Description

Cold Tuna Pasta Salad is a quick lunch, easy dinner, and healthy snack-style meal packed with tender rotini, flaky tuna, crisp cucumber, juicy tomatoes, and a creamy herb dressing. It is one of those easy recipe favorites that fits busy weekdays, summer gatherings, meal prep, and simple food ideas when you need fresh breakfast ideas, lunch options, or light dinner ideas without much fuss.

Ingredients

12 ounces rotini pasta

2 cans tuna in water, drained

1 cup cucumber, sliced thin

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/4 cup red onion, thinly sliced

2 celery stalks, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped

3/4 cup mayonnaise

1/4 cup sour cream

1 tablespoon Dijon mustard

1 tablespoon lemon juice

1 teaspoon red wine vinegar

1/2 teaspoon garlic powder

1/2 teaspoon onion powder

1/2 teaspoon salt

1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the rotini until al dente according to the package directions.

2. Drain the pasta, rinse it under cold water, and let it drain well so the salad does not become watery.

3. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper until smooth.

4. Add the cooled pasta to the bowl along with the drained tuna, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, dill, and parsley.

5. Gently toss everything together until the pasta and vegetables are evenly coated in the dressing.

6. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes before serving so the flavors can blend.

7. Stir again before serving and adjust with a little extra mayonnaise or lemon juice if needed.

Notes

Drain the tuna and pasta very well so the dressing stays creamy.

Chill the salad before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Add a spoonful of mayo or a splash of lemon juice before serving leftovers to freshen it up.

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: 540mg
Fat: 17g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Unsaturated Fat: 12g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 31g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 18g
Cholesterol: 22mg