Irresistible Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs Recipe

When it comes to summer picnics or lazy Sunday lunches, nothing screams “delicious” quite like a Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs. Picture this: tender pasta swirled with creamy dressing, fresh herbs dancing in the sun, and plump tuna adding the perfect punch of protein. It’s like a warm hug after a long day—comforting, satisfying, and oh-so-easy to whip up!

I still remember the first time I made this dish for my friends during a sun-soaked barbecue. They could hardly contain their excitement as they twirled their forks around the colorful pasta. It was an instant hit! Now, Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs has become my go-to dish for gatherings and family dinners. The delightful combination of flavors makes it an ideal companion for any event, from beach outings to cozy movie nights at home.

It’s always a joy when my family digs into this recipe, often asking for seconds or even thirds!

Essential Ingredients

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

• Pasta: Use your favorite type of pasta; I prefer rotini for its ability to hold onto all that tasty dressing.

• Canned Tuna: Opt for high-quality tuna packed in olive oil or water; it really boosts the flavor and texture.

• Fresh Herbs: Parsley and dill are my go-to herbs; they add freshness that elevates the whole dish.

• Mayonnaise: Choose regular or Greek yogurt-based mayo for a creamier texture without all the guilt.

• Lemon Juice: Freshly squeezed lemon juice brightens up the flavors and adds zesty goodness.

• Cherry Tomatoes: Halved cherry tomatoes bring sweetness and color; they make every bite pop.

• Red Onion: Finely chopped red onion adds a nice crunch and sharpness, balancing out the creaminess.

• Salt and Pepper: Essential seasoning that brings all the flavors together; don’t skip these!

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 over high heat. Add your pasta and cook until al dente, following package instructions—usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water.

Prepare the Dressing: In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. The mixture should be creamy with a hint of tangy freshness.

Toss in Ingredients: Add in drained tuna, cooked pasta, halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, and fresh herbs into the bowl. Gently fold everything together so each piece gets coated in that lovely dressing.

Chill Before Serving: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This step allows all those flavors to mingle beautifully!

Serve It Up!: Once chilled, give your Tuna Pasta Salad one last gentle toss before transferring it to a serving bowl. Garnish with extra herbs if desired—because who doesn’t love a little pizzazz?

Enjoying this Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is like taking a mini-vacation on your plate! The blend of textures—creamy pasta mixed with juicy tomatoes—is simply irresistible. Plus, it holds well in the fridge, so you can savor those leftovers throughout the week (if there are any left!).

Now that you’ve got this fantastic recipe locked down, I hope it becomes as beloved as it is in my household! Whether you’re hosting friends or just craving something light yet filling, this Tuna Pasta Salad will always deliver deliciousness on demand.

Perfecting the Cooking Process

Start by boiling your pasta until it’s al dente, then drain and rinse it under cold water. While the pasta cools, mix the dressing and chop your herbs for the freshest flavor.

Add Your Touch

Feel free to swap the tuna for chickpeas or add crispy bacon bits. Toss in seasonal vegetables like bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, or even avocado for extra creaminess.

Storing & Reheating

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

The first time I made tuna pasta salad with herbs, my friends devoured it in seconds, claiming it was better than their mom’s recipe. It felt fantastic to impress them with such a simple dish!

FAQ

What type of pasta works best for tuna pasta salad with herbs?

Any short pasta like rotini or penne holds dressing well and adds great texture.

Can I make this dish vegetarian?

Absolutely! Substitute tuna with chickpeas or white beans for a protein-packed option.

How can I make my tuna pasta salad with herbs more flavorful?

Incorporate zesty lemon juice and fresh garlic; they elevate the flavor profile beautifully!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs

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• Author: Jennifer
• Total Time: 25 minutes
• Yield: Serves 4

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Description

Tuna Pasta Salad with Herbs is a refreshing and satisfying dish, perfect for summer picnics or quick lunches. This vibrant salad combines tender pasta, plump tuna, and fresh herbs, all coated in a creamy dressing. With its delightful mix of flavors and textures, it’s easy to whip up and can be customized to fit your taste. Enjoy this dish chilled, making it an ideal addition to any gathering or meal prep!

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 8 oz rotini pasta
• 1 can (5 oz) high-quality tuna in olive oil or water, drained
• ¼ cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt-based mayo)
• 2 tbsp freshly squeezed lemon juice
• ½ cup halved cherry tomatoes
• ¼ cup finely chopped red onion
• 2 tbsp chopped fresh parsley
• 1 tbsp chopped fresh dill
• Salt and pepper to taste

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Instructions

1. Cook the rotini in salted boiling water until al dente (8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water.
2. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
3. Add the drained tuna, cooked pasta, cherry tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and dill to the bowl. Gently fold until combined.
4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Serve chilled; garnish with extra herbs if desired.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 320
• Sugar: 2g
• Sodium: 450mg
• Fat: 15g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 35g
• Fiber: 3g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 25mg