Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad with Mayo
A vibrant and flavorful pasta salad with tuna, crisp vegetables, and creamy mayo, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
Pasta and Tuna
- 8 ounces Pasta (Fusilli or Penne) Cook according to package instructions, drain, and cool.
- 2 cans Canned Tuna Use chunk light or solid white tuna for the best texture.
Vegetables
- 1 medium Cucumber Diced for a refreshing crunch.
- 1 medium Bell Pepper Any color you prefer for sweetness and vibrant color.
- 1/4 cup Red Onion Finely chopped to enhance flavors.
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes Halved for freshness and juicy sweetness.
Dressing
- 1/2 cup Mayonnaise Creaminess to bind the ingredients together.
- 2 tablespoons Olive Oil Provides a fruity depth to the flavor.
- 1 tablespoon Lemon Juice A burst of acidity to brighten the dish.
- to taste Salt and Pepper Enhances all the flavors.
Instructions
Preparation
- In a large pot of salted boiling water, cook the pasta until al dente, usually about 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
- While the pasta is cooking, chop the cucumber, bell pepper, red onion, and halve the cherry tomatoes. Set aside.
Mixing
- In a large mixing bowl, add the drained tuna, cooled pasta, chopped vegetables, and toss to combine gently.
- In a smaller bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Stir until well blended.
- Pour the dressing over the pasta salad and gently fold everything together until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chilling
- Cover the salad with plastic wrap and let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld beautifully!
Notes
Consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a healthier option. Make it a day ahead to enhance the flavors. Rinse pasta after cooking to prevent gummy texture.