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+ servings
A colorful bowl of tuna pasta salad with fresh vegetables

Tuna Pasta Salad

A quick and satisfying salad made with flaky tuna, rotini pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy lemon-mayo dressing, perfect for weeknight dinners or potlucks.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course, Salad, Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Calories: 350

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Tuna
  • 1 can 1 can of tuna, drained (preferably packed in water)
  • 2 cups 2 cups cooked pasta (rotini or shells work best)
Vegetables
  • 1 cup 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup bell pepper, diced
  • 1/2 cup 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped Soak in cold water for 5 minutes if less onion bite is preferred.
Dressing
  • 1/4 cup 1/4 cup mayonnaise Can substitute with Greek yogurt or half mayo/half yogurt.
  • 1 tablespoon 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • to taste Salt and pepper to taste

Method
 

Preparation
  1. Open and drain the tuna. Flake it into a large mixing bowl with a fork so the pieces are bite-sized.
  2. Add the cooked and fully cooled pasta to the tuna. Gently fold so the tuna coats the pasta without turning it mushy.
  3. Toss in the halved cherry tomatoes, diced bell pepper, diced cucumber, and finely chopped red onion. Mix briefly to combine.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk the mayonnaise with the lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and a few grinds of black pepper. Taste and adjust the lemon or salt as needed.
  5. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetables. Toss gently but thoroughly until everything is lightly coated. Do not overmix or the tuna will break down too much.
  6. Cover and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Calories: 350kcalCarbohydrates: 40gProtein: 20gFat: 15gSaturated Fat: 3gSodium: 500mgFiber: 3gSugar: 2g

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3 to 4 days. Avoid freezing the fully dressed salad. For lunch prep, keep dressing separate to maintain crispness.

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