Tuna Pasta Salad

Our creamy Tuna Pasta Salad recipe is a quick and easy dish bursting with the flavors of tender pasta, flaky tuna, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for hot summer days or potluck gatherings, this recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness.

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Our vintage Tuna Pasta Salad recipe is your answer to a simple and refreshing dish that’s full of flavor. With tender pasta, flavorful tuna, and a creamy Greek yogurt dressing, it’s a classic dish that’s as delicious as it is easy to make and will be the hit of your family dinner.

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This tuna pasta salad with peas is the perfect salad to take to a barbecue or block party. It makes a filling lunch or even a light dinner on a hot day. Made with affordable ingredients that are full of flavor and color, this will be your new go-to recipe for potlucks and holiday gatherings.

Tuna Pasta Salad Ingredients

This cold pasta salad with tuna uses simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this dish a winner. You might have everything you need in your kitchen already. Every bite is a mouth-watering combination of al dente pasta shells, canned tuna fish, crisp veggies, and a tasty homemade dressing.

Quick Tuna Pasta Salad Substitutions and Additions

PASTA: For a gluten-free option, swap the small shell pasta with gluten-free pasta of your choice. You can also use different shapes of pasta, like penne or fusilli. Use what you have on hand, or choose a shape you love.

TUNA: Substitute chunk light tuna with canned albacore tuna for a richer flavor. You can switch up this recipe by adding in canned salmon or cooked chicken for a different protein option while still maintaining the heartiness of the dish.

GREEN PEAS: Mix things up by using thawed edamame instead of green peas. If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can use cooked corn kernels, plus they’ll add even more color.

CELERY: Replace diced celery with thinly sliced cucumber for a refreshing crunch and a hint of coolness. If you’re not a fan of celery’s texture, consider using diced bell peppers for a pop of color and sweetness.

RED ONION: Swap diced red onion with finely chopped scallions for a milder onion flavor. For a sweeter touch, try using shallots instead. Here’s a tip: If you prefer a more subtle onion flavor, soak the red onion in cold water for 10 minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow its sharpness.

DILL WEED: Try using different herbs such as basil, or cilantro to customize the flavor of the salad. You can also use dried Italian seasoning blend for a convenient alternative with a mix of herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

KOSHER SALT: Substitute kosher salt with sea salt or table salt, adjusting the quantity to taste. If you choose to use table salt, you’ll want to use less; probably only around half the amount.

BLACK PEPPER: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for a subtle heat or smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.

MAYONNAISE: You can use vegan mayonnaise as a dairy-free alternative. You can also use Miracle Whip, but the flavor will be significantly sweeter than if you use mayo.

GREEK YOGURT: Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream for a creamier texture and tangier flavor. Coconut yogurt can also be used for a dairy-free option. 

LEMON JUICE: Substitute lemon juice with lime juice for a slightly different flavor.

ADD-INS: Chop red and yellow bell peppers for a sweet and colorful addition. You can also stir in chopped, hard-boiled eggs for a hearty dish with some extra egg flavor. Some people really enjoy the taste of cheddar cheese stirred into their salad, as well.

Remember, while these substitutions and additions can enhance the flavor and versatility of the recipe, they may alter the taste and texture slightly. Feel free to get creative and customize the Tuna Pasta Salad to suit your preferences and dietary needs.

How To Make Tuna Pasta Salad

No need to preheat your oven for this recipe! Stir tasty tuna and veggies together with a simple and delicious dressing that you make yourself for an easy tuna salad pasta with mayo salad that’s ready in no time.

STEP ONE: Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients for this mayo tuna pasta salad. Thaw the frozen green peas, dice the celery and red onion, and measure out the remaining ingredients.

STEP TWO: Cook the shell pasta in a large pot of water according to the package instructions. Drain the pasta well, rinsing it in cold water to stop the cooking process. Add the cooked pasta to a large mixing bowl.

PRO TIP: After draining the cooked pasta, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together as it cools.

STEP THREE: Drain the canned tuna and add it to the pasta. Then, add the thawed green peas, diced celery,  diced red onion, dried dill weed, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper.

STEP FOUR: Add the mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice to a small (3-4 cups) bowl. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and no lumps are visible.

STEP FIVE: Pour the dressing over the bowl of pasta, tuna, and vegetables. 

STEP SIX: Fold the mixture together using a spatula or a wooden spoon. Mix gently until all the ingredients are completely coated in the dressing.

PRO TIP: Before serving, taste the tuna pasta salad to make sure it’s seasoned to your liking. Adjust as you’d like to achieve the flavor you want.

STEP SEVEN: Serve immediately, or chill covered in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

How To Serve Cold Pasta Salad With Tuna

A classic cookout side dish, this easy tuna salad pasta is perfect for serving alongside grilled chicken or a burger for a complete and satisfying meal. The creamy dressing pairs beautifully with the charred flavors of grilled meats, while the refreshing vegetables add a crisp contrast.

Stuff the tuna salad with pasta into a pita pocket for a convenient and delicious meal on the go. Add lettuce and tomato for extra freshness.

