Spicy Tuna White Bean Pasta (Printable)

A protein-packed pasta mix with tuna, white beans, fresh veggies, and a tangy chili-lime dressing.

# What You'll Need:

→ Pasta

01 - 9 oz short pasta (penne, fusilli, or farfalle)

→ Protein & Beans

02 - 1 can (5.6 oz drained) tuna in olive oil or water
03 - 1 can (14 oz drained and rinsed) cannellini or great northern beans

→ Vegetables

04 - 1 small red onion, finely diced
05 - 1 red bell pepper, diced
06 - 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
07 - 1 small cucumber, diced
08 - 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley

→ Dressing

09 - 3 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
10 - Juice of 1 lime
11 - 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
12 - 1 garlic clove, minced
13 - 1 tsp chili flakes
14 - 1 tsp Dijon mustard
15 - 1/2 tsp sea salt
16 - 1/4 tsp black pepper

# Directions:

01 - Boil salted water in a large pot and cook pasta until al dente according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water to cool.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, mix cooked pasta, drained tuna, white beans, red onion, bell pepper, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and parsley.
03 - Whisk together olive oil, lime juice, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, chili flakes, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until emulsified.
04 - Pour dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat all ingredients evenly.
05 - Taste and adjust seasoning as necessary. Refrigerate for at least 15 minutes prior to serving to develop flavors.

# Expert Suggestions:

01 -
  • Protein-packed and satisfying
  • Easy to prepare in 25 minutes
02 -
  • For extra heat add sliced fresh chili or a dash of hot sauce
  • Substitute chickpeas for white beans if desired
03 -
  • Use olive oil-packed tuna for extra flavor
  • Chill the salad for at least 15 minutes to let flavors meld
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