I really wanted to grill outside but it’s 100° so I decided that I really didn’t feel like cooking today.
So I opened the refrigerator and as I stood and stared, I found that everything I looked at jumped into my head as an Italian pasta salad.
When I looked in the pantry for the pasta, I also found a can of tuna and BINGO, the Italian pasta salad with tuna was born. 
And I made enough so that I can take some to work this week. Did I mention that there is no Mayonnaise?
Italian Pasta Salad with Tuna
A quick and easy side dish or meal, great to make and eat on a hot day when you don't feel like cooking.
Ingredients
- 1 Cup Small pasta I used orzo
- 1 Cup Fresh spinach Roll and cut into ribbons, packed
- 1/4 Cup Red onion Finely diced
- 1/4 Cup Olives I used kalamata
- 1/2 Cup Cherry tomatoes Halved or quartered
- 1/4 Cup Sun-dried tomatoes in oil Chopped
- 1 Can Albacore tuna in water You can use 2 cans, I only had one
- 1/4 Cup Mozzarella cheese Diced or shredded
Dressing
- 1/4 Cup Olive oil Extra virgin
- 1 Tbsp Lemon zest
- 3 Tbsp Fresh lemon juice 1 large lemon
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp Italian seasoning
- Salt & pepper To taste
Instructions
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Cook your pasta according to the instructions on the package, I cook mine to al dente. Drain and add to large bowl.
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While the pasta is boiling, prep your ingredients. Add the ingredients (except for the cheese) to the bowl of pasta. Toss until combined.
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Combine all the dressing ingredients in a jar and shake or wisk until combined. Add the dressing and toss again.
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Taste for seasoning and add salt & pepper if needed. Add cheese and fold gently.
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Serve as a side dish or pack for lunch. Because it is mayo free, it will last for a few days in the refrigerator.
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