Description
Tuna Pasta Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish featuring tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy homemade dressing. This easy summer recipe is perfect for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or a quick family lunch that’s both satisfying and delicious.
Ingredients
Scale
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini or elbow pasta
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
For the Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp dried dill
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and cool completely.
- Prepare the vegetables: Dice the celery, cucumber, onion, halve the tomatoes, and thaw the peas if using frozen.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, dill, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Assemble the salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tuna, celery, tomatoes, cucumber, onion, peas, and parsley.
- Add the dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and gently fold until all ingredients are evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to develop.
- Serve: Garnish with fresh parsley, cracked black pepper, and lemon wedges before serving if desired.
Notes
For the best flavor, refrigerate the salad for several hours before serving. Add chopped hard-boiled eggs, shredded cheddar cheese, or diced pickles for extra flavor and texture.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 380
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 12g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 22g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: tuna pasta salad, creamy tuna pasta salad, easy tuna salad recipe, summer pasta salad, cold pasta salad, picnic side dish