Tuna Spaghetti Salad Recipe
Overview:
Dive into a culinary adventure with this delightful Tuna Spaghetti Salad recipe, a refreshing twist on the traditional creamy tuna pasta salad. Perfect for a light dinner, lunch, or as a scrumptious addition to any BBQ buffet or potluck gathering, this dish is as versatile as it is flavorful. With a preparation time of just 10 minutes and a total cook time of 20 minutes, this recipe is a breeze to whip up, making it an ideal choice for those busy days when you crave something delicious but don’t have hours to spare in the kitchen. Bursting with wholesome ingredients like tuna, spaghetti, fresh vegetables, and aromatic herbs, this dish is sure to tantalize your taste buds and leave you craving for more.
Recipe Details:
- Preparation Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Servings: 6
- Calories: 356.5 per serving
Ingredients:
- 3/4 lb spaghetti
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 3 tomatoes, diced
- 1/4 cup roasted peppers (substitute with raw red bell peppers if desired)
- 2 cans (6 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 2/3 cup black olives (preferably Greek Kalamata olives)
- 2 tbsp chopped flat-leaf parsley
- 2 tbsp chopped fresh basil
- 2 green onions, thinly sliced
Instructions:
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Cook Spaghetti: Begin by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the spaghetti and cook until it reaches the al dente stage. Once cooked, drain the spaghetti well and set it aside.
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Prepare Sauce: While the spaghetti is cooking, in a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, minced garlic, black pepper, and salt until well combined.
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Add Ingredients: To the bowl with the sauce, add the diced tomatoes, roasted peppers (or substitute), drained tuna, and black olives. Give everything a good stir to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce.
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Incorporate Herbs: Next, stir in the chopped parsley, basil, and sliced green onions. These aromatic herbs will elevate the flavors of the dish, so be sure not to substitute them with dried herbs for the best results.
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Combine with Spaghetti: Add the well-drained spaghetti to the bowl with the sauce and toss everything together until the spaghetti is thoroughly coated with the sauce and ingredients.
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Adjust Seasoning: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning if necessary by adding more salt and pepper according to your preference.
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Serve: This Tuna Spaghetti Salad is best served either warm or at room temperature. If you plan to make it ahead of time, cover it well and refrigerate it, but be sure to bring it back to room temperature before serving to enjoy its full flavors.
Nutritional Information:
- Calories: 356.5
- Fat Content: 7.9g
- Saturated Fat Content: 1.4g
- Cholesterol Content: 29.1mg
- Sodium Content: 390.6mg
- Carbohydrate Content: 45.6g
- Fiber Content: 2.8g
- Sugar Content: 2.3g
- Protein Content: 24.5g
Serving Suggestions:
This Tuna Spaghetti Salad is a complete meal on its own but pairs wonderfully with a side of crusty bread or a simple green salad for a more substantial feast. For a refreshing beverage option, serve it alongside a chilled glass of white wine or sparkling water with a squeeze of lemon. Whether enjoyed as a quick weeknight dinner or as part of a leisurely weekend lunch spread, this vibrant and flavorful dish is sure to impress your family and friends with its taste and simplicity. So, gather your ingredients and get ready to embark on a culinary journey filled with delicious flavors and delightful textures!
