Healthy Tuna & Pasta Salad

Name: Healthy Tuna & Pasta Salad
Prep time: 20 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 28 min
Yield: 3-4 , 3-4 serving(s)
Ingredients: half of a 1 lb. box barilla piccolini pasta, mini wheels; extra virgin olive oil (EVOO); 1 (5 ounce) can bumble bee prime filet solid albacore tuna; 1 1/2 teaspoons parsley flakes; dried onion flakes, to taste; sea salt, to taste; pepper, to taste; 1 finely grated carrot; 1/2 of a small tomatoes, finely chopped

Submitted by CarenG10

"Simple, healthy and delicious combo of tuna and pasta."

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photo by flower7

Ready In:: 28mins
Ingredients:: 9
Serves:: 3-4

ingredients

half of a 1 lb. box barilla piccolini pasta, mini wheels
extra virgin olive oil (EVOO)
1 (5 ounce) can bumble bee prime filet solid albacore tuna
1 ¹⁄₂ teaspoons parsley flakes
dried onion flakes, to taste
sea salt, to taste
pepper, to taste
1 finely grated carrot
¹⁄₂ of a small tomatoes, finely chopped

directions

Add pasta, 1 tspn. parsley flakes, dried onion (vary amount depending on how much you like onions), sea salt and pepper to a pot of water large enough to cook and stir all ingredients. Bring to a boil and then cook 8 minutes (al dente') or 10 minutes (soft). Drain in colander and rinse with cold water to chill down the pasta. It is not necessary to remove onion/parsley bits. Return to pot after thoroughly drained. Drizzle with EVOO and stir to coat all pasta, then place pot in refrigerator until completely cooled. To quicken the process place in freezer but keep an eye on it to make sure it's not freezing.
Drain tuna, place in a small bowl and mash with a fork until it's of uniform consistency. Add a small amount of EVOO, remaining parsley flakes, minced onion to taste, salt & pepper to taste. Blend well. When pasta has completely cooled, add tuna mixture, carrot and tomato to pot and blend well. Taste and add EVOO/seasonings as desired.

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Reviews

This is very tasty! Once I got the amount of salt to suit my tastebuds, I was surprised at all the different layers of flavors. I went to two stores and they had all the other piccolini mini pastas except the wheels, so I used piccolini farfalle. In the finished salad, instead of dried parsley and onion, I used fresh parsley and green onion (I did use the dried while cooking the pasta). I also added a splash of white wine vinegar, which really brightened the flavors. Oh, I didn't bother with cooling the pasta too much, it cooled well enough once it was mixed in with the other ingredients. I'm really enjoying this now and I think it might be even better after chilling. Will make again! Thanks for sharing!

flower7
I will NEVER buy a Barilla product because of their stated views against gay and lesbian people. There are other products available. I like Italian pasta rather than American made.

Sarah W.
This made a nice,refreshing lunch that my family enjoyed. I was very surprised at the "extra" flavor the tomato and carrot added. I couldn't find wagon wheel pasta, so I used rotini. Next time, I might add diced onion instead of flakes. Made for Spring PAC,2011.

kellychris
Haven't made it yet but will make it Friday!!! Thanks for the comments.......glad there is no vinegar...there is bow ties in the picture and I'm gonna get the baby bow ties for this salad. Will also use sliced onion. The tomatoes and carrots will add a great flavor to this too! Thanks for the recipe and ideas! Am going to the Farmers Market to get green tomatoes for fried green tomatoes, they will be WONDERFUL with it!

karen.serra
Great light salad. I added fresh parsley, white vinegar and two teaspoon of mustard. Delicious. Thank you.

Ania K.