Description
Mediterranean-inspired Tuna Pasta Salad brings zesty flavors together in one refreshing dish. Crisp vegetables, tender tuna, and tangy dressing create a perfect summer meal you’ll crave again and again.
Ingredients
Scale
Main Ingredients:
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (or pasta of choice)
- 2 5-ounce (140 grams) cans of tuna in water, drained
Vegetables and Herbs:
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup celery, diced
- 1/4 cup shredded carrots (optional)
- 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped (or dill for variation)
Dressing Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 clove garlic, minced (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Bring a generously salted pot of water to a rolling boil and cook pasta until al dente, ensuring it maintains a slight firmness.
- Drain pasta thoroughly and immediately rinse with cold water to halt the cooking process and cool down the noodles quickly.
- Create a creamy dressing by blending Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and minced garlic until smooth and well-incorporated.
- Season the dressing with salt and freshly ground black pepper, tasting and adjusting the flavors to achieve a balanced tanginess.
- In a spacious mixing bowl, gently combine the chilled pasta with flaked tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, finely diced red onion, diced cucumber, chopped celery, grated carrots, and freshly chopped parsley.
- Drizzle the prepared dressing over the pasta mixture and carefully fold all ingredients together, ensuring each component is evenly coated with the creamy sauce.
- Cover the salad and refrigerate for approximately 20 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Before serving, give the salad a final gentle toss and garnish with additional chopped herbs if desired. Serve chilled for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- Enhance flavor by toasting pasta in olive oil before boiling for a nutty, rich taste experience.
- Choose whole wheat or gluten-free pasta to accommodate different dietary needs and boost nutritional value.
- Swap Greek yogurt with vegan alternatives like cashew cream for a dairy-free version that maintains creamy texture.
- Add extra crunch by sprinkling toasted pine nuts or sunflower seeds just before serving for textural contrast.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Lunch, Snacks
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 6
- Calories: 310
- Sugar: 3 g
- Sodium: 450 mg
- Fat: 10 g
- Saturated Fat: 2 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 36 g
- Fiber: 3 g
- Protein: 23 g
- Cholesterol: 35 mg