Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon and Dill | Picnic-Ready and Make-Ahead Approved
Samantha
This tuna pasta salad with lemon and dill is light, refreshing, and packed with protein. Featuring flaky tuna, crisp veggies, and a zesty lemon dill vinaigrette, it’s the perfect make-ahead dish for lunches, picnics, or summer gatherings.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Lunch, Side Dish
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings
Calories 320 kcal
- 8 oz pasta rotini, penne, or bowties work great
- 2 5 oz cans of tuna, drained
- ½ cup celery diced
- ¼ cup red onion thinly sliced
- ½ cup cucumber diced
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
- Juice and zest of 1 large lemon
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
Step 1: Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
Step 2: In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, celery, red onion, cucumber, dill, and parsley.
Step 3: In a separate small bowl, whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper.
Step 4: Add cooled pasta to the tuna mixture. Pour dressing over the top and toss gently to combine.
Step 5: Taste and adjust seasoning if needed. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.
Secret Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon and Dill
1. Use High-Quality Tuna: Choose wild-caught tuna packed in water or olive oil for the best flavor and texture. This ensures your healthy tuna pasta salad is full of lean protein and omega-3s.
2. Don’t Overcook the Pasta: For the perfect high-protein pasta salad, cook your pasta al dente. This keeps it from getting mushy when chilled and helps it absorb the lemon dill vinaigrette better.
3. Brighten with Extra Lemon: Always use both the juice and zest of a fresh lemon. The zest adds intense citrus flavor that elevates your lemon dill tuna pasta salad to new heights.
4. Let It Rest: While this is a make-ahead tuna pasta salad, letting it rest in the fridge for a few hours allows the flavors to meld beautifully. The dill and lemon become more pronounced, and the tuna absorbs the dressing.
5. Keep It Picnic-Ready: Since this is a no mayo tuna pasta salad, it’s perfect for outdoor gatherings. Store it in a cooler with ice packs and give it a quick toss before serving at your picnic or potluck.
6. Make It a Protein Powerhouse: For an extra high-protein pasta salad, double the tuna or add chickpeas. You’ll boost satiety while keeping the salad light and refreshing.
7. Add Crunch and Color: Mix in chopped bell peppers, radishes, or even snap peas for added crunch. These veggies complement the lemon dill tuna pasta salad and give it a vibrant, colorful finish.Keyword creamy tuna pasta salad, easy tuna pasta salad recipe, healthy tuna pasta salad, heart-healthy pasta salad, high-protein pasta salad, lemon dill tuna pasta salad, make-ahead tuna pasta salad, no mayo tuna pasta salad, picnic-ready tuna pasta salad, tuna pasta salad with lemon and dill
