Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon and Capers • Kath Eats

This creamy tuna pasta salad is a scrumptious mixture of crimson bell pepper, capers, and a creamy yogurt dressing, brightened with contemporary herbs and lemon.

This creamy tuna pasta salad comes collectively in about 20 minutes and holds up fantastically within the fridge all week, making it excellent for meal-prepped lunches. Flaky tuna, contemporary herbs, capers, crimson bell pepper, and a tangy yogurt-mayo dressing make this straightforward pasta salad something however boring.

Why This Tuna Pasta Salad Works for Meal Prep

Whereas I’m not an enormous prep day particular person, I do like to make one giant recipe that may carry my lunches by means of the week. I’ve performed prep day kale salads and grain salads like this citrus curry farro salad. And this season I’ve been on a kick of pasta salad recipes (see additionally dill pickle pasta salad and taco pasta salad!) 

Pasta salads aren’t all the time excessive on the protein chart, which is why I added some tuna. Canned salmon would work completely right here too! Suppose tuna noodle casserole meets creamy tuna salad! In contrast to many basic pasta salads which are principally pasta and mayonnaise, this model provides protein-rich tuna and Greek yogurt to make it extra filling for lunch or a light-weight dinner. Plus contemporary herbs, crimson bell pepper, capers, and many lemon for a pasta salad that’s simply as excellent for meal prep lunches as it’s for summer season picnics, potlucks, or a fast weeknight dinner.

Makes about 6 servings, prepared in 25 minutes, retains for 4 days!

Straightforward Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

This tuna pasta salad recipe is SO straightforward to toss collectively and could be made principally from components within the fridge and pantry. I used elbow macaroni as a nod to casseroles, and two cans of flaked albacore tuna. The tuna provides loads of protein, making this pasta salad satisfying sufficient for lunch as an alternative of only a aspect dish. I all the time search for sustainably caught tuna – the MSC seal is an efficient indicator. Fishwife and Wild Planet are my favourite manufacturers. (Get 10% off Fishwife with the code KATHEATS10).

Elements

This straightforward tuna pasta salad recipe combines elbow macaroni, hearty albacore tuna, crimson bell pepper, contemporary herbs (a should!), and capers in a creamy Greek yogurt dressing with lemon. The brilliant lemon taste retains it contemporary and lightweight whereas the yogurt provides additional protein and a tangy, creamy texture with out feeling such as you’re getting a cup of mayo in each chunk.

Variations

This tuna pasta salad is endlessly adaptable. Swap the albacore tuna for canned salmon or chunk mild tuna, use peas or corn as an alternative of bell pepper, add chopped celery or carrots for crunch, or stir in feta, cheddar, or olives for a Mediterranean twist. It’s an excellent clean-out-the-fridge recipe.

Yep, a few of these pics are from my previous (previous) kitchen!

Lemon zest is vital to the dish’s brilliant taste, and I additionally used a handful of herbs from our herb backyard: parsley, dill, and basil. Use no matter mixture of herbs you’ve, or simply choose your favourite and go all in. I used a crimson bell pepper as a result of I all the time have one available, however frozen peas or corn – or contemporary summer season corn reduce off the cob – could be nice. Chopped celery and even crimson onion (!) would add crunch. You can even add in some shredded or diced sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled feta. Olives could be a pleasant Mediterranean addition to go along with the capers, too! 

• Elbow macaroni – or you need to use any pasta form you want
• Albacore tuna – or swap in salmon or chunk mild tuna in case you favor
• Pink bell pepper – or the equal quantity of veggies of your selection
• Herbs – any combine you want. I used parsley, basil, and dill. Child spinach works too! 
• Capers – love them! Depart them out in case you don’t, or swap in chopped olives. 

For the dressing

• Full-fat Greek yogurt – my go-to in pasta salads to maintain the saturated fats at bay and protein excessive with plenty of creamy texture
• Duke’s mayonnaise
• Lemon – zested and juiced
• Salt and pepper – naturally

How To Make This Tuna Pasta Salad

Prepare dinner the pasta

Warmth a big pot of salted water to boiling. Prepare dinner the pasta till al dente in response to the bundle directions. Drain and rinse with chilly water. Return pasta to pot or a big mixing bowl.

Prep the components

In the meantime, chop the bell pepper and herbs. Drain the capers. Zest and juice lemon. I like lemon zest and use it at any time when I exploit a lemon! I then flip over my microplane and use it to catch the lemon seeds whereas squeezing out the juice. My lemon yielded about 1.5 tbsp zest and three tbsp juice.

Prep the tuna

Drain tuna and flake with a fork.

Make the dressing

Mix yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon, lemon zest, salt and pepper in a bowl and whisk to mix.

Combine pasta salad collectively

Add chopped pepper, herbs, and capers to the cooked pasta. Then add the tuna. Stir to combine.

Stir within the dressing

Add 3/4 of the dressing to the pasta and stir till mixed. Add remainder of dressing, if desired.

Serve

Function a aspect dish at a picnic or as a important course for lunch or a lighter dinner. 

Retailer

Retailer within the fridge in an hermetic container for a couple of days. Chances are you’ll need to freshen it up with a squeeze of lemon juice or additional yogurt dressing for the reason that pasta will steadily soak up the dressing. 

Tuna Pasta Salad FAQs

Are you able to make tuna pasta salad forward of time?

Sure! In truth, this tuna pasta salad tastes even higher after a couple of hours within the fridge because the flavors have time to mix collectively.

How lengthy does tuna pasta salad final?

It’s a wonderful meal prep lunch and can maintain properly for as much as 4 days within the fridge in an hermetic container. Stir in a squeeze of lemon juice or an additional spoonful of yogurt earlier than serving if it appears dry.

What sort of tuna is greatest for tuna pasta salad?

I like albacore tuna as a result of it has a agency texture and extra taste, however chunk mild tuna or canned salmon each work properly – even sardines! Simply drain the can completely earlier than mixing it into the salad.

Can I make tuna pasta salad more healthy?

Completely. Utilizing Greek yogurt within the dressing boosts the protein whereas conserving the salad creamy and lighter than a mayonnaise-only dressing. You can even add additional greens like peas, celery, spinach, or cucumbers for much more diet.

What goes with tuna pasta salad?

Serve it by itself in a bowl for a straightforward lunch or pair it with a peach, watermelon, sliced tomatoes, grilled greens, crackers, or a inexperienced salad for a whole summer season meal.

Are you able to freeze tuna pasta salad?

I don’t suggest it. The yogurt dressing can separate after thawing and the pasta loses its texture.

Extra Pasta Salad Recipes: