Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. This salad combines pasta with tender tuna, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing. It’s not only tasty but also filling and nutritious.

Why Make This Recipe

Making Tuna Pasta Salad is a great choice for several reasons. First, it is quick to prepare, making it an ideal meal option for busy days. Second, it is packed with protein from the tuna and is loaded with vegetables, which adds vitamins and minerals to your diet. Lastly, it’s versatile and can be customized with your favorite ingredients.

How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad

Making Tuna Pasta Salad is simple and straightforward. Just follow these steps:

1. Prepare the Dressing:
   In a bowl, mix the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, dill, sea salt, and black pepper until smooth.

2. Prepare Tuna Pasta Salad:

   • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and cool it.
   • In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, canned tuna, olives, grape tomatoes, red onion, and cucumber.
   • Pour the prepared dressing over the salad and mix everything gently until well combined.

Ingredients

• 10.5 oz (300 g) uncooked pasta (rotini, fusilli or penne)
• 9 oz (250 g) canned tuna (packed in water)
• 1.5 oz (45 g) black olives (pitted and sliced, optional)
• 5 oz (150 g) grape tomatoes (halved)
• ⅓ red onion (finely diced)
• ⅓ English cucumber (sliced)
• ¾ cup (175 g) plain Greek yogurt
• 2 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil
• ½ tbsp lemon juice
• ½ tbsp fresh dill (finely chopped)
• ½ tsp sea salt (or more to taste)
• Ground black pepper (to taste)

How to Serve Tuna Pasta Salad

Serve Tuna Pasta Salad cold or at room temperature. It makes a great side dish for barbecues, picnics, or family gatherings. You can also serve it on a bed of lettuce or with crackers for a fresh bite.

How to Store Tuna Pasta Salad

To store Tuna Pasta Salad, place it in an airtight container and keep it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for about 3 days. If you need to store it longer, you can freeze the salad, but the texture of the pasta may change after thawing.

Tips to Make Tuna Pasta Salad

• Make sure to rinse the pasta under cold water after cooking to stop the cooking process and prevent it from becoming mushy.
• You can add more vegetables like bell peppers or corn for extra crunch and color.
• For a little heat, consider adding diced jalapeños or a splash of hot sauce to the dressing.

Variation

If you want to change things up, you can use an oil-packed tuna for a richer flavor. You could also substitute the Greek yogurt with sour cream or different sauces to give it a new twist.

FAQs

1. Can I use different pasta shapes for this recipe?
Yes, you can use any pasta shape you like, such as elbows, farfalle, or penne.

2. How long does Tuna Pasta Salad last in the fridge?
Tuna Pasta Salad can last up to 3 days in the fridge when stored properly in an airtight container.

3. Can I add other ingredients to the salad?
Absolutely! Feel free to add any vegetables or ingredients you enjoy, such as bell peppers or avocado.

Enjoy making and sharing this delightful Tuna Pasta Salad with family and friends!