Description
A refreshing and creamy tuna pasta salad, combining tuna, pasta, and fresh vegetables for a delightful summer dish.
Ingredients
Scale
- 2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained (approximately 10 oz total)
- 2 cups elbow macaroni (dry)
- 1 red bell pepper, diced
- 1 cucumber, diced (medium)
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup Greek yogurt (plain)
- 1 lemon, juiced (about 2 tablespoons)
- 1/2 tsp salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add 2 cups dry elbow macaroni and cook until al dente according to package directions (usually 8–10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
- Prepare the tuna and vegetables: While pasta cools, drain the tuna and flake it into bite-size pieces with a fork. Dice the red bell pepper, cucumber, and finely chop the red onion and parsley.
- Make the dressing: In a small bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup Greek yogurt, juice of 1 lemon, 1/2 tsp salt, and 1/4 tsp black pepper until smooth.
- Combine base ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooled pasta, flaked tuna, diced bell pepper, cucumber, red onion, and parsley.
- Dress the salad: Pour the dressing over the pasta mixture and gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld and for the salad to firm up slightly.
- Serve: Garnish with extra chopped parsley and freshly ground black pepper. Serve cold.
Notes
For a lighter twist, substitute Greek yogurt for some mayonnaise. Adjust seasoning after chilling as cold foods may need more salt or lemon.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 337
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 302mg
- Fat: 16g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 9g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 29.7g
- Fiber: 2.2g
- Protein: 18.4g
- Cholesterol: 25mg