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tuna pasta salad featured

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

A creamy, protein-packed tuna pasta salad featuring tender pasta, flaky tuna, and fresh vegetables in a tangy dressing.
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Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings: 2
Course: Grain & Pasta Salads
Cuisine: American
Calories: 463
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • 3.5 oz dry elbow pasta (about 100 grams)
  • 7 oz canned tuna, drained (about 200 grams)
  • ⅓ cup light sour cream
  • ⅓ cup light mayonnaise
  • ½ teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon mustard (Dijon or yellow)
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • ¼ cup gherkins or pickles, diced
  • 3 large radishes, diced (optional)
  • 1 medium Lebanese cucumber, diced
  • ½ red bell pepper, diced
  • ½ red onion, finely diced

Equipment

  • Large pot for boiling pasta
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Cutting board and knife

Method
 

  1. Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain, rinse with cold water, and allow to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth.
  3. Add drained tuna to the dressing, breaking it into chunks with a fork.
  4. Fold in diced vegetables and pickles.
  5. Add cooled pasta and gently toss until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

  • Storage: Keep refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
  • For meal prep: Divide into portions in separate containers.
  • Variations: Add hard-boiled eggs, swap in different pasta shapes, or try Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter version.