Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad for Summer Gatherings

Pasta salad is a crowd-pleaser that can be enjoyed all year round, but it’s especially delightful during the warm months when picnics and barbecues become more frequent. This recipe features a light yet flavorful pasta dish with a mix of fresh vegetables, protein-packed tuna, and creamy dressing. Perfectly balanced flavors make this dish a hit at any gathering. It serves 6-8 people and takes approximately 30 minutes to prepare, including cooking time for the pasta and chilling.

For this recipe, you’ll need:

• 16 ounces of your preferred pasta shape
• 2 cans of tuna in water (drained)
• 2 cups of cherry tomatoes, halved
• 1 small red onion, finely chopped
• 1 cucumber, diced
• 2 celery stalks, sliced thinly
• ½ cup of mayonnaise
• ¼ cup of Greek yogurt
• 3 tablespoons of lemon juice
• 1 tablespoon of Dijon mustard
• Salt and pepper to taste

To start, cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain well and rinse under cold water until cool. This step is important as it prevents the pasta from becoming overly starchy once mixed with other ingredients.

While the pasta cools, prepare your dressing by mixing mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, and pepper in a bowl. You can adjust seasoning to suit your preference—adding more lemon for extra brightness or increasing the amount of mustard if you prefer a bit of spice.

Once the pasta is cooled, transfer it into a large mixing bowl along with all other prepared ingredients: halved cherry tomatoes, chopped red onion, diced cucumber, and sliced celery. Gently fold in the tuna so that each piece is evenly coated but not overly wet to avoid clumping.

Perfectly Balanced Pasta Salad

The combination of flavors here creates a delightful balance between sweet (from the tomatoes), tart (lemon juice), savory (tuna and onions), and creamy elements from both mayo and yogurt. The addition of tuna adds protein, making this dish not only delicious but also nutritious.

For those who love variety in their meals, feel free to experiment with different types of pasta such as spirals or bow ties for added texture. Fresh herbs like parsley or basil can also be sprinkled on top just before serving for an extra burst of freshness and color.

If you're hosting a party, this dish is perfect since it can be made ahead of time and left in the refrigerator until ready to serve. However, make sure to let the salad sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before eating to allow all flavors to meld together nicely.

Perfectly balanced pasta salad isn't just about taste; it's also an art form that showcases how simple ingredients combined skillfully can create something truly special. Whether you're throwing a casual dinner party or hosting a larger event, this dish will definitely be a hit among your guests. Pair it with grilled chicken skewers or a fresh green salad for a complete meal.

Remember to enjoy leftovers within two days as they tend to lose freshness after that period due to the ingredients used in this recipe which include dairy products and vegetables sensitive to air exposure. If storing, always cover tightly with plastic wrap or place in an airtight container before refrigerating.

In conclusion, if you're looking for a versatile dish that combines simplicity with complexity, then this perfectly balanced pasta salad is what you need. Its adaptability makes it suitable for various occasions, ensuring everyone will find something to love on their plate!