Tuna Pasta Salad with Avocado

Recipe Card Project 2007

A cornucopia of flavors changes a regular salad into more than a meal.

Preparation time: 30-60 minutes

2 cups pasta shells
¼ cup bottled fat-free Italian dressing
¼ cup fresh basil, chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
¼ teaspoons red pepper flakes, crushed
1 6-oz. can water-packed tuna, drained and flaked
¾ cup diced tomatoes
½ ripe avocado, diced
¼ cup red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons black olives, chopped
4 green leaf lettuce leaves

In a large saucepan, cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain, then rinse briefly under cold water. Drain. In a small bowl, combine the Italian dressing, basil, garlic, and crushed red pepper. In a large bowl, combine the pasta, tuna, tomato, avocado, red onion, and olives. Add the dressing and toss until evenly coated. Line plates with the lettuce leaves and spoon the salad on top.

Serves: 4

½ Cup of Vegetables per Serving

Fruit and/or Veggie Color(s): Green, White, Red

Nutrition Information per Serving: calories: 295, total fat: 6.4g, saturated fat: 1.1g, % calories from fat: 19%, % calories from saturated fat: 3%, protein: 18g, carbohydrates: 41g, cholesterol: 18mg, dietary fiber: 5g, sodium: 363mg

Each serving provides: An excellent source of vitamin A, folate, and a good source of vitamin C, magnesium, potassium and fiber.

Recipe courtesy of Produce for Better Health Foundation (PBH). This recipe meets PBH and Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) nutrition standards that maintain fruits and vegetables as healthy foods.