Sunday, March 7, 2010

Tomato and Tuna Pasta Salad

We have been getting a heat wave here in Singapore since end of January. The temperature is now reaching 35C with humidity in the mid 90s. In the evenings it drops down to about 26C which is still warm in my books. Local weather forecast reported that we had the least rainfall over the last 12 months. They have even advised citizens to ration water and take quick showers. Everyone seem to be flocking to get some relief either in air-conditioned shopping malls or to the swimming pools.

Over the last couple of weeks I have not baked much as I don't think any frosting can withstand this type of weather. I don't even dare to think of making anything with fondant as I am sure it'll just end up as one big mess! These few days I can only think of meals that are quick to prepare and a pasta salad seems ideal. This particular recipe is no-fuss, easy and can be made way beforehand. It can be served either warm, at room temperature and even cold from the fridge.





Tomato and Tuna Pasta Salad
Recipe Adapted from "Donna Hay's Summer Cool"
Serves 4

Print Recipe

Ingredients:

400g spaghettini
1 medium-sized can tuna chunks in brine
250g cherry tomatoes, halved
250g teardrop tomatoes, halved
200g green beans (french beans), blanched and sliced
1 1/2 loosely packed cup of mixed salad leaves (arugula, rocket, radicchio, spinach)
1 clove garlic, crushed and minced finely
1/4 lemon juice
1 Tbsp lemon zest
1/4 cup white wine vinegar
2 Tbsp olive oil (add more if required)
Salt and cracked black pepper to taste

Method:

1) Cook the pasta in a saucepan of salted boiling water for 10-12 minutes or ntil al dente. Drain, refresh under cold water and set aside.

2) Break the tuna chunks into smaller pieces.

3) In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, tuna chunks, tomato, beans and mxed salad.

4) Add the minced garlic, lemon juice, zest, white wine vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and black pepper to taste. Toss to combine. Add more olive oil if required.



15 comments:

  1. So delicious & refreshing!!! Yes, the heat is horrid. BTW, is that a Le Creuset? It's very pretty!

    ReplyDelete
  2. The pasta salad looks so pretty and yummy!

    ReplyDelete
  3. I can't get over the weather there. It seems like global warming is finally taking a toll. While it's warm there, it's freezing here and we can't wait for winter to end. Your salad gives me hope that sunnier and more pleasant days are on their way!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Jo, this salad looks so refreshing! I'm drooling just by staring at it! Thanks for sharing this fuss-free dish!!

    ReplyDelete
  5. What a great healthy meal. Definitely good for warmer weather. I just gotta wait for the sun to come out around here!

    ReplyDelete
  6. This looks really refreshing, great for the heat wave.

    ReplyDelete
  7. This dish looks healthy, hearty and super delicious.

    ReplyDelete
  8. It is 5:45pm and looking at your pictures, I have the urge to rush back home and fix myself a delicious dinner... just like those in your pictures..... :-)

    Sawadee from bangkok,
    Kris

    ReplyDelete
  9. A delightful pasta salad and sounds very healthy too!

    ReplyDelete
  10. Hi Aunty,

    I've been a silent reaer of your blog and realized you were from KL. I will be going to KL this coming weekend, and I was wondering if you can give me some addresses of the baking supplies shops in KL. Thank you so much and have a nice day.

    ReplyDelete
  11. That does look delicious and cooling - I love the little red pot, too.

    ReplyDelete
  12. yes it does look so refreshing in this hot weather! rained this morning but hot again :P

    ReplyDelete
  13. Beautiful color! Love the combination - so fresh.

    ReplyDelete
  14. Hi all, thanks so much for dropping by and leaving me your comments. As usual loved reading every single one of them.

    Hi Ju, no leh .. it's a Le Creuset lookalike. Would love to own one though but they are way too expensive, even when on sale.

    ReplyDelete