Tuna and Green Pea Pasta Salad

Ingredients (Serves 2)

• Green pea pasta: 200g (dry weight)

• Canned tuna (in water, drained): 1 can (150g drained weight)

• Cherry tomatoes: 150g (about 10-12 tomatoes), halved

• Celery stalk: 2 medium stalks (100g), finely chopped

• Diet mayonnaise: 60g (4 tablespoons)

• Salt: 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)

• Black pepper: 1/4 teaspoon (to taste)

• Lemon juice: 1 tablespoon (optional, for brightness)

• Fresh parsley (optional, for garnish): 1 tablespoon, chopped

Equipment

• Medium pot for boiling pasta

• Colander

• Large mixing bowl

• Spoon or spatula for mixing

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 200g of green pea pasta and cook according to package instructions (typically 5-7 minutes until al dente). Drain in a colander and rinse briefly with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool slightly.

2. Prepare Ingredients: While pasta cooks, drain the canned tuna and flake it into a large mixing bowl. Halve the cherry tomatoes and finely chop the celery stalks.

3. Combine Ingredients: Add the cooled green pea pasta, cherry tomatoes, and celery to the bowl with the tuna. Add 60g of diet mayonnaise, 1/4 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, and 1 tablespoon lemon juice (if using). Gently toss to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated.

4. Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust salt and pepper as needed.

5. Serve: Divide the salad into two portions. Garnish with chopped parsley if desired. Serve chilled or at room temperature for an elegant presentation.

Serving Suggestion

• Present on a bed of fresh greens or in a chilled bowl for a refined look.

• Pair with a light white wine or sparkling water with lemon for a sophisticated meal.

Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Stir before serving.

Macronutrient Table (Per Serving, Approximate)

Notes on Macronutrients:

• Green pea pasta (100g per serving): ~350 kcal, 20g protein, 40g carbs, 7g fiber, 2g fat (based on typical green pea pasta nutrition, e.g., Explore Cuisine brand).

• Canned tuna (75g per serving): ~90 kcal, 20g protein, 0g carbs, 0g fat (based on tuna in water, drained).

• Cherry tomatoes (75g per serving): ~15 kcal, 0.7g protein, 3g carbs, 0.9g fiber, 0.2g fat.

• Diet mayonnaise (30g per serving): ~90 kcal, 0g protein, 3g carbs, 9g fat (based on typical low-fat/diet mayonnaise).

• Celery (50g per serving): ~8 kcal, 0.3g protein, 1.5g carbs, 0.8g fiber, 0.1g fat.

• Lemon juice, salt, pepper, and parsley contribute negligible macronutrients.

• Values are approximate and may vary based on specific brands. For precise values, use a nutritional calculator with exact product details.