The Cool Cousin

Fresh basil. Twisted pasta. Tuna like you’ve never had it. This is The Cool Cousin—the one who shows up to the cookout with gemelli, not elbows. With real pesto, not jarred mayo. With tuna that actually makes people go back for seconds. It’s fresh, it’s lemony, it’s tossed cold—and it’s about to be your summer go-to.

Ingredients

• 1 lb gemelli pasta, cooked al dente and cooled under cold water
• 2 (5–6 oz) cans tuna in water, drained
• 4 scallions, thinly sliced or snipped with kitchen scissors
• 1 whole roasted red pepper, chopped (see method below)
• 1 cup grape tomatoes, halved
• Juice of 1 lemon
• Kosher salt & cracked black pepper, to taste

Homemade Basil Pesto

• 2 packed cups fresh basil leaves
• ½ cup grated Parmesan cheese
• ⅓ cup toasted pine nuts (or walnuts)
• 2 garlic cloves
• Juice of ½ lemon
• ½ cup olive oil (plus more if needed)
• Kosher salt, to taste

1. In a food processor, pulse basil, Parmesan, nuts, garlic, lemon juice, and a pinch of salt until finely chopped.
2. With the motor running, stream in olive oil until smooth. Taste and adjust salt if needed.

How to Roast a Red Pepper (Simple Oven Method)

1. Preheat oven to 425°F (218°C).
2. Cut red pepper in half, remove stem and seeds.
3. Place cut-side down on a foil-lined baking sheet.
4. Roast 30–35 minutes until skin is wrinkled and starting to char.
5. Transfer to a bowl, cover, and steam 10 minutes. Peel off skin, then chop.

Shortcut: Use 1 whole roasted red pepper from a jar (packed in water). Pat dry and chop.

Instructions

1. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled gemelli, tuna, scallions, roasted red pepper, and grape tomatoes.
2. Add the pesto and lemon juice. Toss gently until everything is coated and evenly combined.
3. Season with Chef Paddy's Lets Get After it or kosher salt and black pepper to taste.
4. Serve chilled or at room temp. Garnish with extra basil or Parmesan if you’re feeling fancy.

Chef Paddy’s Tip

• This holds beautifully in the fridge—perfect for cookouts or work lunches.
• No gemelli? Swap with cavatappi, rotini, or shells.
• Bonus twist: Add chopped olives or a handful of arugula for bite.

Let’s cook with heart and hustle.