Description
Craving a quick, refreshing dish that’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or meal prep? This Cold Tuna Pasta Salad is exactly what you need. Made with tender rotini, creamy dressing, crisp veggies, and protein-rich tuna, it’s the ideal blend of flavor and texture. Whether you’re searching for quick breakfast, easy dinner, healthy snack, or simply new food ideas, this cold pasta salad ticks all the boxes. It’s simple, satisfying, and completely customizable.
Ingredients
2 cups rotini pasta
2 cans tuna, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream or Greek yogurt
1/4 cup red onion, finely sliced
1/2 cup cucumber, sliced
1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
1/3 cup celery, diced
2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add rotini pasta and cook until al dente, about 8–10 minutes. Drain and rinse with cold water. Set aside.
2. While the pasta cooks, prepare the vegetables: slice cucumbers, halve cherry tomatoes, chop red onion and celery.
3. In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream or yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
4. Add drained, flaked tuna to the dressing and mix gently to combine.
5. Add the cooled pasta, prepared vegetables, and fresh dill to the bowl. Toss gently until evenly coated.
6. Cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Notes
Rinse pasta with cold water to prevent overcooking and stop the cooking process.
For a lighter option, substitute mayo with all Greek yogurt.
Chill time is crucial—don’t skip it for the best flavor!
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 18g
- Saturated Fat: 3.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 30mg
Keywords: cold pasta salad, tuna pasta salad, easy recipe, quick lunch, summer salad