Albacore Tuna and Bow Tie Pasta Salad

Yet another Trader Joe's copycat recipe for one of their excellent pre-packaged salads. Perfectly acceptable to use canned tuna, but for a real treat try some fresh albacore! Please note that all of my ingredient amounts are estimated.

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 4-6

Ingredients

• SALAD

• 2  cups bow tie pasta
• 8  ounces  fresh albacore tuna, drained (or 2 cans tuna, drained)
• 1  red bell pepper, minced
• 1  red onion, cut into crescents
• 2  teaspoons capers
• 2  tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
• 1  garlic clove, minced
•  fresh ground black pepper

• DRESSING

• 1⁄2 cup rice vinegar or 1⁄2 cup white wine vinegar
• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• 1  teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1  teaspoon lemon zest
• 1⁄2 lemon, juice of
• 1  teaspoon sugar
• 1⁄4 teaspoon salt
• 1⁄2 teaspoon dried dill weed or 1  tablespoon fresh dill weed

Directions

1. Cook pasta according to package directions. Rinse under cold water to halt cooking. Drain.
2. Broil or pan fry fresh tuna. Set aside. (If using canned tuna, drain and place the tuna in a serving bowl and proceed with recipe.).
3. Combine dressing ingredients in non-reactive bowl and blend well.
4. Break up the fresh tuna into bite size pieces and place in serving bowl with the pasta. Toss dressing gently with the pasta, tuna and remaining salad ingredients.
5. Keep covered and chilled until ready to serve.