Tuna Pasta Salad Barefoot Contessa

When the warm weather hits, there’s nothing quite like a refreshing and satisfying pasta salad to enjoy at picnics, barbecues, or as a light weekday dinner. If you’re looking for a delicious and easy recipe that brings together the flavors of the sea with the comfort of a homemade dish, then look no further than this Tuna Pasta Salad Barefoot Contessa. Packed with fresh ingredients and a zesty dressing, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your household.

**Tuna Pasta Salad Barefoot Contessa**

**Ingredients:**
– 12 oz. fusilli pasta
– 2 cans (5 oz. each) tuna, drained and flaked
– 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
– 1/2 cucumber, diced
– 1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
– 1/4 cup black olives, sliced
– 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
– 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

**For the Dressing:**
– 1/3 cup olive oil
– 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
– 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
– 1 clove garlic, minced
– Salt and pepper to taste

**Instructions:**

1. In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook the fusilli pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.

2. In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, salt, and pepper to make the dressing. Set aside.

3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, flaked tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, black olives, and fresh parsley.

4. Pour the prepared dressing over the pasta salad and toss gently to coat all the ingredients evenly.

5. Sprinkle the grated Parmesan cheese over the top of the salad before serving.

6. Refrigerate the tuna pasta salad for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

7. Serve chilled and enjoy the fresh and vibrant flavors of this Tuna Pasta Salad Barefoot Contessa. Perfect for a light lunch, dinner, or as a side dish for your next gathering.

This recipe is a wonderful combination of flavors and textures, making it a versatile dish that can be enjoyed on a variety of occasions. The lightness of the salad is balanced with the heartiness of the tuna, while the zesty dressing ties everything together beautifully. Make a batch of this Tuna Pasta Salad Barefoot Contessa, and watch it disappear as everyone reaches for seconds!