Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon and Dill
This tuna pasta salad with lemon and dill is bright, zesty, and packed with lean protein—perfect for meal prep, picnics, or light summer lunches. Made with flaky tuna, tender pasta, crisp veggies, and a fresh lemon dill vinaigrette, it’s a satisfying and healthy cold pasta salad everyone will love.
Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta rotini, penne, or fusilli work well
- 2 cans tuna drained
- 1 cucumber diced
- ½ small red onion finely chopped
- ¼ cup capers drained
- 2 lemons juiced and zested
- ¼ cup fresh dill chopped
- ¼ cup extra virgin olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- Optional: feta cheese cherry tomatoes, arugula
Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Prepare vinaigrette: Whisk together lemon juice, zest, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Combine ingredients: In a large bowl, toss pasta with tuna, cucumber, red onion, capers, and dill.
- Dress the salad: Pour the lemon dill vinaigrette over the salad and toss gently to coat.
- Taste and adjust: Add more salt, pepper, or lemon to taste.
- Chill for 30 minutes if desired, or serve immediately.
Notes
Secret Tips for Tuna Pasta Salad with Lemon and Dill
- Choose high-quality tuna: For the best flavor in your tuna pasta salad with lemon and dill, opt for tuna packed in olive oil. It delivers richer taste and better texture than water-packed versions.
- Don’t overcook your pasta: Cook the pasta just until al dente. Slightly firm pasta holds up better in a healthy cold pasta salad and absorbs the lemon dill vinaigrette without becoming mushy.
- Use fresh dill whenever possible: While you can substitute dried dill in a pinch, fresh dill brings a bright, herbaceous flavor that makes this lemon dill pasta salad shine. It’s worth seeking out!
- Balance the lemon flavor: Taste the dressing as you go. Depending on your lemons’ tartness, you may want to add an extra splash of olive oil or a touch of honey to balance the acidity in your lemon dill pasta salad.
- Boost texture with add-ins: Add extra crunch to your Mediterranean tuna pasta salad with ingredients like chopped bell peppers, blanched green beans, or toasted nuts.
- Serve at room temperature for the best flavor: While this is a perfect cold tuna pasta salad, letting it sit at room temperature for 10–15 minutes before serving enhances the flavors.
- Use whole grain or legume-based pasta for more fiber and protein: Whole grain pasta boosts nutrition and keeps your high protein tuna pasta salad even more satisfying and filling.
- Meal prep like a pro: Make a big batch and store it in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors improve as the salad sits, making this an ideal meal prep tuna pasta salad.
- Garnish right before serving: Reserve a bit of fresh dill and lemon zest for a vibrant final garnish that really makes this dish pop on the table.
- Add feta or shaved Parmesan: Cheese adds richness and a salty kick, elevating your easy tuna pasta salad recipe from simple to restaurant-worthy.