Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together the vibrant flavors of fresh vegetables and the comforting heartiness of pasta, all brought to life with creamy dressing. This quick and easy salad is perfect for warm summer days, picnics in the park, or even as a satisfying lunch option throughout the week. What makes this dish truly special is its versatility—you can enjoy it on its own or as a side dish to accompany grilled meats or sandwiches. Readers will love how simple it is to whip up, yet it feels indulgent and tastes incredibly refreshing with every bite.
With minimal prep time and ingredients that are pantry staples, Tuna Pasta Salad offers a delicious solution for busy weeknights or casual gatherings. It’s a dish that feels like a hug in a bowl, making it a family favorite that’s sure to impress friends and loved ones alike.
This is what the finished dish looks like when perfectly prepared.
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or fusilli)
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Here are the fresh ingredients you’ll need for the Tuna Pasta Salad.
Directions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow it to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Ingredient Substitutions: You can replace tuna with canned chicken or chickpeas for a vegetarian twist. Alternatively, swap mayonnaise for Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
- Optional Variations: Add diced bell peppers for extra crunch and color, or throw in some olives for a Mediterranean flair.
- Storage Tips: Store leftover Tuna Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It’s best enjoyed cold, but you may want to add a little extra dressing before serving, as the pasta can absorb the moisture over time.
Recipe Information
- Prep time: 15 minutes
- Cook time: 10 minutes
- Total time: 25 minutes
- Servings: 4
- Difficulty level: Easy
Feel free to use this image as a guide for preparing your Tuna Pasta Salad.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
Pasta and Vegetables
- 8 oz pasta (e.g., rotini or fusilli)
- 1 can (5 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cucumber, diced
- 1/4 red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- to taste Salt and pepper
Instructions
Preparation
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Drain and allow it to cool.
- In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion.
Dressing
- In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
Combining
- Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and toss to coat evenly.
- For best flavor, chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.