Description
Cold Tuna Pasta Salad is a quick lunch, easy dinner, and refreshing make-ahead recipe loaded with tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy tangy dressing. It is one of those easy recipe favorites that works for meal prep, summer lunches, simple dinner ideas, and everyday food ideas when you want something cold, satisfying, and full of flavor.
Ingredients
12 ounces rotini pasta
2 cans tuna, drained
3/4 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup Greek yogurt
1 tablespoon lemon juice
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
2 stalks celery, finely chopped
1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
1 cup frozen peas, thawed
2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 teaspoon salt
1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until just tender. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
3. Add the drained tuna, chopped celery, red onion, peas, and parsley to the bowl. Stir gently to combine.
4. Fold in the cooled pasta and mix until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.
6. Stir before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Notes
Use a short pasta shape like rotini or shells so the dressing clings well and the salad stays hearty.
Rinse the pasta with cold water after cooking to stop the heat and keep the salad cool and fresh.
If the salad thickens in the fridge, stir in a small spoonful of mayonnaise or Greek yogurt before serving.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boil and mix
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 360
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 480mg
- Fat: 17g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 13g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 34g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 20mg
Keywords: cold tuna pasta salad, tuna pasta salad, easy pasta salad, quick lunch, easy dinner, make-ahead salad, summer pasta salad, meal prep lunch