Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a deliciously satisfying dish that combines tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a rich, tangy dressing. Whether served chilled as a refreshing side or enjoyed as a light main course, this salad is perfect for meal prep, picnics, and quick lunches. The creamy base, enhanced with hints of lemon and herbs, balances beautifully with the texture of the pasta and the freshness of the ingredients. It’s simple to make, nutritious, and packed with flavors that meld together wonderfully over time.
Ingredients:
For the Pasta Salad:
- 8 ounces pasta (bowtie, rotini, or elbow)
- 1 can (5-6 ounces) tuna, drained and flaked
- ½ cup celery, finely chopped
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ cup cucumber, diced
- ½ cup bell pepper, diced (any color)
- ¼ cup black olives, sliced (optional)
- ¼ cup shredded carrots (optional)
For the Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup Greek yogurt or sour cream
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon dried dill or parsley
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
Instructions:
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
- Bring a pot of salted water to a boil.
- Add the pasta and cook until al dente, according to package instructions.
- Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
- Set aside.
Step 2: Prepare the Ingredients
- While the pasta cools, chop all vegetables into bite-sized pieces.
- Drain and flake the tuna using a fork.
Step 3: Make the Creamy Dressing
- In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt (or sour cream), lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, pepper, dill, and olive oil.
- Mix until smooth and well combined.
Step 4: Assemble the Salad
- In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, tuna, celery, onion, tomatoes, cucumber, bell peppers, olives, and carrots.
- Pour the creamy dressing over the mixture.
- Toss gently to ensure everything is evenly coated.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Before serving, stir gently and adjust seasoning if needed.
- Garnish with extra dill or parsley, and serve chilled.
Tips for the Best Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad:
- For extra flavor, add capers or pickles for a tangy bite.
- Substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream for a richer dressing.
- Use canned tuna in olive oil for deeper flavor.
- Make it heartier by adding boiled eggs or chickpeas.
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days—flavors develop beautifully over time!
This creamy tuna pasta salad is both refreshing and satisfying. Would you pair it with a side like garlic bread or a light soup? 🍽️✨