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Crunchy Pasta Tuna Salad with Yogurt Dressing

A close-up of Crunchy Pasta Tuna Salad with Yogurt Dressing, featuring pasta, tuna, celery, cranberries, and walnuts.
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Prepare a refreshing and crunchy pasta salad featuring tuna and a light, tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces small pasta (like elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 1 (5 ounce) can tuna in water, drained
  • 1 cup chopped celery
  • 1/2 cup chopped red onion
  • 1/2 cup chopped sweet pickle relish
  • 1/4 cup chopped walnuts or pecans (optional, for extra crunch)
  • 1 cup plain Greek yogurt (full fat or 2%)
  • 2 tablespoons Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, drained tuna, chopped celery, red onion, pickle relish, and nuts (if using).
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your dressing.
  4. Pour the yogurt dressing over the pasta and tuna mixture.
  5. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to combine.

Notes

  • For maximum crunch, do not overcook the pasta; it should remain firm.
  • You can substitute plain Greek yogurt with plain regular yogurt, but the texture will be thinner.
  • Add 1/4 cup of finely chopped fresh parsley for color and fresh flavor.
  • This salad holds up well for make-ahead meals; prepare it a day in advance.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://sundayflavor.com/crunchy-pasta-tuna-salad-with-yogurt-dressing/