For a lighter option, serve our Tuna Pasta Salad on a bed of crisp mixed greens. Drizzle with extra lemon juice and olive oil for added brightness and flavor.

This salad can even double as a party appetizer! Serve small portions in lettuce wraps or small single-serve dishes for a tast appetizer. Add a mini fork, and garnish with fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and flavor. 

Tuna pea pasta salad makes a great side for just about any main course. It’s a refreshing dish that can be made while pork chops or chicken tenders bake in the oven.

MORE PASTA SALAD RECIPES

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Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

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Egg Pasta Salad

How To Store This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

This cold pasta salad with tuna needs to be stored properly since it contains mayo and tuna, two foods which can spoil quickly. 

MAKE AHEAD: If you’d like to make this cold tuna pasta salad ahead of time, you can. Stir your pasta salad together and cover. Store it in the fridge for up to 3 days, but serve within 24 hours for the best texture and flavor. Before serving, give it a gentle stir to redistribute the flavors, and if needed, add a few tablespoons of mayo if the salad looks a bit dry.

IN THE FRIDGE: Store any leftover Tuna Pasta Salad in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 3 days. The flavors will actually meld together even more, resulting in a tastier dish over time. Before serving, give it a quick stir to refresh the flavors.

IN THE FREEZER: While our Tuna Pasta Salad is best enjoyed fresh, it can be stored in the freezer for longer-term storage. Transfer the salad to a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to 1 month. When ready to enjoy, thaw the salad overnight in the refrigerator.

Why This Macaroni Pasta Salad With Mayo Is The Best

From its simplicity to its versatility, this recipe for tuna pasta salad is the only one you’ll ever need. Here’s why we think it’s the best:

Versatility: One of the main reasons we adore this recipe is how quickly you can change it up, and all the ways to serve it. Whether you’re enjoying it as a light lunch, a side dish for dinner, or even as an appetizer at a party, our Tuna Pasta Salad fits the bill perfectly. Its easily adaptable for alternative ingredients and flavors, making it suitable for any dietary preference.

Easy Preparation: Another reason why we can’t get enough of this recipe is its ease of preparation. With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, it’s a breeze to whip up, even on the busiest of days. Plus, it can be made ahead of time, saving you precious minutes in the kitchen when you need it most.

Nutritious and Filling: Our tuna pasta salad is not only bursting with flavor but also packed with nutrients to fuel your body. With protein-rich tuna, fiber-packed vegetables, and whole-grain pasta, it’s a wholesome meal that leaves you feeling satisfied and energized.

Our Tuna Pasta Salad combines the flavors of tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a satisfying and refreshing meal or side. Perfect for taking to casual picnics, office potlucks, and elegant bridal showers, it’s easy, customizable, and good for almost any occasion. Sure to become a favorite recipe the whole family will love!

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Tuna Pasta Salad

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Our creamy Tuna Pasta Salad recipe is a quick and easy dish bursting with the flavors of tender pasta, flaky tuna, and crisp vegetables. Perfect for hot summer days or potluck gatherings, this recipe is the perfect blend of convenience and deliciousness.

Prep Time 15 minutes minutes

Cook Time 10 minutes minutes

Total Time 25 minutes minutes

Servings 6

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Ingredients

  

1x2x3x

• 2 cups dry small shell pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained very well
• 12 ounce chunk light tuna in water, drained very well – we used Great Value brand
• 1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
• 1 cup diced celery
• ¾ cup diced red onion, chop to about the size of a frozen pea
• 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

For the Dressing

• ¾ cup mayonnaise
• ½ cup plain nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 teaspoons lemon juice

Instructions

 

• Add the cooked small shell pasta to a large bowl (about 6-7 quarts).
• Add the drained tuna, thawed green peas, diced celery, diced red onion, dried dill weed, kosher salt and cracked black pepper.
• Add the mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice to a small (3-4 cups) bowl. Whisk until the dressing is smooth and no lumps are visible.
• Pour the dressing over the tuna, pasta and vegetables.
• Fold the mixture all together until all the ingredients are completely coated. (Be sure to taste the pasta salad to ensure it is seasoned to your taste) You can serve immediately, or chill in the refrigerator until ready to serve. (You can make this the night before) Store covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
• You can add chopped bell peppers, chopped boiled eggs and even add smoked paprika.

Notes

• Buy white tuna packed in water, not oil. Oily tuna will ruin the consistency of the pasta salad.
• After draining the cooked pasta, toss it with a drizzle of olive oil to prevent it from sticking together as it cools.
• Before serving, taste the tuna noodle salad to make sure it’s seasoned to your liking. Adjust to achieve the flavor you want.

Nutrition

Calories: 406kcal | Carbohydrates: 32g | Protein: 19g | Fat: 22g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 33mg | Sodium: 617mg | Potassium: 345mg | Fiber: 3g | Sugar: 4g | Vitamin A: 323IU | Vitamin C: 12mg | Calcium: 59mg | Iron: 2mg

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