Tuna Souvlaki Pasta Salad

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Are you looking for a delicious and refreshing salad that combines the flavors of a Greek souvlaki with the heartiness of pasta?

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Tuna Souvlaki Pasta Salad
Prep
30 min
Cook
10 min
Total
5 hr 10 min
Servings
8

Method

  1. Place red onion in a bowl of ice water in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to reduce its strong taste.

  2. After soaking, drain and rinse the red onion.

  3. In a large pot, bring lightly salted water to a boil.

  4. Cook the rotini in the boiling water until it is tender but still firm to the bite, which usually takes about 8 minutes.

  5. Drain the cooked rotini and rinse it under cold water.

  6. In a large bowl, combine the soaked red onion, pasta, tuna, celery, roasted red peppers, sun-dried tomatoes, feta cheese, parsley, basil, capers, and Greek dressing.

  7. Mix all the ingredients together well.

  8. Allow the mixture to marinate in the refrigerator for 4 hours to overnight.

  9. For the dressing, it is best to use a bright and lemony dressing. Homemade dressing is preferred, but if not available, store-bought dressing with some additional freshly squeezed lemon juice will work as well.

  10. This pasta salad can be served as a side dish or a main dish by adding another can of tuna.

  11. Limeade and lemonade are recommended beverages to pair with this salad.

  12. For dessert, baklava or lemon bars would be a great choice.

About this recipe

Are you looking for a delicious and refreshing salad that combines the flavors of a Greek souvlaki with the heartiness of pasta? Look no further than this Tuna Souvlaki Pasta Salad! This recipe is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or even as a light lunch or dinner. With its tangy dressing, crisp vegetables, and tender tuna, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your household.

Ingredients

Tuna Souvlaki Pasta Salad Dressing:

  • Extra virgin olive oil
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Garlic, minced
  • Ground oregano
  • Lemon juice
  • Salt and pepper

Tuna Souvlaki Pasta Salad:

  • Fusilli pasta
  • Cucumber
  • Cherry tomatoes
  • Red onion
  • Kalamata olives
  • Feta cheese
  • Canned tuna
  • Fresh parsley

Instructions

Making the Dressing:

To make the dressing, simply whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, ground oregano, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl. Set aside.

Preparing the Salad:

Cook the fusilli pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process.

In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, sliced cucumber, halved cherry tomatoes, sliced red onion, Kalamata olives, crumbled feta cheese, and canned tuna. Toss gently to combine.

Pour the dressing over the salad and toss again until everything is well coated. Sprinkle fresh parsley on top for an extra burst of flavor and color.

Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.

Frequently asked questions

. Can I use a different type of pasta for this salad?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta you prefer. Penne, rotini, or even macaroni would work well in this recipe.

. Can I substitute fresh tuna for canned tuna?

Absolutely! Grilled or seared fresh tuna would add a wonderful smoky flavor to the salad.

. Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad can be made a day in advance. Just store it in the refrigerator and give it a good toss before serving.

. Is this salad suitable for vegetarians?

This particular recipe includes canned tuna, but you can easily omit it to make it vegetarian-friendly.

. Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Of course! Feel free to add any vegetables you like, such as bell peppers, zucchini, or even roasted red peppers.

. Can I use a different type of cheese?

Absolutely! If you're not a fan of feta cheese, you can substitute it with crumbled goat cheese or even grated Parmesan.

. Can I make this salad gluten-free?

Yes, simply swap the regular pasta for gluten-free pasta, and you'll have a delicious gluten-free salad.

. Can I serve this salad warm?

While this salad is typically served chilled, you can enjoy it warm if you prefer. Just skip the refrigeration step and serve immediately after tossing with the dressing.

In conclusion, this Tuna Souvlaki Pasta Salad is a delightful combination of flavors and textures that is perfect for any occasion. Whether you're serving it at a summer gathering or enjoying it as a light meal, this salad is sure to impress. So, why not give it a try and enjoy the fresh and tangy goodness of this Mediterranean-inspired dish?

AprilCook, recipe developer and the heart of Chefwiz. More about April

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