Description
This Quick Summer Tuna Pasta Salad is a refreshing, creamy dish featuring flaky tuna and crisp fresh vegetables tossed with a tangy homemade dressing. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a light lunch, it’s easy to prepare ahead and enjoyed chilled on warm days.
Ingredients
Pasta & Tuna
- 12 ounces (340 g) rotini or penne pasta
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
Vegetables
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1 cucumber, diced
- ½ cup celery, sliced
- ¼ cup red onion, finely diced
- ½ cup frozen peas, thawed
- ¼ cup chopped fresh parsley
Dressing
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Boil the pasta in salted water according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta for the salad.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth and creamy.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently fold together the cooled pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, sliced celery, finely diced red onion, thawed peas, and chopped fresh parsley, ensuring even distribution.
- Add the dressing: Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and toss until all ingredients are evenly coated with the creamy mixture.
- Chill and serve: Cover the salad and chill it in the refrigerator for 20 to 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld before serving. Serve cold or at room temperature.
Notes
- Add diced bell peppers or sweet corn to the salad for extra color and crunch.
- For a lighter dressing, substitute more Greek yogurt in place of mayonnaise or adjust according to taste.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator and consume within 3 days for optimal freshness.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
