Description
A delightful and hearty tuna pasta salad packed with fresh flavors, protein, and creamy dressing. Perfect for lunches, picnics, or potlucks.
Ingredients
Scale
- 8 oz pasta (e.g. rotini or penne)
- 1 can (15 oz) tuna, drained
- 1 cup celery, diced
- 1 cup bell pepper, diced
- 1/2 cup red onion, diced
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Optional: parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling water in a large pot. Once the water is boiling, add a pinch of salt to the water. Then, add the pasta. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until it is al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta and let it cool down completely.
- Prepare Vegetables: While the pasta is cooling, take the time to prepare your vegetables. Dice the celery, bell pepper, and red onion into small pieces to help them mix well into the salad.
- Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta with the drained tuna. Add the diced celery, bell pepper, and red onion. Stir everything together gently until it’s well mixed.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This dressing will add creaminess and flavor to the salad.
- Mix Dressing with Salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything until the pasta and vegetables are well-coated with the dressing.
- Chill the Salad: Cover the mixing bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let the salad chill for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to blend together nicely.
- Garnish and Serve: When you’re ready to serve, take the salad out of the refrigerator. Stir it gently to mix everything again. If you like, you can garnish with parsley for an added touch of color and flavor.
Notes
Store in the refrigerator for 3 to 5 days. Pasta may absorb dressing over time; add more mayonnaise before serving if needed.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 300
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 450mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 28g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 18g
- Cholesterol: 25mg
Keywords: tuna salad, pasta salad, easy recipes, picnic food, potluck recipes