Have you ever found yourself craving a light and refreshing meal that is also satisfying and full of flavor? Look no further than Tuna Pasta Salad, a dish that has been enjoyed by many for generations.

The origins of Tuna Pasta Salad can be traced back to Italy, where it is a popular summertime dish known for its simplicity and versatility. The combination of tender pasta, flavorful tuna, crisp vegetables, and zesty dressing creates a dish that is perfect for picnics, barbecues, or even a quick and easy weeknight dinner.

Despite its gourmet appearance, Tuna Pasta Salad is surprisingly simple to make, making it an ideal recipe for beginner chefs or those looking for a quick and easy meal. With just a few ingredients and a little bit of time, you can have a delicious and healthy dish that is sure to impress your family and friends.

If you are looking for a new way to enjoy tuna or simply want to add a refreshing dish to your recipe rotation, Tuna Pasta Salad is a must-try.

Ingredients

Tuna: Tuna adds a rich and savory flavor to the pasta salad. It provides a source of protein and omega-3 fatty acids, making the dish filling and nutritious.

Fusilli Pasta: Fusilli Pasta is the base of the salad, providing a hearty and satisfying element. Its spiral shape makes it perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing and other ingredients.

Sweetcorn: Sweetcorn adds a touch of sweetness and a burst of color to the salad. It complements the tuna and pasta perfectly, adding a refreshing crunch.

Mayonnaise: Mayonnaise contributes to the creamy texture of the dressing, binding all the ingredients together. It also adds a rich and indulgent flavor to the salad.

Yoghurt Greek Style: Greek style yogurt brings a tangy and slightly sour note to the dressing. It also lightens up the dish and adds a hint of freshness.

Mustard: Mustard provides a sharp and pungent flavor to the dressing, balancing out the richness of the mayonnaise and yogurt. It adds a depth of flavor to the salad.

Red Onion: Red onion adds a sharp and slightly sweet flavor to the salad. It also provides a crunchy texture and a pop of color, enhancing the overall presentation.

Cucumber: Cucumber adds a crisp and refreshing element to the salad. Its mild and watery taste helps to balance out the creaminess of the dressing.

Tomato: Tomato brings a juicy and vibrant touch to the salad. It adds a burst of freshness and a slightly acidic note, cutting through the richness of the other ingredients.

Salt: Salt enhances the flavors of all the other ingredients, bringing out their natural taste and making the salad more delicious.

Black Pepper: Black pepper adds a subtle heat and spiciness to the salad. It also provides a nice contrast to the creamy dressing and other ingredients, elevating the overall flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions and Variations

For serving suggestions, you can serve this Tuna Pasta Salad as a main dish for a light lunch or dinner. You can also serve it as a side dish alongside grilled chicken or fish. Additionally, this salad can be a great option for meal prep, as it can be stored in the refrigerator and enjoyed throughout the week.

• Add a pop of color and flavor by garnishing the Tuna Pasta Salad with some fresh chopped herbs, such as parsley or dill.
• For added crunch, sprinkle some toasted breadcrumbs or chopped nuts on top of the salad before serving.
• You can also mix in some chopped olives or sun-dried tomatoes for a Mediterranean twist on this classic dish.
• If you prefer a spicier kick, add some chopped jalapenos or a dash of hot sauce to the salad.
• To make this salad more filling, add in some cooked chickpeas or black beans for added protein and fiber.
• For a creamy and tangy dressing, mix in some fresh lemon juice and zest to the mayonnaise and yogurt mixture.
• If you want to make this dish more colorful, use different colored cherry tomatoes or bell peppers in addition to the cucumber and red onion.
• To make this salad more refreshing, add in some chopped avocado or diced mango for a touch of sweetness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is tuna pasta salad?

Tuna pasta salad is a dish made with cooked pasta, canned tuna, and a variety of other ingredients such as vegetables, mayo, and seasonings.

How do you make tuna pasta salad?

To make tuna pasta salad, you will need to cook pasta according to package instructions, drain and let it cool. Then mix in canned tuna, chopped vegetables, mayo, and your choice of seasonings.

Can I make tuna pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes, tuna pasta salad can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2-3 days. Just make sure to store it in an airtight container to keep it fresh.

Is tuna pasta salad healthy?

Tuna pasta salad can be a healthy choice depending on the ingredients used. Opt for whole wheat or veggie pasta, light mayo, and plenty of vegetables to make it a nutritious meal.

What are some variations of tuna pasta salad?

Some popular variations of tuna pasta salad include adding in ingredients like diced pickles, hard-boiled eggs, olives, or even a splash of lemon juice for a fresh twist. Feel free to get creative with your additions!

Check Out These Other Recipes

Here are some more recipes for you to enjoy! If you my recipes don’t forget to rate and leave a comment.

• Tuna Melt
• Pasta Salad
• Tuna Quesadillas
• Tuna Pasta Bake
• Tuna Curry

If you have any recipe suggestions, please do not hesitate to ask me. A great way to stay in contact with me is through Instagram, Facebook, Twitter and YouTube. Don’t forget to tag me @CookwithNabeela in your recipe photos!

Tuna Pasta Salad

by Nabeela Kauser

This tuna pasta salad recipe is a quick, nutritious meal that the whole family will love. It's a wonderful pasta salad that can also be prepared ahead of time and is ideal for barbecues or family get-togethers.

5 from 16 votes

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Course Dinner, Lunch, Salad

Cuisine American, Mediterranean, Western

Servings 5

Calories 381 kcal

Cook ModePrevent your screen from going dark

Ingredients

• ▢ 300 g Tuna Canned
• ▢ 200 g Pasta Fusilli
• ▢ 100 g Sweetcorn Frozen
• ▢ 100 g Mayonnaise
• ▢ 100 g Yoghurt Greek Style
• ▢ 1 tsp Mustard
• ▢ 1/2 Onion Red
• ▢ 1/4 Cucumber
• ▢ 1 Tomato
• ▢ 1/2 Salt
• ▢ 1/2 Black Pepper

Instructions

• Bring a large pot of salted water to a gentle boil
• Add the pasta to the water and cook for 10-12 minutes on a gentle simmer until the pasta is al dente (See Note 1)
• Drain and rinse with cold water, so your pasta doesn’t stick
• In a separate bowl add mayonnaise, Greek yoghurt and combine
• Then add your veggies, salt, black pepper and mustard and mix together (See Note 2)
• Finally, add the cooked pasta in the salad and combine
• It can be served immediately or chilled first to allow the flavours to meld slightly.

Video

Notes

Note 1 – Al dente refers to when the pasta is cooked just enough to retain a somewhat firm texture with a bit of a bite

Note 2 – You can substitute any other vegetables you choose for the ones that are used in my recipe. Peas are a popular alternative to sweetcorn.

Nutritional facts:

The provision of nutritional information is done merely as a courtesy and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Nutrition

Calories: 381kcalCarbohydrates: 38gProtein: 19gFat: 17gSaturated Fat: 3gTrans Fat: 0.04gCholesterol: 33mgSodium: 283mgPotassium: 371mgFibre: 2gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 337IUVitamin C: 6mgVitamin D: 1µgCalcium: 54mgIron: 2mg

Keyword Fish, Food, Healthy, Pasta, Recipe, Seafood, Summer, Tuna

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