Irresistible Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs Recipe Delight

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Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is a culinary delight that perfectly marries tender pasta, zesty tuna, and a medley of fresh herbs. Imagine twirling your fork around colorful spirals coated in a creamy dressing that dances on your taste buds like a seasoned performer at a gala. It’s not just food; it’s an experience.

This dish brings back memories of summer picnics where laughter fills the air and every bite tastes like sunshine. Perfect for those lazy afternoons or festive gatherings, Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs will transform any meal into a celebration of flavors. Get ready to dive deep into this recipe that promises to be as exciting as a surprise party.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

  • This Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is incredibly easy to prepare in under 30 minutes
  • Bursting with fresh flavors, it’s perfect for lunch, dinner, or potlucks
  • The vibrant colors make it visually appealing and it’s versatile enough to be customized with whatever you have on hand

Sharing this dish at family gatherings always earns me rave reviews—everyone loves it.

Recipe preparation

Essential Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:

  • Pasta: Choose your favorite shape; I love using rotini for its ability to hold onto dressings.

  • Canned Tuna: Opt for chunk light or albacore for a satisfying texture and flavor.

  • Greek Yogurt: A healthier alternative to mayonnaise, adding creaminess without the guilt.

  • Fresh Herbs: Parsley, dill, or basil—these add a burst of flavor and freshness.

  • Bell Peppers: Colorful and crunchy; they bring sweetness and crunchiness to the salad.

  • Red Onion: Use finely chopped red onion for a mild yet tangy bite that enhances the overall flavor.

  • Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed juice brightens up the dish with a zesty kick.

  • Olive Oil: A drizzle adds richness and helps bind all the ingredients together beautifully.

  • Salt & Pepper: Essential seasonings to enhance all the wonderful flavors in this salad.

The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.

Let’s Make it Together

Cook the Pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add your pasta of choice and cook according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Prepare the Tuna Mixture: In a large mixing bowl, combine drained canned tuna, finely chopped bell peppers, red onion, and fresh herbs. Stir gently to mix everything together without breaking up the tuna too much.

Create the Dressing: In a separate bowl, whisk together Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. This creamy dressing will bring all your ingredients together in harmony.

Toss Everything Together: Add the cooled pasta to your tuna mixture. Pour over the dressing and toss until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if necessary.

Chill & Serve.: Cover your pasta salad with plastic wrap or transfer it into an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving so all those wonderful flavors meld together beautifully.

This Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is not only scrumptious but also perfect for meal prepping ahead of time.

You Must Know

  • Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is a delightful dish that’s perfect for summer picnics or quick dinners
  • Its fresh flavors and vibrant colors make it a crowd-pleaser, and you can whip it up in no time
  • Enjoy the satisfying crunch of veggies paired with tender pasta

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling the pasta until al dente, then drain and cool. While it’s cooling, chop your herbs and vegetables to save time. Mix everything together once the pasta is ready; this way, each ingredient shines.

Serving and storing

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap tuna for grilled chicken or add olives for an extra kick. You can also experiment with different herbs like basil or cilantro to find your favorite flavor combination. The possibilities are endless.

Storing & Reheating

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. For best results, enjoy cold; reheating may alter the texture of the salad.

Chef's Helpful Tips

  • For ultimate flavor, let your Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs chill for at least 30 minutes before serving; this allows all the ingredients to mingle beautifully
  • Use quality tuna packed in olive oil for richer taste, and don’t skimp on fresh herbs

There was that one summer BBQ where I brought my Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs, and everyone went back for seconds. The joy on their faces made me realize this dish really brings people together.

FAQs

FAQ

Can I use canned tuna in oil for Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs?

Absolutely. Canned tuna in oil adds richness and enhances flavor beautifully.

How long does Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs last in the fridge?

It lasts about three days when stored properly in an airtight container.

What type of pasta works best for this salad?

Short pasta shapes like penne or rotini hold dressing well and add great texture.

Print
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Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs


  • Author: Jennifer
  • Total Time: 20 minutes
  • Yield: Serves approximately 4 portions 1x

Description

Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is a refreshing dish that combines tender pasta, zesty tuna, and vibrant herbs for a burst of flavor in every bite. Perfect for summer gatherings or quick weeknight dinners, this easy-to-make salad is not only visually appealing but also delightful to taste. With a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt, this recipe transforms simple ingredients into a culinary masterpiece that will impress any crowd.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 oz rotini pasta
  • 1 can (5 oz) chunk light tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup Greek yogurt
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
  • 1/2 cup diced bell peppers (any color)
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook the rotini pasta in salted boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, bell peppers, red onion, and parsley.
  3. In another bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the tuna mixture and pour over the dressing. Toss everything until evenly coated.
  5. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
  • Calories: 290
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 350mg
  • Fat: 10g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 7g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 19g
  • Cholesterol: 30mg

Keywords: Feel free to substitute canned tuna with grilled chicken or add olives for extra flavor. Experiment with different fresh herbs like dill or cilantro for varied tastes. This salad stores well in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days.

Tags:

creamy dressing / easy meals / herb recipes / pasta salad / picnic food / summer recipes / tuna salad

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