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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Prep Time15

Cook Time10

Total Time25

Servings

Table of Contents

Tuna Pasta Salad Ingredients
Quick Tuna Pasta Salad Substitutions and Additions
How To Make Tuna Pasta Salad
How To Serve Cold Pasta Salad With Tuna
How To Store This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Why This Macaroni Pasta Salad With Mayo Is The Best
Tuna Pasta Salad Frequently Asked Questions
More Cold Pasta Salads You’ll Love
JUMP TO RECIPE
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Welcome to Spaceships and Laser Beams, where we bring you tried-and-true recipes perfect for every occasion. This tuna pasta salad has been tested and perfected in our kitchen, ensuring a simple dish that satisfies the whole family.

Our recipe developers bring a wealth of personal experience from years in the kitchen, ensuring that each recipe is infused with practical insights and tested techniques from their hands-on work.

Our reader-favorite tuna pasta salad is a must-have in your recipe collection. It combines the convenience of pantry staples with fresh, flavorful ingredients. With a balanced mix of protein-packed tuna, crisp vegetables, and al dente pasta, this simple salad is delicious and easy. Keep reading to learn how to make this perfectly in your kitchen.

Tuna Pasta Salad Ingredients

Tuna Pasta Salad raw ingredients that are labeled

This easy pasta salad with tuna uses simple yet flavorful ingredients that make this dish a winner. It’s a flavorful update to classic tuna salad.

Every bite is a mouth-watering is the perfect balance of flavors with a combination of al dente pasta shells, canned tuna fish, crisp veggies, and a tasty homemade dressing.

Here’s what you’ll need:

Salad Ingredients:

2 cups dry small shell pasta, cooked according to package directions and drained very well
1 (12-ounce) chunk light tuna in water, drained very well
1 cup frozen green peas, thawed
1 cup diced celery
¾ cup diced red onion
1 teaspoon dried dill weed
¾ teaspoon kosher salt
½ teaspoon fresh cracked black pepper

Dressing Ingredients:

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

Quick Tuna Pasta Salad Substitutions and Additions

PASTA: You can use different shapes of pasta, like penne or fusilli or even elbow macaroni. 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.

We used Great Value brand when making this, but you can pick any brand you like.

GREEN PEAS: Mix things up by using thawed edamame instead of frozen peas.

If you prefer a sweeter flavor, you can use cooked sweet corn kernels, plus they’ll add even more color.

You could also glash cook fresh peas straight from the farmer’s market before making this simple tuna pasta salad recipe.

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.

You’ll want to dice the onion very small, so it’s similar in size to the peas.

Here’s a tip: If you prefer a more subtle onion flavor, soak the red onion in cold water for ten minutes before adding it to the salad to mellow its sharpness.

DILL WEED: To customize the flavor of the salad, try using different herbs, such as basil or cilantro.

For a convenient alternative, you can also use a dried Italian seasoning blend with herbs like oregano, thyme, and rosemary.

You can substitute 1 ½ teaspoons of fresh dill for the dried as well.

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

GREEK YOGURT: Replace Greek yogurt with sour cream for a creamier texture and tangier flavor.

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

MAYO: You can use Miracle Whip instead of mayonnaise if you’d prefer. Or substitute light mayonnaise in this noodle salad.

DIJON MUSTARD: Add a teaspoon of dijon mustard for an extra layer of taste in your creamy tuna macaroni salad.

ADD-INS: Chop yellow and red 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.

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.

canned tuna green peas, diced celery, diced red onion, dried dill weed, kosher salt, and cracked black pepper added to the pasta

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

mayonnaise, yogurt and lemon juice whisked together in a bowl

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 on hot summer days.

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 tasty 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.

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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: You can make this cold tuna pasta salad ahead of time. Stir your pasta salad together and cover.

Store it in the fridge for up to three 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 three days.

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 one 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 you can 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. It’s easily adaptable for alternative ingredients and flavors, making it suitable for any dietary preference.

Easy Preparation: Another reason 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 days. Plus, it can be made beforehand, saving you precious minutes in the kitchen when you need it most.

Nutritious and Filling: Our tuna pasta salad is bursting with flavor and packed with nutrients to fuel your body. With protein-rich tuna, fiber-packed vegetables, and whole-grain pasta, it’s a wholesome meal that satisfies and energizes you.

Tuna Pasta Salad Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute canned tuna with fresh tuna?

While canned tuna is the traditional choice for convenience, you can certainly use cooked fresh tuna if preferred. Just be sure to flake it into bite-sized pieces before adding it to the salad.

Can I make this recipe dairy-free?

Yes, you can make our Tuna Pasta Salad dairy-free by using more dairy-free mayonnaise substitute and omitting the Greek yogurt. Alternatively, you can use a dairy-free yogurt such as coconut or almond yogurt.

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!

More Cold Pasta Salads You’ll Love

Tuna Pasta Salad

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Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Total Time 25

Servings

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Ingredients

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

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Proudly Prepared by the Spaceships Kitchen

This recipe was developed, tested, cooked and photographed by the Spaceships Kitchen. From our dinner table to yours, we hope you think it's out of this world!

Stephanie Keeping Publisher
Layne Kangas Marketing
Lenore Ortyl Editorial Director
Lexus Monroe Editorial Assistant

Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad Ingredients

Quick Tuna Pasta Salad Substitutions and Additions

How To Make Tuna Pasta Salad

How To Serve Cold Pasta Salad With Tuna

Chicken Bacon Ranch Pasta Salad

Egg Pasta Salad

How To Store This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Why This Macaroni Pasta Salad With Mayo Is The Best

Tuna Pasta Salad Frequently Asked Questions

More Cold Pasta Salads You’ll Love