Looking for a quick, delicious, and satisfying meal? Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is the perfect choice! Packed with tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a luscious creamy dressing, this dish is ideal for picnics, potlucks, meal prep, or a refreshing lunch.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
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Quick & Easy – Ready in just 20 minutes.
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Protein-Packed – Tuna provides lean protein for a satisfying meal.
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Customizable – Easily swap veggies or add extras like avocado or boiled eggs.
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Perfect for Meal Prep – Stays fresh in the fridge for several days.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
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8 oz (about 2 cups) pasta (rotini, bowtie, or elbow)
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2 cans (5 oz each) tuna, drained
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1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
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1/2 cup red bell pepper, diced
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1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
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1/2 cup sweet corn (canned or fresh)
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1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
For the Creamy Dressing:
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1/2 cup mayonnaise
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1/4 cup Greek yogurt (or sour cream)
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1 tbsp Dijon mustard
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1 tbsp lemon juice
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1 tsp garlic powder
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Salt and black pepper, to taste
Instructions
1. Cook the Pasta
Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool it down.
2. Mix the Dressing
In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
3. Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, add cooked pasta, tuna, celery, bell pepper, red onion, corn, and parsley. Pour the dressing over and gently toss to combine.
4. Chill & Serve
Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors. Serve cold and enjoy!
Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad
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Use High-Quality Tuna – Solid white albacore tuna has the best flavor and texture.
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Let It Chill – Chilling allows the flavors to meld together.
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Add More Crunch – Try adding diced cucumbers or shredded carrots.
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Make It Healthier – Swap mayo for more Greek yogurt or use a light dressing.
Variations
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Mediterranean Style – Add olives, feta cheese, and sun-dried tomatoes.
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Spicy Kick – Mix in a dash of hot sauce or red pepper flakes.
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Extra Protein – Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas.
Conclusion
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a delicious, refreshing, and protein-packed meal that’s easy to make and perfect for any occasion. Whether you need a quick lunch, a make-ahead meal, or a party dish, this recipe is sure to be a hit!
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