Easy Canned Mackerel Pasta Salad

Ingredients

• 2 large red bell peppers
• Approx. 285 grams cherry or grape tomatoes ((~10 ounces))
• 1 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil (to toss veggies)
• Salt, to taste
• 2 cups small-shaped pasta (like penne, cavatappi, or bowtie)
• 3/4 large English cucumber
• 240 grams canned mackerel ((~8 ounces))
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 cup fresh basil
• 3 large handfuls baby arugula (or other baby green)
• 3 Tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• 2 Tbsp red wine vinegar
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/2 tsp dijon mustard
• 1/4 tsp honey
• Salt + pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. 1

   Preheat oven to 400F.

2. 2

   De-seed and chop bell peppers into 1-inch pieces. Toss chopped peppers with cherry tomatoes in olive oil and salt. Spread the veggies on a baking sheet and pop them in the oven for 20 minutes.

3. 3

   Meanwhile, cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain when finished.

4. 4

   While everything cooks, chop cucumber into 1-inch pieces and roughly chop the fresh basil and parsley. Place canned mackerel in a small bowl and flake with a fork. Set ingredients aside.

5. 5

   Next, make the pasta salad dressing by adding extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, dijon mustard, honey, salt, and pepper to a small jar. Shake vigorously to combine well.

6. 6

   Once the veggies are roasted, remove from the oven and let cool for a few minutes.

7. 7

   In a large mixing bowl, combine handfuls of arugula, cooked pasta, roasted tomatoes + peppers, freshly chopped herbs, canned mackerel, and salad dressing. Toss everything to combine well, adding salt and pepper to taste. Enjoy!