Description
This Creamy Lemon Pasta Salad is the perfect blend of fresh, tangy, and creamy flavors. With bright lemon, hearty tuna, peppery arugula, and a silky mayo-based dressing, it’s ideal for a quick lunch, potluck dish, or light dinner. It’s one of the easiest and most delicious pasta salad ideas you can whip up in under 30 minutes—perfect for those searching for a quick meal, healthy snack, or easy recipe for dinner ideas.
Ingredients
250g rotini pasta
150g canned tuna in olive oil, drained
2 cups fresh arugula
1/4 red onion, thinly sliced
2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
1 teaspoon lemon zest
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 cup Parmesan shavings
Salt, to taste
Black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
2. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, lemon zest, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, flaked tuna, arugula, and sliced red onions.
4. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss gently to coat everything evenly.
5. Top with shaved Parmesan and additional pepper if desired.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors.
Notes
Always zest your lemon before juicing—it’s easier and prevents waste.
Use high-quality tuna in olive oil for the best texture and flavor.
Make it ahead of time; it tastes even better after chilling.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 12 minutes
- Category: Pasta Salad
- Method: No-Bake
- Cuisine: Mediterranean
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 420
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 35g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: creamy pasta salad, lemon tuna salad, quick lunch, easy dinner, healthy pasta salad, cold pasta salad