How To Make Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Looking for a quick, delicious, and budget-friendly meal that’s perfect for summer gatherings? This healthy tuna pasta salad recipe combines creamy textures with fresh flavors, making it an ideal choice for lunch, dinner, or your next potluck. With simple ingredients and easy preparation, you’ll have a crowd-pleasing dish ready in just 35 minutes.

Tuna Pasta Salad

• Preparation Time: PT10M
• Cooking Time: PT10M
• Total Time: PT20M
• Type of recipe: Main Dish, Side Dish
• Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
• Recipe Yield: Serves 4
• Calories: 380 kcal per serving

Recipe Ingredients
Please format this in a 2-column table (Ingredient | Quantity)

Examples:

• Pasta (fusilli, penne, or elbow) – 2 cups (uncooked)
• Canned tuna – 1 can (5 oz), drained
• Mayonnaise – 1/4 cup
• Greek yogurt – 1/4 cup
• Celery – 1/2 cup, diced
• Red onion – 1/4 cup, finely chopped
• Cherry tomatoes – 1/2 cup, halved
• Lemon juice – 1 tbsp
• Salt – to taste
• Black pepper – to taste
• Fresh parsley – for garnish

Pros (Positive Editorial Note)

• Quick and easy to prepare in 20 minutes
• Perfect for meal prep and lunchboxes
• High in protein and flavor
• Customizable with pantry staples
• Great cold dish for hot days

Cons (Negative Editorial Notes)

• Not suitable for people with seafood allergies
• It may not hold up well if dressed too early
• Contains mayonnaise, which needs refrigeration

Recipe Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water according to package instructions. Drain and let it cool.
2. In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
3. Add drained tuna, chopped celery, red onion, and cherry tomatoes.
4. Fold in the cooled pasta until evenly coated.
5. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
6. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.
7. Serve cold and enjoy!

Why This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe Stands Out

This isn’t your typical mayonnaise-heavy pasta salad. Our recipe features a lighter, protein-packed dressing that combines Greek yogurt with mayo, creating a creamy consistency without the excess calories. The addition of fresh dill, crunchy vegetables, and perfectly cooked shell pasta makes this dish both satisfying and nutritious.

Key Benefits:

• Budget-friendly: Costs as little as $0.81 per serving
• High in protein: 18g per serving from tuna and Greek yogurt
• Quick preparation: Ready in 35 minutes
• Versatile: Perfect for BBQs, picnics, or weeknight dinners
• Healthy: Lower in calories than traditional pasta salads

Essential Ingredients for Perfect Tuna Pasta Salad

Main Components:

• 8 ounces shell pasta (or macaroni, orecchiette, or fusilli)
• 2 (5-ounce) cans solid white albacore tuna, drained
• 1 cup frozen peas, defrosted
• 1/2 cup diced celery
• 1/2 cup diced red bell pepper
• 1/4 cup diced red onion

Creamy Dressing:

• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt (Fage 2% recommended)
• 1/4 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons fresh dill, chopped
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice (about 1/2 lemon)
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
• Kosher salt and black pepper to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

Preparation (25 minutes):

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta until al dente, according to the package instructions (about 8-10 minutes). Drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.
2. Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta cooks, dice the celery, red bell pepper, and red onion. Defrost frozen peas if needed.
3. Make the dressing: In a glass measuring cup, whisk together Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, fresh dill, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and garlic powder until well combined.
4. Combine ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, gently toss cooked pasta with drained tuna, prepared vegetables, and peas.
5. Add dressing: Pour dressing over pasta mixture and stir with a rubber spatula until everything is evenly coated. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
6. Chill and serve: Cover and refrigerate for 30-60 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld.

Pro Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad

Cooking Tips:

• Don’t overcook pasta: Al dente pasta holds its shape better and doesn’t become mushy
• Rinse pasta with cold water: This stops the cooking process immediately
• Chop vegetables uniformly: Similar-sized pieces ensure even distribution and better texture
• Let it rest: Allow 30-60 minutes for flavors to develop before serving

Ingredient Tips:

• Use solid white albacore tuna for the best texture and flavor
• Fresh dill makes a significant difference over dried dill
• Greek yogurt adds protein while keeping the salad creamy and light

Delicious Variations and Substitutions

Protein Variations:

• Add hard-boiled eggs for extra protein
• Substitute canned salmon for a different flavor profile
• Use oil-packed tuna instead of water-packed for a richer taste

Vegetable Add-ins:

• Chopped broccoli or cauliflower for extra crunch
• Diced cucumbers for freshness
• Grated carrots for color and sweetness

Flavor Enhancers:

• Small cubes of cheddar cheese for richness
• Chopped dill pickles or capers for a briny flavor
• Sweet pickle relish for a touch of sweetness

Storage and Make-Ahead Tips

Proper Storage:

• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator
• Best consumed within 3 days
• Do not freeze – the texture will be compromised

Make-Ahead Strategy:

• Double the dressing if making ahead, as pasta absorbs dressing over time
• Store pasta and dressing separately if preparing the night before
• Mix just before serving for the best texture

Nutritional Information

Per serving (makes 6 servings):

• Calories: 290 kcal
• Protein: 18g
• Carbohydrates: 34g
• Fat: 9g
• Fiber: 3g
• Sodium: 209mg

This recipe provides excellent nutritional value with high protein content from both tuna and Greek yogurt, while keeping calories and fat moderate compared to traditional pasta salads.

Perfect Occasions for Tuna Pasta Salad

Summer Entertaining:

• BBQs and cookouts: Stays fresh without refrigeration for short periods
• Picnics: Easy to transport and serve
• Potluck dinners: Always a crowd favorite

Everyday Meals:

• Quick lunch: Meal prep on Sunday for the week
• Light dinner: Satisfying without being heavy
• Side dish: Pairs well with grilled meats or vegetables

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I make this pasta salad ahead of time? Yes, this salad improves in flavor when made 30-60 minutes ahead. For longer storage, consider doubling the dressing as pasta absorbs it over time.

What pasta shapes work best? Shell pasta is ideal because it holds the dressing well, but macaroni, orecchiette, or fusilli also work perfectly.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt? While Greek yogurt adds protein and reduces calories, you can use all mayonnaise if preferred, though the nutritional profile will change.

How long does this keep in the refrigerator? The salad stays fresh for up to 3 days when stored properly in an airtight container.

This healthy tuna pasta salad recipe proves that nutritious can also be delicious and budget-friendly. With its perfect balance of protein, vegetables, and creamy dressing, it’s versatile enough for any occasion while being simple enough for weeknight dinners. The combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise creates a lighter version of the classic without sacrificing flavor or texture.

Whether you’re planning a summer gathering or looking for an easy meal prep option, this tuna pasta salad delivers on taste, nutrition, and convenience. Try it today and discover why this recipe has been a family favorite for generations!

Prep Time: 25 minutes | Cook Time: 10 minutes | Total Time: 35 minutes | Serves: 6