Tuscan Tuna and Cannellini Bean Salad

 

After the excess of the holidays, I'm leaning toward more simple and healthy meals.  I spent a few hours in the kitchen a few days ago playing with different recipe ideas and mixing and matching flavors as I went.

One of the results is this delicious, protein packed tuna and cannellini bean salad.  I've been enjoying this as a snack or as a lunch with a few Wheat Thins.  This batch made 4 cups.  Just enough for a few days lunches or snacks.

When I make this again during the summer, I will definitely add fresh basil and oregano from my herb garden.  

2 (5 oz.) cans StarKist chunk light tuna in water (drained)

1 (14.5 oz.) can Cannellini beans, rinsed and drained

2 t. capers

1/2 t. minced garlic

1/4 cup finely chopped red bell pepper

1/2 cup diced English cucumber

1/3 cup diced red onion

1/4 t. dried Italian seasoning

1/2 cup cooked orzo

1/4 cup Skinny Girl Balsamic Vinaigrette Dressing (or your favorite balsamic salad dressing)

salt and pepper to taste

Combine first nine ingredients in a medium bowl.  Pour balsamic vinaigrette over salad ingredients and stir to thoroughly combine.  

Add salt and pepper to taste.  You can add dried red pepper flakes if you'd like a little zip!