Imagine a dish that transports you to the sunny coastlines of Italy with just one bite - a culinary masterpiece that combines the hearty comfort of perfectly cooked potatoes with the rich, herbaceous flavor of pesto and the protein-packed goodness of tuna. This Tuna and Potatoes a la Pesto recipe is not just a meal; it's a quick, mouthwatering journey that will revolutionize your weeknight dinner routine in just 45 minutes!
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 30 mins
Total Time: 45 mins
Cuisine: Italian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 2 cups potatoes, diced
- 1 can tuna, drained
- 1/2 cup pesto sauce
- 1/4 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Fresh basil for garnish
Instructions
- Wash and dice the potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes, ensuring they are roughly the same size for even cooking.
- Place the diced potatoes in a large pot of salted boiling water. Cook for approximately 10-12 minutes until they are tender but not mushy, testing with a fork for doneness.
- While potatoes are cooking, drain the canned tuna thoroughly, removing any excess liquid. Set aside in a mixing bowl.
- Halve the cherry tomatoes and chop fresh basil leaves for garnishing.
- Once potatoes are cooked, drain them in a colander and let them cool for 2-3 minutes to prevent overcooking.
- In a large mixing bowl, gently combine the warm potatoes, drained tuna, and pesto sauce. Carefully fold the ingredients to ensure even coating without breaking the potatoes.
- Season the mixture with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Transfer the tuna and potato mixture to a serving platter, garnish with halved cherry tomatoes and fresh basil leaves.
- Serve warm or at room temperature, enjoying the vibrant flavors of the pesto and fresh ingredients.
Tips
- Potato Perfection: Cut potatoes into uniform 1-inch cubes to ensure even cooking. Test doneness with a fork - they should be tender but not falling apart.
- Pesto Pairing: Use high-quality, fresh pesto for the most vibrant flavor. Homemade is best, but a good store-bought version works wonderfully too.
- Tuna Selection: Choose high-quality, solid white tuna packed in water for the best texture and flavor.
- Temperature Matters: Combine potatoes with tuna and pesto while they're still warm to help the flavors meld together more effectively.
- Garnish Generously: Fresh basil and cherry tomatoes aren't just for looks - they add a burst of freshness and color to the dish.
- Serving Suggestion: This dish is versatile - serve warm as a main course or chilled as a summer salad.
- Make-Ahead Tip: You can prepare this dish in advance and store in the refrigerator for a quick, delicious meal prep option.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 320kcal
Carbohydrates: 25g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 18g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Cholesterol: 25mg
