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Lemon Pepper Tuna Pasta Salad

Lemon pepper tuna pasta salad with peas red onion celery and creamy dressing
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This is a modern, zesty take on a pantry pasta salad, combining preserved fish with a bright, creamy lemon pepper dressing. It’s a fast, satisfying weeknight meal that turns simple, shelf-stable ingredients into something fresh and comforting.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 ounces short pasta, like rotini, farfalle, or elbow macaroni
  • 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white albacore tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
  • 1/2 cup diced celery
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/3 cup plain Greek yogurt or sour cream
  • 1/4 cup freshly grated Parmesan cheese
  • 3 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons lemon pepper seasoning
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 teaspoon kosher salt, plus more to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper
  • Optional for garnish: extra lemon zest, chopped fresh dill or parsley

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta in a large pot of well-salted boiling water until al dente. Before draining, reserve about 1/2 cup of the starchy pasta water. Drain the pasta and rinse briefly under cool water. Return it to the pot or a large mixing bowl.
  2. While the pasta cooks, make the dressing. In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Parmesan cheese, lemon juice, lemon pepper seasoning, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, and salt until smooth.
  3. Add the drained tuna, thawed peas, diced red onion, and celery to the bowl with the warm pasta. Pour the dressing over everything and gently toss until evenly coated. If the salad is too thick, add a splash of the reserved pasta water, one tablespoon at a time, to loosen it.
  4. Taste and adjust seasoning with more salt, black pepper, or lemon juice if needed. For best flavor, cover and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes

Taste your lemon pepper seasoning before adding, as brands vary in saltiness. Adjust the added salt accordingly. The salad tastes even better the next day and is perfect for meal prep.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://harmonymeal.com/lemon-pepper-tuna-pasta-salad/