Tuna Pasta Salad
This easy tuna pasta salad recipe is a classic for a reason! Perfect for quick meals, BBQs, or potlucks.
Looking for a delicious and versatile dish that’s perfect for any occasion? This classic tuna pasta salad is your answer! It’s made with simple ingredients you probably already have in your pantry, and it comes together in minutes. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a satisfying dinner, or a crowd-pleasing side dish, this recipe is a winner. Let’s get started!
Table of Contents
- Recipe Ingredients
- Ingredient Notes
- Step-by-Step Instructions
- Recipe Tips & Variations
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Nutrition Facts
- Recipe Reviews
Recipe Ingredients
- 1 lb penne pasta
- 2- 5 oz cans of tuna, drained
- 2 medium zucchini sliced in quarters then chopped
- 4 scallions chopped
- ½ cup grated carrots
- 4 small sweet peppers cut into rings
Lemon Vinaigrette
- 4 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ⅔ cup olive oil
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- ½ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons fresh dill
Ingredient Notes
- Tuna: Use your favorite type of canned tuna for this recipe, such as albacore or light—as long as you have about 10 oz total. While tuna packed in water is the traditional choice, tuna in oil can add a richer flavor.
- Pasta: Penne is a great choice for this salad because its shape holds the dressing well, but feel free to use any pasta variety you like. Cook the pasta according to package directions until it’s al dente (tender but still firm to the bite).
- Tuna: You can use any type of canned tuna you prefer, such as albacore (white tuna) or light tuna. Tuna packed in water is the more traditional choice, but tuna in oil adds a richer flavor.
- Zucchini: Zucchini adds a fresh and mild flavor to the salad. If you don’t have zucchini on hand, you can substitute it with yellow squash or cucumber.
- Scallions: Scallions provide a mild onion flavor. You can substitute them with chives or red onion for a more pungent taste.
- Carrots: Diced carrots add sweetness and color. Feel free to use pre-shredded carrots for convenience.
- Sweet Peppers: Sweet peppers bring a vibrant color and sweetness to the salad. You can use any color of bell pepper you like or a mix of colors.
- Lemon Vinaigrette: This homemade lemon vinaigrette is easy to make and adds a bright, zesty flavor to the salad. You can adjust the amount of lemon juice to your liking. If you don’t have fresh dill, you can substitute it with dried dill or another fresh herb, like parsley or oregano.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Make the lemon vinaigrette and set aside.
2. Cook the pasta according to directions. Rinse the pasta with cold water.
3. In a large bowl, combine the pasta and veggies.
4. Flake tuna with a fork and gently add it to the dish.
5. Add the lemon vinaigrette, mix gently and serve at room temperature.
Recipe Tips and Variations
- Enjoy it warm: For a comforting twist, try serving this salad warm. Simply sauté the vegetables in a skillet, then add the cooked pasta and lemon vinaigrette. Gently stir in the flaked tuna and serve immediately.
- Add More Veggies: This recipe includes zucchini, scallions, carrots, and sweet peppers, but feel free to add more vegetables to your liking. Cherry tomatoes, chopped broccoli florets, frozen peas (cooked), or sliced cucumbers would all be delicious additions.
- Make it Creamy: If you prefer a creamier salad, you can add 1/3 cup mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, or sour cream to the lemon vinaigrette.
- Boost the Protein: To add more protein to the salad, consider adding diced hard-boiled eggs, chickpeas, or white beans.
- Get Creative with the Dressing: While the lemon vinaigrette is a bright and flavorful option, you can use any dressing you like. A creamy Italian dressing or a balsamic vinaigrette would also be yummy.
- Make it Spicy: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, black pepper, or a dash of hot sauce to the dressing for a touch of heat. You can also add chopped jalapeños or other spicy peppers.
- Make it Hearty: To make this salad a more substantial meal, add cooked quinoa or couscous.
- Try Different Pasta Shapes: While penne is a great choice for this salad, you can use any type of pasta you like. Rotini, macaroni, bowtie, farfalle, or even small shells would all work well.
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the five mistakes to avoid in pasta salad?
Overcooking the pasta, using too much dressing, adding ingredients that don’t hold up well (like tomatoes), not seasoning the pasta water, and not letting the salad chill properly are common mistakes. You can ensure a delicious and well-balanced pasta salad by avoiding these.
What goes in a tuna pasta salad?
Tuna pasta salad typically includes cooked pasta, canned tuna, mayonnaise, celery, onion, and sometimes hard-boiled eggs. Variations may include other vegetables like peas, carrots, or bell peppers, as well as seasonings such as dill, parsley, or paprika.
Is tuna pasta salad healthy?
Tuna pasta salad can be a healthy and nutritious meal option, especially if you use whole-wheat pasta, plenty of fresh vegetables, and a light dressing. Tuna is a good source of protein and healthy fats, while the vegetables provide essential vitamins and minerals.
What tuna is best for tuna pasta salad?
You can use any type of canned tuna you prefer for tuna pasta salad, such as albacore (white tuna) or light tuna. Tuna packed in water is a good choice for a lighter salad, while tuna in oil adds a richer flavor.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 583 kcal | Carbohydrates: 44 g| Protein: 20 g | Fat: 38.7 g | Sodium: 862 mg | Fiber: 9 g | Sugar: 6 g | Cholesterol: 26 mg | Vitamin D: 6% | Calcium: 11% | Iron: 19% | Potassium: 15%