Tuna, Pasta & Pesto Salad

Tuna, Pasta & Pesto Salad

This is a fantastic recipe that is perfect for a summer supper, packed lunch or picnic!

Serves 4

Prep time:10-15 minutes

Cooking time:10-12 minutes

Ingredients

225g dried pasta shapes

150g French beans, trimmed

1 red onion, finely sliced

¾ cucumber, diced

100g cherry tomatoes, quartered

2tbsp capers

6 large gherkins, diced

1 lemon, zest only

150g roasted peppers in brine, drained & chopped

2 tins of tuna, drained and flaked

For the pesto

50g fresh basil, roughly chopped

1 red chilli, de-seeded & finely chopped

3 cloves of garlic, peeled and roughly chopped

4tbsp parmesan cheese, grated

60ml extra virgin olive oil

100ml Greek yogurt

Freshly ground salt & pepper

Method

1. Place the pasta in a pan of boiling water and cook as per packed instructions, add the French beans for the final 4 minutes of cooking time.  Drain and rinse under cool water and set aside.

2. Meanwhile prepare the pesto, place all the pesto ingredients into a blender and blitz until you have a smooth paste.  Season to taste and set aside.

3. Place the pasta and beans into a salad bowl and drizzle over the pesto.  Add all the remaining ingredients and toss well.  Season to taste.  Enjoy!