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Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
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Easy Tuna Pasta Salad is a quick and flavorful dish combining tender small pasta shapes with savory chunk light tuna, fresh diced vegetables, and a zesty mayonnaise-lemon dressing. Ready in 15 minutes or less, this vibrant and protein-packed salad is perfect for busy days, casual gatherings, or meal prep. Its balance of simple pantry ingredients and bold flavors makes it a satisfying and hassle-free meal.

Ingredients

Scale

Pasta and Protein

  • 1 ½ cups small pasta shapes (rotini or shells)
  • 1 can (5 oz) chunk light tuna in water, drained thoroughly

Fresh Vegetables

  • ½ cup diced cucumber
  • ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
  • ½ cup diced bell peppers
  • 2 tablespoons finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons chopped fresh parsley or dill

Dressing and Seasoning

  • ⅓ cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to cool and stop the cooking process. Set aside to drain fully.
  2. Prepare the Veggies: While the pasta cooks, dice cucumbers, bell peppers, halve the cherry tomatoes, finely chop the red onion, and chop fresh parsley or dill.
  3. Combine Tuna and Dressing: Drain the canned tuna thoroughly to avoid excess moisture. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna with mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Mix well to create a creamy and flavorful base.
  4. Mix Everything Together: Add the cooled pasta and chopped vegetables to the tuna mixture. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, pepper, or lemon juice if needed.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad for at least 20 minutes to let the flavors meld. Serve chilled or at room temperature with optional garnishes if desired.

Notes

  • Use small, sturdy pasta shapes like rotini or shells for better dressing adherence and to prevent sogginess.
  • Drain tuna thoroughly to avoid a watery salad.
  • Chill the salad for at least 20 minutes for best flavor blending.
  • Season gradually with salt and lemon juice, tasting as you go to achieve perfect balance.
  • Add fresh herbs last to preserve their brightness.
  • Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
  • Freezing not recommended as it affects texture and flavor.
  • If preferred warm, heat pasta separately before combining with tuna and dressing.

Nutrition

Keywords: tuna pasta salad, quick tuna salad, easy pasta salad, healthy tuna recipe, no bake pasta salad, make ahead lunch

Find it online: https://ninagourmet.com/easy-tuna-pasta-salad/