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Tuna Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing. 

We are starting to see a bit more sunshine, a little more blue sky, a lot more flowers and a little less rain. That can only mean one thing, spring has finally arrived here in the PNW and we are this close to all the potlucks and pasta salads that nice weather is sure to bring. This Tuna Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables is how I am going to celebrate.

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.

Asparagus is by far my favorite spring vegetable. I usually simply roast it or steam it and eat it by itself. However, adding it to salads is another favorite way to use it. In this salad, the asparagus is added to the cooking pasta during the last two minutes of cooking so that it’s still nice and crunchy in the salad.

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.

We don’t eat tuna that often. The only tuna we really have around here is tuna sandwiches. Always with onion and pickles. That is until now. Now I am going to be making this Tuna Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables any time I get the chance. It is loaded with fresh asparagus, peas and shallots then tossed in a creamy lemon vinaigrette with dill and capers.

It is full of flavor, friends. Full of flavor.

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.

And guess what, the dressing is lighter too. Instead of being a mayo based dressing like most pasta salad dressings, the dressing in this Tuna Pasta Salad is yogurt based. I love using Greek yogurt in my creamy salad dressings because it adds all the creaminess without being heavy like mayo. The addition of lemon juice and lemon zest also help lighten things up.

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.

In addition to all of the goodness that we’ve already talked about this Tuna Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables also has sweet peas, shallots, briny capers and dill. Trust me when I say it’ll be your new favorite pasta salad this summer.

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.

Tuna Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 40 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Total Time 46 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried shell pasta
  • 1 pound asparagus trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup sliced shallots
  • 1 6oz can tuna packed in water, drained
  • salt and pepper

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons nonpareil capers
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta for 5 -6 minutes. Add in peas and asparagus during the final 2 minutes. Drain under cool water.
  • In another bowl whisk together all ingredients for the dressing.
  • In a large bowl combine pasta, vegetables, tuna and shallots. Pour dressing over the top. Mix to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: bbq, labor day, memorial day, pasta salad, salad, seafood, tuna

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Charlotte
    May 13, 2022 at 9:10 am

    I add cubed American cheese. My kids love it!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      May 14, 2022 at 8:36 am

      What a great addition! Love that your kiddos love it!

  • Reply
    Susan
    March 23, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    Sounds great

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    February 10, 2019 at 7:20 am

    5 stars
    This looks incredibly delicious!

  • Reply
    Allison
    February 8, 2019 at 9:09 am

    I’m so ready for spring veggies! This looks delish!

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    February 7, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    This is so creamy and delicious! I love that my kids eat it up too.

  • Reply
    Demeter
    February 7, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    5 stars
    Asparagus is one of my favorites! Love this side dish for get togethers.

  • Reply
    Amanda
    February 7, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds amazing ! I cannot wait to try !!

  • Reply
    Jenny B @ Honey and Birch
    April 20, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    Tuna salad is seriously one of my favorite things to eat.

  • Reply
    Kelsey Rickert
    April 18, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    This looks so good! I used to love having tuna casserole growing up! I cannot wait to try your Tuna Pasta!

  • Reply
    Gust Și Aromă
    April 18, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    I love spring vegetables! Asparagus is my favourite!

  • Reply
    Michelle Nahom
    April 17, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    That looks delicious — and so perfect with those spring veggies!

  • Reply
    Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious
    April 17, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    I just love how much asparagus and peas scream Spring! This looks like my kind of salad!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    April 17, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    Cold tuna salads are the best!!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »