Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Tuna pasta salad is a healthier yet satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of canned tuna, al dente pasta, and an array of fresh vegetables, all bound together by a creamy and tangy dressing. This classic recipe is one of my favorites to make due to its ease of preparation. 

If you are looking for an easy meal for the full family to enjoy, then this salad is the perfect candidate. It is ideal for busy weekdays because it is super easy to prepare and ready in no time. For more easy and delicious dinner options, try my Macaroni Salad Recipe or Honey Djon Pork Chops. 

This Classic Tuna Pasta Salad is healthy, tasty and filling. I love making it during the summer or autumn season, but you can make it any day of the year. It is a great make-ahead pasta meal that is perfect for gatherings, bbqs, or family dinners.

The idea of mixing tuna with pasta and various vegetables is a timeless classic that never goes out of style. This dish strikes a harmonious balance between convenience and flavor, making it a go-to choice for a quick weeknight dinner, a refreshing picnic dish, or a delightful potluck contribution.

What I love about this classic tuna pasta salad is its adaptability. While there are essential ingredients, you can personalize it to suit your palate. For example, you can use any type and shape of pasta you love or have on hand. Also, feel free to mix in other types of veggies such as celery, tomatoes, bell peppers, etc. 

Recipe Ingredients:

The beauty of tuna pasta salad lies in its adaptability. While some essential ingredients exist, you can customize it to suit your taste. Here’s a basic list of ingredients:

• Pasta: Most recipes call for short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini. These shapes provide nooks and crannies for the dressing to cling to.
• Canned Tuna: Opt for high-quality canned tuna packed in water or olive oil. You can choose between solid, chunk, or flaked tuna.
• Fresh Vegetables: I go with celery, red onion, frozen peas, and bell peppers. However, experiment with other vegetables like carrots, corn, tomatoes, etc. 
• Herbs and seasoning: Minced garlic, chopped fresh dill, pickle relish, add plenty of aroma. Use some salt and ground black pepper for seasoning. 
• Dressing: A creamy dressing is typical for tuna pasta salad. Mayonnaise and Greek yogurt provide creaminess, while lime juice, tanginess.

How to make creamy tuna pasta salad?

1. Cook the Pasta: Boil pasta in salted water until it’s al dente, then drain and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process. This prevents the pasta from becoming mushy.
2. Prepare the Dressing: In a separate bowl, mix the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, pickle relish, lime juice, salt and pepper. Adjust the quantities to achieve your desired taste and consistency.
3. Prepare the vegetables: In a separate large bowl add chopped onion and celery, peas, bell pepper, cooked pasta, and drained tuna.
4. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained canned tuna, chopped vegetables, and fresh herbs. Gently fold in half of the dressing until everything is well coated.
5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the salad and remaining dressing for at least an hour before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together. Stir in the rest of the dressing and serve chilled.

Variations:

Tuna pasta salad is incredibly versatile, and you can customize it in numerous ways to suit your preferences. Here are a few popular variations:

• Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad: Add Kalamata olives, feta cheese, and artichoke hearts for a Mediterranean twist.
• Spicy Tuna Pasta Salad: Incorporate diced jalapeños, red pepper flakes, or Sriracha sauce for some heat.
• Italian Tuna Pasta Salad: Use Italian dressing, cherry tomatoes, mozzarella cheese, and fresh basil for an Italian-inspired flavor profile.
• Make it cheesy: If you want it extra creamy and cheesy, add ½ cup of your favorite shredded cheese to the mixture. 
• Add other proteins: In addition, you can swap the canned tuna for shredded chicken, turkey, or even sausage. 

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use any type of pasta for tuna pasta salad?

Yes! While short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini are commonly used, you can choose any pasta shape you prefer. The key is to cook it al dente so it holds its shape in the salad.

What kind of tuna should I use?

You can use canned tuna packed in water or olive oil. Tuna packed in water is a lighter option, while tuna packed in olive oil adds richness to the salad. Choose solid, chunk, or flaked tuna based on your preference.

How do I prevent the pasta from getting mushy?

To prevent mushy pasta, cook it al dente (firm to the bite) and immediately rinse it under cold water after draining. This cools the pasta and stops the cooking process.

Can I make tuna pasta salad in advance?

Yes! In fact, it often tastes better after the flavors have had a chance to meld in the refrigerator. You can store it in an airtight container for up to 2-3 days.

Can I make a healthier version of tuna pasta salad?

Absolutely! You can make a healthier tuna pasta salad by using whole wheat pasta, reducing the amount of mayonnaise or using a lighter mayo alternative, and incorporating more vegetables for added nutrition.

Can I make it gluten-free?

Yes, you can make a gluten-free version of this salad by using gluten-free pasta. Ensure that all other ingredients, including the dressing and canned tuna, are also gluten-free.

More delicious salad recipes to try:

• Onion Tomato Salad
• Creamy Corn Salad
• Taco Pasta Salad Recipe
• Cabbage Salad Recipe

Recipe tips:

• It is best to use short pasta shapes like fusilli, penne, or rotini. 
• Also, remember to cook pasta Al Dente: Overcooking can result in mushy pasta, which is not ideal for the salad.
• After draining the pasta, rinse it under cold running water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. This helps maintain its texture and prevents clumping.
• Refrigerate the completed salad for at least an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and develop fully.

5 from 2 votes

Print

Tuna Pasta Salad

Prep Time

10 mins

Cook Time

20 mins

Total Time

30 mins

 

Tuna pasta salad is a healthier yet satisfying dish that combines the savory flavors of canned tuna, al dente pasta, and an array of fresh vegetables, all bound together by a creamy and tangy dressing. 

Course: Salad, Side Dish

Cuisine: American

Keyword: Tuna Pasta Salad

Servings: 6 servings

Calories: 399 kcal

Author: Catalina Castravet

Ingredients

• 8 ounces small shells pasta or bow-tie pasta
• 14 ounces canned albacore white tuna packed in water - drained
• 1 rib celery finely chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas defrosted
• 1 red bell pepper diced

Dressing:

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• 1 lime juiced
• 2 cloves garlic minced
• 1 teaspoon sugar or honey
• 1 tablespoon chopped fresh dill
• 1 tablespoon pickle relish
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste

US Customary - Metric

Instructions

1. Cook pasta according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain and transfer it to a large bowl.

2. Add chopped onion, celery, peas, bell pepper, and drained tuna.

3. In a separate bowl, mix the the dressing ingredients.

4. Stir half of the dressing into the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat. Season with salt and pepper, to taste.

5. Refrigerate pasta and remaining dressing separately, covered, for 30 min.

6. Stir in the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts

Tuna Pasta Salad

Amount Per Serving

Calories 399 Calories from Fat 153

% Daily Value*

Fat 17g26%

Saturated Fat 3g19%

Trans Fat 0.04g

Polyunsaturated Fat 9g

Monounsaturated Fat 4g

Cholesterol 36mg12%

Sodium 407mg18%

Potassium 398mg11%

Carbohydrates 37g12%

Fiber 3g13%

Sugar 5g6%

Protein 24g48%

Vitamin A 845IU17%

Vitamin C 39mg47%

Calcium 52mg5%

Iron 2mg11%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.