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A bowl of tuna pasta salad with al dente pasta, tuna chunks, celery, red onion, creamy dressing, garnished with fresh parsley and lemon wedges on a rustic wooden table.

Tuna Pasta Salad

Enjoy a healthy, delicious Tuna Pasta Salad—a perfect balance of tender pasta, lean tuna, and crisp veggies tossed in a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for quick meals and easy customization!
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Dinner, lunch, Salad
Cuisine American, Mediterranean
Servings 4 People
Calories 350 kcal

Ingredients
  

  • Main Ingredients :
  • 2 5 oz each cans of canned tuna (water-packed for a lighter option)
  • 8 oz of pasta such as fusilli or penne
  • 2 stalks of celery finely chopped
  • 1 small red onion diced
  • 1/2 cup of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt for a healthier twist
  • 2 tablespoons of lemon juicefreshly squeezed
  • 1/4 cup of parsley chopped
  • Salt to taste
  • Pepper freshly ground, to taste

Optional Add-Ins:

  • 2 tablespoons of capers
  • 1/4 cup of olives sliced
  • 1 medium avocado diced
  • 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Instructions
 

Step 1: Cook and Cool the Pasta

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil, add the pasta, and cook until al dente.
  • Drain, rinse with cool water, and let the pasta cool completely.

Step 2: Prepare the Mix-Ins

  • Open and drain the canned tuna, then gently flake it with a fork.
  • Finely chop the celery and dice the red onion.
  • If using, prepare optional ingredients like avocado, olives, or capers.

Step 3: Create the Dressing

  • In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise or Greek yogurt with freshly squeezed lemon juice.
  • Add salt, pepper, and optional Dijon mustard, mixing until smooth.

Step 4: Assemble the Salad

  • In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tuna, celery, and red onion.
  • Pour the dressing over the ingredients and gently toss until evenly coated.
  • Fold in any optional add-ins and sprinkle with chopped parsley.

Step 5: Final Adjustments and Serving

  • Taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed.
  • For enhanced flavor blending, chill the salad for 30 minutes before serving.
Keyword Tuna Pasta Salad