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Cold Tuna Pasta Salad in a serving bowl with a plateful in the back
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5 from 2 votes

Cold Tuna Pasta Salad

Discover the flavors of Cold Tuna Pasta Salad—ideal for quick lunches or summer gatherings, light, and full of texture.
Prep Time5 minutes
Cook Time2 minutes
Total Time7 minutes
Course: 30-Minute Meal, 60 Minutes or Less, Sides
Cuisine: American
Keyword: 30-Minute Meal, 60-Minutes or Less, Creamy, Creamy Dressing, Easy, Pasta, Pasta Salad, Quick, Salad, Simple, Simple Side, Tuna
Servings: 12
Calories: 174kcal
Author: Eva Filer

Equipment

  • Large Bowl
  • Measuring Cups and Spoons
  • Food Processor if using, see notes

Ingredients

  • 2 cups cottage cheese low fat or mayonnaise
  • lemon juice to taste
  • 3-5 sprigs dill
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • ½ teaspoon ground pepper
  • 1 lb pasta cooked
  • 2 cups celery minced or chopped
  • 10 radishes chopped
  • 1 small red onion minced
  • ground paprika optional

Instructions

  • In a large mixing bowl add mayo, lemon juice (I usually start with 3 tablespoons), fresh dill, salt and pepper and mix well. I make this with cottage cheese, so I like to use a food processor to make it extra smooth.
  • To the bowl add cooked pasta, celery, radishes and red onion. Mix well to combine and garnish with additional dill and paprika if desired.

Notes

  • Flake the Tuna Well: Break the tuna into small pieces for even distribution.
  • Balance the Flavor: Adjust lemon juice and salt to get the right flavor.
  • Let It Chill: Allow the salad to sit for a bit so the flavors can come together.
  • Freshly Cooked Pasta: Rinse well with cold water so it doesn’t warm up the dressing.
  • Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 3-4 days.
  • Make Ahead: This salad is perfect for making ahead and storing for a few days. Prepare in advance for meal prep or easy lunches throughout the week.
 
  • Nutrition Information is calculated with low fat cottage cheese.

Nutrition

Calories: 174kcal | Carbohydrates: 31g | Protein: 10g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Cholesterol: 2mg | Sodium: 364mg | Potassium: 183mg | Fiber: 2g | Sugar: 3g | Vitamin A: 96IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 41mg | Iron: 1mg
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