Easy Italian Butterfly Salad
User Reviews
5
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Prep Time
10 mins
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Cook Time
10 mins
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Total Time
20 mins
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Servings
6
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Calories
242 kcal
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Course
Side Dish, Main Course
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Cuisine
Italian
Easy Italian Butterfly Salad
Description
Easy Italian Butterfly Salad blends cooked bow tie pasta with canned tuna, sweet corn, halved small mozzarella balls, grape tomatoes, and fresh basil leaves. The dressing is a straightforward mix of olive oil, balsamic vinegar, oregano, salt, chopped basil, and a dash of black pepper, providing a mild acidity and herbaceous complement to the ingredients.
The pasta is boiled until al dente, then rinsed with cold water to cool, which helps when serving this as a chilled pasta salad. The tuna and vegetables bring a mix of textures: tender pasta, soft mozzarella, juicy tomatoes, and sweet corn kernels. Fresh basil adds an aromatic freshness.
The salad can be served immediately or chilled for about an hour to allow flavors to meld. It works well as a light meal on its own or as part of a larger spread. The balance of protein, vegetables, and starch makes it a practical choice for picnics or casual dining.
Ingredients
FOR THE PASTA SALAD
- 3 cups pasta small past / I used bow tie pasta, cooked
- 2 cans tuna 6 ounces / 170 grams, drained
- 1 can sweet corn 6 ounces / 150 grams, drained
- 15 small mozzarella balls (cut in half)
- 20-25 grape tomato cut in half, or cherry tomato
- 5 fresh basil chopped, leaves
FOR THE DRESSING
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1-2 tablespoons balsamic vinegar
- 1/2 - 1 teaspoon oregano
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon basil (chopped)
- dash black pepper
Instructions
- In a large pot of boiling salted water cook the pasta al dente. Drain and rinse in cold water. (Only rinse pasta in cold water if making a cold pasta salad)
FOR THE DRESSING
- In a small bowl combine the olive oil, balsamic, oregano, salt, basil and dash of pepper. Stir or whisk to combine.
FOR THE PASTA SALAD
- In a large bowl add the tuna, corn, mozzarella balls, tomatoes and fresh chopped basil, then add the cooked drained pasta and mix, then drizzle the dressing on top and gently combine. Can be served immediately or cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate approximately 1 hour before serving. Enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Show DetailsNutrition Facts
Serving: 6Serving
Amount Per Serving
Calories 242 kcal
% Daily Value*
| Calories | 242kcal | 12% |
| Carbohydrates | 23g | 8% |
| Protein | 15g | 30% |
| Fat | 11g | 17% |
| Saturated Fat | 1g | 5% |
| Cholesterol | 21mg | 7% |
| Sodium | 888mg | 37% |
| Potassium | 779mg | 17% |
| Fiber | 3g | 12% |
| Sugar | 10g | 20% |
| Vitamin A | 1020IU | 20% |
| Vitamin C | 25.2mg | 28% |
| Calcium | 43mg | 4% |
| Iron | 2.9mg | 16% |
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet.
User Reviews
Overall Rating
5
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