Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

Welcome to my kitchen! If you’re on the hunt for a quick, delicious, and nutritious meal, you’ve just stumbled upon a gem. My Tuna Pasta Salad is more than just a dish; it’s a canvas for vibrant flavors and a delightful experience in every bite. Trust me, this recipe is a family favorite that’s perfect for any occasion, whether you’re hosting a casual gathering or just need a satisfying lunch. Let’s dive into this culinary adventure together!

Introduction

Hi there! I’m Sagar Rakshit, and I’m thrilled to share my Tuna Pasta Salad recipe with you today. Living in Nagpur, where flavors and traditions blend beautifully, I’ve learned to appreciate dishes that are not only delicious but also easy to prepare. This Tuna Pasta Salad has become a staple in my household, cherished by both kids and adults alike. Whether it’s a sunny afternoon or a cozy evening, this salad is a perfect choice. Let me walk you through the process of creating this delightful dish.

My Tuna Pasta Salad combines the richness of tuna with the crunch of fresh vegetables and the satisfying texture of pasta. It’s an easy-to-make dish that’s bursting with flavors and textures, making it a hit with everyone at the table.

Introduction with Me

As a food blogger who loves exploring new flavors and sharing them with my readers, I’ve found that this Tuna Pasta Salad hits the perfect balance between convenience and taste. It’s a recipe that reflects my love for fresh, wholesome ingredients and straightforward cooking methods.

Ingredients for 2 Persons

• Pasta: 1 cup (penne or rotini works best)
• Canned Tuna: 1 can (5 oz), drained
• Cherry Tomatoes: 1 cup, halved
• Cucumber: 1/2, diced
• Red Onion: 1/4, finely chopped
• Black Olives: 1/4 cup, sliced
• Fresh Parsley: 2 tablespoons, chopped
• Mayonnaise: 3 tablespoons
• Greek Yogurt: 2 tablespoons
• Lemon Juice: 1 tablespoon
• Salt: to taste
• Black Pepper: to taste
• Garlic Powder: 1/2 teaspoon

Step-by-Step Process

Cook the Pasta:

• Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy.

Prepare the Vegetables:

• While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the black olives and chop the fresh parsley.

Mix the Dressing:

• In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to create a creamy dressing.

Combine Ingredients:

• Add the drained tuna, cooked pasta, and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are well coated.

Chill:

• Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.

Serve:

• Give the salad a final toss before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.

Preparation Time Chart

Alternative Cooking Methods

Air Fryer:

If you prefer a warm twist, you can air fry the pasta after cooking it. Toss the cooked pasta in a little olive oil and seasoning, then air fry at 350°F (175°C) for 5-7 minutes to add a crispy texture before mixing it with the other ingredients.

Oven Baking:

Another option is to bake the pasta. After cooking and cooling, spread the pasta on a baking sheet and bake at 375°F (190°C) for about 10 minutes to get a slightly toasted flavor.

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Alternative Recipes

• Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad: Add feta cheese, capers, and a splash of red wine vinegar to give a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad: Incorporate chopped jalapeños and a dash of hot sauce into the dressing for a spicy kick.
• Vegan Tuna Pasta Salad: Substitute the tuna with chickpeas and use vegan mayonnaise and yogurt alternatives.

Storage Instructions

Refrigeration:

• Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors will continue to develop as it sits.

Freezing:

• While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the salad for up to 1 month. To freeze, place it in a freezer-safe container. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before serving.

Reheating:

• For best results, if you’ve frozen it, gently mix it with a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt after thawing to restore its creamy texture.

Side Dishes

Garlic Bread:

A slice of crispy garlic bread pairs wonderfully with this salad, adding a savory touch.

Fruit Salad:

A refreshing fruit salad makes for a light and healthy complement to the Tuna Pasta Salad.

Drink Pairing

• Lemonade: A glass of chilled lemonade offers a refreshing and tangy contrast to the creamy salad.
• Iced Tea: Unsweetened iced tea with a slice of lemon is a great option for a light and satisfying drink.

Variation

• Add Protein: For extra protein, consider adding boiled eggs or grilled chicken chunks.
• Swap Vegetables: Feel free to swap out the vegetables based on what you have on hand. Bell peppers, shredded carrots, or green beans can work well.

Mistakes by Me

One common mistake I made initially was overcooking the pasta. Be sure to cook it just until al dente to maintain the perfect texture. Also, avoid adding too much dressing; it’s best to start with a small amount and add more as needed to ensure the pasta doesn’t become too soggy.

This recipe is a result of my own experimentation and personal taste preferences. I’ve shared it with you hoping it becomes a beloved dish in your kitchen, just as it has in mine.

FAQs

1. Can I make this salad ahead of time? Yes, Tuna Pasta Salad can be made a day in advance. Just keep it covered in the refrigerator and give it a good mix before serving.

2. Can I use a different type of pasta? Absolutely! Feel free to use your favorite pasta shape. Bowties, fusilli, or even macaroni work great.

3. What can I use instead of Greek yogurt? You can substitute Greek yogurt with sour cream or more mayonnaise if you prefer.

Nutrition Chart

Tips

• For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery or bell peppers.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as you mix to suit your preferences.
• Use high-quality tuna for the best flavor.

Recipe Card

Print Recipe

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

Author: Sagar Rakshit Cooking Method: Boiling, Mixing Cuisine: Italian Courses: Salad Recipe Keys: Mixing

Difficulty: Beginner Prep Time 25 mins Cook Time 10 mins Rest Time 30 mins Total Time 1 hr 5 mins

Servings: 2 Calories: 320

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

Description

"A refreshing Tuna Pasta Salad made with al dente pasta, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing, perfect for a quick and healthy meal."

 

 

Ingredients

Servings

• 1 Cup Pasta (penne or rotini works best)

• 1 Can Canned Tuna ((5 oz), drained)

• 1 Cup Cherry Tomatoes (halved)

• 1/2, diced Cucumber

• 1/4, finely chopped Red Onion

• 1/4 cup, sliced Black Olives

• 2 Fresh Parsley (chopped)

• 3 tablespoons Mayonnaise

• 2 tsp Greek Yogurt

• 1 tbsp Lemon Juice

• Salt: to taste

• Black Pepper: to taste

• 1/2 teaspoon Garlic Powder

Instructions

1. Cook the Pasta:

   • Begin by bringing a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the pasta and cook according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. This helps keep the pasta from becoming mushy.
   Mark as complete

2. Prepare the Vegetables:

   • While the pasta is cooking, chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Slice the black olives and chop the fresh parsley.
   Mark as complete

3. Mix the Dressing:

   • In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder. Stir well to create a creamy dressing.
   Mark as complete

4. Combine Ingredients:

   • Add the drained tuna, cooked pasta, and chopped vegetables to the bowl with the dressing. Toss everything together gently until all ingredients are well coated.
   Mark as complete

5. Chill:

   • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and enhances the overall taste.
   Mark as complete

6. Serve

   • Give the salad a final toss before serving. Garnish with additional parsley if desired.
   Mark as complete

Nutrition Facts

Servings 2

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Amount Per Serving

Calories 320kcal

% Daily Value *

Total Fat 15g24%

Total Carbohydrate 30g10%

Dietary Fiber 3g12%

Sugars 3g

Protein 15g30%

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* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.

Note

Tips

• For extra crunch, consider adding chopped celery or bell peppers.
• Taste and adjust the seasoning as you mix to suit your preferences.
• Use high-quality tuna for the best flavor.

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