Tuna Pasta Salad

If the words tuna pasta salad conjure images of gloopy mayonnaise and mushy macaroni, stop right there. Our lightened up, brightened up version is made with a lemon-herb vinaigrette and al dente rotini.

This tuna pasta salad is packed with fresh arugula, cherry tomatoes, and some pickled peppers for a pop of heat and color. We recommend using good-quality tuna packed in oil. It has more flavor than the water-packed kind and a rich (not dry) texture.

Learn how to make tuna pasta salad. This summery salad is delicious served chilled or at room temperature.

Ingredients for Tuna Pasta Salad

Big, bold flavors are made possible by this short ingredient list because everything pulls extra weight to make this pasta salad extra delicious. Here's what you'll need:

• Rotini pasta: You can substitute rotini with any short, curvy noodle, but we like rotini because it captures the dressing so each bite is filled with flavor.
• Ranch dressing mix: The dried seasoning mix is good for more than dips and dressing. Here is provide a robust, herby flavor but doesn't need to be creamy.
• Champagne vinegar: This type of vinegar has a just-right balance of bite and sweetness. Use white wine vinegar if you don't have Champagne vinegar on hand.
• Lemon zest and lemon juice: Fresh juice and zest really make the difference here in terms of flavor. The zest is floral and sweet while the juice contrasts nicely with the rich tuna and oil.
• Honey: A bit of sweetness. You can use sugar or agave syrup if you want, but honey brings some nice floral flavors the other sweeteners rarely have.
• Kosher salt: For seasoning.
• Olive oil: The base of the dressing for this pasta salad.
• Tuna: Most everything on this list is relatively inexpensive, so use a little bit to buy good-quality tuna packed in oil. It's worth the few dollars more you'll spend because the flavor and texture is far superior.
• Cherry tomatoes: For little pops of brightness and tang.
• Red onion: Shallots would work, too, but the red onion is nice because of its bite and delicate sweetness.
• Banana peppers: The surprise ingredients (in our opinion) is tangy, slightly hot banana peppers. They're unexpected but you won't want another pasta salad without them.
• Arugula: Adds a beautiful leafy green texture and some color.

How To Make Tuna Pasta Salad

There's a reason tuna pasta salad is so beloved for lunches and quick dinners. It's ready in just minutes, and nothing need a long time to cook. Here's a brief recap of the recipe; the full thing is further below:

• Step 1. Cook pasta: Boil the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and cool while you prepare the other ingredients.
• Step 2. Make dressing: In a bowl, combine the ranch dressing mix, vinegar, lemon zest, lemon juice, honey, and salt. Then, slowly drizzle the olive oil into the mix, whisking constantly, until smooth and combined.
• Step 3. Finish salad: Once the pasta is cool, add it and the other ingredients (except the arugula) into the dressing, tossing to combine. Finally, add the arugula, and toss. Serve immediately.

Our Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad

Pasta salads are beloved because they come together easily and are endlessly adaptable. Here are a few ideas for making sure this is the best dish you can make.

• Don't overcook pasta: Cook the rotini or pasta you decide to use until just tender. Overcooking the pasta will result in mushy, lifeless pasta salad, as the pasta will continue to soften slightly in the dressing.
• Plan ahead: If you're going to use this recipe for a week of lunches, save adding the arugula until you're ready to eat. The tender greens will wilt and turn slimy if left in the dressing too long.
• Swap the tuna: Everything in this pasta salad will be great paired with shrimp, chicken, even steak, so don't turn this recipe down just because of the tuna.

How To Store Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna pasta salad is best served immediately after it's mixed because the arugula will soften and wilt. However, without the arugula, you an store the pasta salad in the fridge in an airtight container up to three days. Fold in the arugula just before serving.

Can You Make Tuna Pasta Salad Ahead of Time?

Yes, the flavors of this pasta salad will deepen as it sits, but there's one step we recommend you skip: Don't add the arugula until you're just about to eat the pasta salad. If it's dressed too early and for too long, the delicate greens will wilt and turn limp. Instead, mix the entire pasta salad, and add the arugula right before you eat the dish.

What To Serve With Tuna Pasta Salad

On its own, this tuna pasta salad recipe is a full meal—complete with pasta, protein, and vegetables. So we recommend serving this with a glass of white wine, and call dinner done.