Tuna and Spinach Pasta Salad
A twist on traditional Tuna Pasta Salad.
Okay, so when we say Tuna Pasta Salad, we all think of the recipe that calls for Tuna, Peas, Celery and Pasta Shells in a creamy mayo dressing. While the traditional recipe is good, it is nice to have a few lighter alternatives.
Since this recipe does not use a mayo based dressing, you can make a big batch of this one for the buffet table. By the way, my husband had no idea there was Tuna in this recipe. He thought it was chicken!
TUNA AND SPINACH PASTA SALAD
Ingredients:
- 3 (5 oz.) Cans Solid White Albacore Tuna in Water, drained
- 2 Cups Baby Spinach, roughly chopped
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
- 2/3 Cup Diced Red Onion
- 3/4 Cup Grape Tomatoes, halved
- 10 Oz. Whole Grain Penne Pasta
- 1 Cup Shredded Parmesan Cheese
- 2/3 Cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil
- 1/3 Cup Freshly Squeezed Lemon Juice
- Freshly Ground Black Pepper
Directions:
1. Prepare the Pasta according to package directions then pour into a colander in the sink and run cold water over the Pasta allowing it to cool.
2. In a glass jar, add the Olive Oil and Lemon Juice. Give your Pepper Mill a few good turns directly into the jar. Place the lid on the jar and give the jar a good shake. Set the dressing aside while you prepare the Salad.
3. In a large bowl, add the Onion, Celery, Spinach, cooled Pasta, Tomatoes and Tuna.
4. Now give the Dressing in the jar another really good shake then drizzle the Dressing over the Pasta mixture in the bowl. Sprinkle the Parmesan Cheese on top and give your Pepper mill a few good turns over all. Now using a spatula fold all the ingredients together.
Serve this Salad with warmed dinner rolls for lunch or dinner.
Recipe by: Hot Dish Homemaker
