Description
This Easy Tuna Pasta Salad recipe is a quick and delicious meal perfect for lunches, picnics, or light dinners. Featuring al dente pasta combined with flavorful tuna, fresh vegetables, and a creamy tangy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt, this salad is both satisfying and easy to prepare in just 20 minutes.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta and Protein
- 8 ounces pasta (such as rotini, fusilli, or elbow macaroni)
- 1 can (15 ounces) tuna (drained, preferably in water or olive oil)
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes (halved)
- 1/2 cup cucumber (diced)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed)
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons Greek yogurt (or more mayonnaise)
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper (to taste)
Garnish
- Fresh parsley (chopped, for garnish)
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool the pasta and stop the cooking process.
- Prepare the Salad: In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and thawed peas. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the other ingredients.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine and Serve: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss gently to combine, ensuring all ingredients are evenly coated. Garnish with chopped fresh parsley before serving.
Notes
- For a lighter option, use all Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.
- You can add other vegetables like bell peppers or celery for extra crunch.
- Chilling the salad for 30 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.
- Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Use tuna packed in olive oil for a richer flavor or in water for a lighter dish.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tuna pasta salad, easy pasta salad, tuna salad, summer salad, quick lunch recipe, creamy pasta salad
