Tuna Pasta Salad
Sometimes, you just need a meal that is quick, delicious, and satisfying. That’s where tuna pasta salad comes in! This dish is packed with flavor, loaded with healthy ingredients, and perfect for any time of the year.
Equipment
- Large pot
- Colander
- Cutting Board and Knife
- Large mixing bowl
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or spoon
- Can Opener
Ingredients
For the Salad:
- 2 cups pasta penne, rotini, or macaroni
- 1 can 5 oz tuna, drained
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
- ½ cup cucumber diced
- ¼ cup red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup black olives sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup sweet corn optional
- ¼ cup shredded carrots optional
For the Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a lighter option
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Cook the pasta
- Start by bringing a large pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook according to the package directions until it's al dente (firm but tender).
- Once done, drain the pasta in a colander and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process. Let it cool completely.
Prepare the veggies
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the tomatoes, cucumber, red onion, and any other veggies you’re using.
- If you’re adding olives, corn, or carrots, chop those up too.
Make the dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning to your preference.
Combine the salad
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, drained tuna, and chopped veggies.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and gently toss everything together until well combined.
Serve
- Once mixed, you can serve the tuna pasta salad immediately or refrigerate it for about 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Garnish with extra herbs or seasonings if desired. Enjoy!
Notes
Nutritional Value (Per Serving)
- Calories: ~350-400 kcal
- Protein: ~20g
- Carbohydrates: ~40g
- Fats: ~15-20g
- Fiber: ~3-5g
- Sodium: ~450-600mg (varies based on tuna and dressing ingredients)
The nutritional information on this website is only an estimate and is provided for convenience and as a courtesy only. The accuracy of the nutritional information for any recipe on this site is not guaranteed. It should not be used as a substitute for a professional nutritionist’s advice.