity | Ingredient |
|---|---|
| 6 tbsp | Olive Oil |
| 1/2 cup | Pine Nuts |
| 2 cloves | Garlic |
| 1 cup | Tomatoes, chopped |
| 1 can (approx. 6 oz) | Tuna in Water, drained |
| 1 jar (approx. 7 oz) | Pimientos, drained and diced |
| 1/2 cup | Pitted Black Olives, sliced |
| 2 tbsp | Red Wine Vinegar |
| 1 tsp | Salt |
| 1/4 tsp | Black Pepper |
| 1 package (approx. 12 oz) | Spinach Fettuccine or Linguine |
| 2 tbsp | Fresh Parsley, chopped |
Instructions:
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Prepare the Pine Nuts: Heat the olive oil in a heavy 6-inch skillet over moderate heat for about a minute. Add the pine nuts and cook until lightly browned, which usually takes about 2 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
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Create the Base: Stir in the chopped tomatoes and garlic to the skillet with the pine nuts. Let them cook together for another minute until the flavors meld. Then, transfer this flavorful mixture to a large bowl.
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Mix the Salad: To the bowl with the tomato mixture, add the drained tuna, diced red peppers (pimientos), sliced black olives, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper. Mix everything well, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated with the flavors.
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Let it Stand (Optional): If you’re not serving the salad immediately, cover the bowl with plastic wrap and let it stand at room temperature for up to 2 hours. This allows the flavors to develop even further.
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Cook the Pasta: While the flavors meld, cook the pasta according to the package directions until it’s al dente, which means it’s still slightly firm to the bite. Once cooked, drain the pasta in a colander.
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Combine and Garnish: Add the drained pasta to the bowl with the tuna mixture. Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated with the flavorful sauce. Sprinkle freshly chopped parsley on top for a burst of freshness and color.
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Serve: This pasta salad is best enjoyed at room temperature, allowing all the flavors to shine. Serve it as a main dish or as a side alongside sesame breadsticks and steamed asparagus for a complete meal.
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Enjoy! Dive into this delicious Pasta Salad with Tuna, Pine Nuts, and Red Peppers and savor every bite of its harmonious flavors.
Tips:
- For added texture and flavor, consider adding some grated Parmesan cheese on top before serving.
- To make it a complete meal, you can add other vegetables like diced cucumber or bell peppers.
- Feel free to customize the salad by adding your favorite ingredients like capers or sun-dried tomatoes.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Just give it a quick toss before serving again.
