This refreshing and satisfying Tuna Pasta Salad is a family-friendly recipe that's perfect for those warm summer days when you want a quick, delicious meal without heating up the kitchen. It’s a surefire crowd-pleaser for lunch or your next potluck!
This tuna pasta salad is a must-try for anyone who loves a good, hearty salad that's as easy to make as it is delicious. With its blend of tender pasta, flavorful tuna, and crunchy vegetables, all tossed in a creamy dressing, this salad is a perfect blend of convenience and comfort.
If you're looking for more salad recipes that are perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, or just a simple family meal, then check out this marinated mushroom pasta salad or tortellini salad as well.
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Why This Is The Best Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
- Convenient: This tuna pasta salad is a one-bowl dish that's ready in just 20 minutes. It's a perfect recipe for those busy weeknights when you need a quick and easy meal.
- Family Favorite: With its classic flavors and crowd-pleasing appeal, this salad is sure to become a favorite in your home. It's a dish that the whole family will love.
- Budget-Friendly: This tuna pasta salad is made with affordable ingredients that you probably already have in your pantry. It's a great way to make a delicious meal without breaking the bank.
- Potluck Perfect: Whether you're attending a potluck or hosting one, this salad is a perfect dish to bring. It's easy to transport and is always a hit with a crowd.
Key Ingredients
Here's an overview of some key ingredients for this recipe. For the full list of ingredients and measurements, please scroll to the recipe card below.
- Pasta: The main ingredient in this recipe, pasta provides a hearty base and helps to fill you up. I recommend using elbow macaroni or fusilli for this recipe.
- Tuna: Canned tuna is a convenient and affordable source of protein. Be sure to drain it before adding it to your salad.
- Frozen Peas: These add a pop of color and a sweet, fresh flavor to the salad. Be sure to cook them according to the package instructions before adding them to your salad.
- Red Bell Pepper: Diced red bell pepper adds a crunchy texture and a sweet, refreshing flavor to the salad.
- Plain Greek Yogurt: This is the secret ingredient that gives our salad dressing a creamy, tangy flavor.
- Mayonnaise: Mayo helps to round out the flavor of the dressing and gives it a creamy texture.
- Garlic powder. Adds a savory flavor to the dressing.
- Dijon Mustard: A little bit of Dijon mustard adds a tangy, slightly spicy twist to the dressing.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: This helps to balance out the flavors of the dressing and gives it a slightly sweet, tangy flavor.
How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad
Making this incredible tuna pasta salad recipe at home is super easy and will give you great results every single time. Here's how to make it step by step:
- Cook the pasta: Choose your favorite pasta and cook it according to the instructions on the package. In the last 5 minutes of cooking, add the peas to the pot to cook along with the pasta.
- Combine the pasta and vegetables: Drain the pasta and peas and transfer them to a large salad bowl. Add the drained tuna, diced bell pepper, and red onion to the bowl and stir to combine.
- Make the dressing: In a separate bowl, combine Greek yogurt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, and a pinch of salt and black pepper.
- Combine everything: Pour the dressing over the pasta and stir everything together until it's well coated.
- Serve: Your tuna pasta salad is ready to serve. Enjoy it, warm or cold!
For a full list of ingredients and instructions, see the recipe card below.
Tips For Making the Best Tuna Pasta Salad
- Choose your pasta wisely: For this recipe, you can use macaroni or fusilli. Both work well, but feel free to try other short pasta shapes like penne or farfalle.
- Don't overcook the pasta: Make sure to cook the pasta according to the package instructions. For this recipe, you'll want it al dente, which means it should still have a bit of bite to it.
- Make the most of your dressing: The dressing for this salad is a mix of Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar. It's creamy, tangy, and full of flavor. Be sure to mix it well before adding it to the salad to ensure it's evenly distributed.
Serving Suggestions
- Want a light lunch? This refreshing tuna pasta salad pairs perfectly with a side of breadsticks or crackers. The crunch of the bread compliments the soft pasta and tender tuna.
- For a more filling meal, serve this tuna pasta salad with potato wedges or roasted vegetables. The hearty veggies and potatoes add a satisfying touch to this dish.
- If you're in the mood for something cozy, enjoy this tuna pasta salad as a side dish with a warm bowl of tomato soup or some stuffed mushrooms. The rich, savory flavors of these dishes contrast beautifully with the light, zesty salad.
- This tuna pasta salad can also be enjoyed on its own as a quick, on-the-go meal. Just pack it in a sealed container, and you're ready to tackle the day!
Recipe Variation Ideas
- Spicy: For a spicy twist on this classic dish, try adding a teaspoon of hot sauce or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes to the dressing. This will give your tuna pasta salad a fiery flavor that's sure to please spice lovers.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: If you're looking to add more fiber to your diet, this variation is perfect for you. Simply swap out the regular pasta for whole wheat pasta. It's a simple switch that will make your tuna pasta salad a little bit healthier.
- Italian Flavors: If you love the flavors of Italy, you can enhance this dish by adding some chopped fresh basil, a few cherry tomatoes, olives, and a sprinkle of parmesan cheese or even feta cheese.
- Fresh Herbs: Feel free to experiment with fresh herbs you may like, such as chopped fresh dill or parsley.
- Protein: You can even add a chopped, hard-boiled egg to increase the protein content of this delicious tuna macaroni salad.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can. While this recipe calls for macaroni or fusilli, you can also use other short pasta shapes like penne or farfalle.
Absolutely! Fresh peas can add a sweet, crisp texture to the salad. Just make sure to cook them for the same amount of time as the frozen peas.
Of course! Feel free to customize this salad with your favorite veggies. Chopped celery, cucumber, or cherry tomatoes would all be great additions.
To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use gluten-free pasta and ensure that the other ingredients, like the mustard and yogurt, are also certified gluten-free.
Yes, it is. In fact, preparing this salad ahead of time allows the flavors to meld together, making it even more delicious. Just be sure to store it in the fridge and give it a good stir before serving.
How to Store Leftovers
- Refrigerator: After enjoying this delicious tuna pasta salad, you may have some leftovers. Don't worry; you can store them in an airtight container in the fridge. This salad will stay fresh for up to 5 days.
- Freezer: Unfortunately, this salad doesn't freeze well due to the mayonnaise and yogurt in the dressing. Freezing can change the texture of these ingredients, making the salad less appetizing.
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Recipe
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta macaroni or fusilli
- 2 5 oz cans of tuna in oil or brine, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ½ cup red bell pepper diced
- ⅓ cup diced red onion
- ½ cup greek yogurt
- ¼ cup mayonnaise
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- Salt to taste
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to packaging instructions. In the last 5 minutes add the peas.
- Drain the pasta with the peas and add it to a salad bowl.To the same bowl add, drained tuna, diced bell pepper and red onion.
- To make the dressing: Into a separate bowl, add Greek yogurt, garlic powder, mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and black pepper.
- Pour the salad dressing over the bowl with the pasta and stir everything together.
- Serve.
Notes
Nutrition
Iryna Bychkiv is the founder and writer of the culinary website Lavender & Macarons, where she shares clean, European-inspired recipes that are delicious, easy to prepare, and made with wholesome ingredients. Iryna loves creating meals that are simple yet healthy and unique, including vegan and vegetarian recipes.
Iryna is also a freelance writer for MSN and Associated Press Wire.
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