How long does pasta salad with tuna and pesto last in the fridge?

You can store Pasta Salad with Tuna and Pesto in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two days. Keep it cold until you are ready to serve to ensure the best texture.

Can I make this pasta salad with tuna and pesto ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Pasta Salad with Tuna and Pesto a few hours before you need it. If you store it overnight, you might need to add a little extra pesto as the pasta tends to absorb the sauce.

Which pasta shape works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like fusilli or penne are ideal for this dish. They have a good surface area for the pesto to cling to and catch the small flakes of fish.

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Pasta Salad with Tuna and Pesto

Name: Pasta Salad with Tuna and Pesto
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Pasta Salad with Tuna and Pesto
Ingredients: 300 grams dried fusilli pasta; 2 tins tuna in spring water; 150 grams green basil pesto; 200 grams cherry tomatoes; 1 red onion; 50 grams fresh baby spinach; 1 lemon for juice; 1 pinch salt and pepper

Pasta Salad with Tuna and Pesto is a fresh and simple dish that works well for lunch or dinner. It combines cooked pasta with flaked fish and a vibrant green sauce. This meal is very easy to prepare and requires just a few basic ingredients. You can enjoy it immediately or pack it into containers for the next day.

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Why pasta salad with tuna and pesto is so popular

This pasta salad with tuna and pesto is ideal for busy days because it takes very little effort to make. The pesto provides a rich flavour without the need for many extra spices. Using canned fish makes it a budget friendly choice that is also high in protein. It is a versatile dish that keeps well when stored in the fridge.

Step by step: pasta salad with tuna and pesto

Step 1

Boil pasta: Fill a large pot with water and add a pinch of salt. Bring the water to a boil and cook the pasta according to the pack instructions. Drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set it aside to drain completely.

Step 2

Prepare ingredients: Drain the liquid from the tuna tins and flake the fish with a fork. Slice the cherry tomatoes in half and finely dice the red onion. Wash the baby spinach and pat it dry with a clean cloth or paper towel.

Step 3

Mix salad: Place the cooked pasta in a large mixing bowl. Add the flaked tuna, sliced tomatoes, diced onion and baby spinach. Spoon the green pesto over the ingredients and squeeze in the juice from half a lemon.

Step 4

Season and serve: Toss everything together until the pasta is evenly coated in the pesto. Season with a little salt and black pepper to your taste. Serve the salad immediately or keep it chilled until you are ready to eat.

Good advice for pasta salad with tuna and pesto

For the best results, use a high quality green pesto or try making a fresh batch at home. If your pasta salad with tuna and pesto feels a bit dry after sitting, add a small splash of olive oil to loosen it. You can add extra vegetables like cucumber or sweetcorn to give the salad more crunch. Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water is a vital step to stop it from becoming sticky.

This also helps the sauce coat the pasta evenly instead of clumping together. If you are taking this for lunch, wait to add the spinach until you are ready to eat. Wholemeal pasta can also be used to add more fibre and a nuttier taste to the meal.

Find more ideas here: grilled plaice, langoustine bisque or glazed cod.