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As the days grow longer and the temperatures rise, the craving for light, refreshing meals becomes a top priority. One dish that perfectly embodies the spirit of summer is the Refreshing Cold Tuna Dill Pasta Salad. This delightful recipe combines the heartiness of pasta with the bright flavors of fresh vegetables and the satisfying protein of tuna, making it an excellent choice for warm-weather dining. Whether you are hosting a picnic, preparing a family dinner, or simply looking for a quick and nutritious meal, this pasta salad is sure to impress.

Cold Tuna Dill Pasta Salad

Beat the heat with a Refreshing Cold Tuna Dill Pasta Salad, the perfect light meal for summer days! This easy-to-make dish combines hearty pasta with flavorful tuna, fresh vegetables like cherry tomatoes and cucumbers, and a creamy dressing infused with dill and lemon juice. Not only is it delicious, but it’s also packed with protein and nutrients, making it ideal for picnics or weeknight dinners. Customize it to suit your taste for an endless array of possibilities!
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Ingredients
  

8 ounces of fusilli pasta (or your favorite pasta shape)

1 can (5-7 ounces) of tuna packed in olive oil, drained and flaked

1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved

1/2 cup cucumber, diced into small cubes

1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped

1/2 cup fresh dill, chopped (or 2 tablespoons dried dill for convenience)

1/2 cup mayonnaise

1/2 cup Greek yogurt (or substitute with sour cream)

1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice

Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

Optional: 1/4 cup capers, rinsed and drained

Instructions
 

Cook the Pasta: In a large pot, bring water seasoned with salt to a rolling boil. Add the fusilli pasta and cook following the package instructions until it reaches al dente texture. Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down completely. Set the cooled pasta aside in a large mixing bowl.

    Prepare the Vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, take the time to chop the cherry tomatoes, cucumber, and red onion. Aim for uniform sizes, especially for the cucumber and onion, to ensure even distribution in the salad. Set these chopped vegetables aside as you will add them to the pasta shortly.

      Make the Dressing: In a separate medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, freshly squeezed lemon juice, and chopped dill. Season with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Whisk the ingredients together until the mixture is smooth and well incorporated. Taste and adjust the seasoning as necessary to suit your preference.

        Combine Ingredients: To the bowl with the cooled pasta, add the flaked tuna, halved cherry tomatoes, diced cucumber, finely chopped red onion, and capers (if you’re using them). Gently mix the ingredients together, ensuring that everything is well distributed without breaking the tuna apart too much.

          Add the Dressing: Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Using a spatula or large spoon, gently toss everything together to coat evenly with the creamy dressing.

            Chill the Salad: Cover the salad with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 30 minutes, which will help the flavors blend beautifully.

              Serve: Before serving, give the salad a light toss to refresh the ingredients. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt or a splash of fresh lemon juice if desired. For an extra pop of color and flavor, garnish with additional fresh dill before serving.

                Prep Time, Total Time, Servings: 15 mins | 45 mins (including chilling time) | Serves 4-6