If you are on the lookout for a bright, flavorful, and satisfying dish that is perfect for warmer days or a quick meal, this Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is an absolute winner. It beautifully combines the tender heartiness of small shell pasta with the delicate protein-rich tuna, fresh crunchy celery, sweet peas, and the zing of fresh lemon juice all brought together by a creamy yet light mayo and Greek yogurt dressing. This dish not only bursts with texture and taste, but it’s also incredibly easy to assemble, making it one of my all-time favorite go-to recipes when I want something wholesome and delicious in no time.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe plays a crucial role, from the soft pasta providing a comforting base to the fresh veggies adding delightful crunch and freshness. The balance of creamy mayo and tangy Greek yogurt makes the salad rich but keeps it light and refreshing.
- 8 ounces small shell pasta: Small shells are perfect for catching the dressing and tuna, giving you a burst of flavor in every bite.
- 7 ounces white tuna packed in water: This adds a clean, mild flavor and a healthy dose of protein to the salad.
- 1/2 cup mayo: Brings creaminess and richness without overpowering the other flavors.
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: Adds a tangy freshness and cuts the mayo’s heaviness; plus, it keeps things light.
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice: This is the star ingredient that brightens everything up and balances the creaminess wonderfully.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Enhances all the flavors just right.
- 1/2 teaspoon ground pepper: Adds a subtle spice to elevate the salad.
- 1/4 cup diced red onion: Provides a sharp, slightly sweet crunch that complements the tender pasta and tuna.
- 1 cup diced celery: Offers a crisp texture and a fresh, clean contrast to the creamy dressing.
- 1 cup frozen peas: Adds both sweetness and a pop of vibrant green color to the dish.
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced: Dill’s aromatic and bright flavor ties everything together beautifully.
How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Step 1: Combine the Fresh Ingredients
Start by gathering all your fresh ingredients. In a large bowl, add the diced celery, finely chopped red onion, frozen peas (you can thaw them quickly by rinsing under cool water), cooked and cooled small shell pasta, and the drained white tuna. Give everything a good stir so all those fresh textures mingle together, setting the stage for the creamy dressing to come.
Step 2: Prepare the Dressing
In a smaller bowl, whisk together the mayo, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, and fresh lemon juice until smooth and homogenous. This dressing packs a punch of zest and creaminess, and it’s the glue that holds your Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe together with a perfect balance of tangy and rich flavors.
Step 3: Mix Half the Dressing with the Salad
Add about half of the dressing to the large bowl containing your prepared ingredients. Gently toss everything with a spoon or spatula, ensuring the pasta and veggies get nicely coated without breaking them apart. This gradual mixing helps to evenly distribute the flavors without overwhelming the salad.
Step 4: Add the Remaining Dressing and Final Stir
Now pour in the rest of the dressing and give the salad another thorough mix. This ensures the pasta salad is perfectly creamy and flavorful throughout. At this stage, you can sprinkle in the minced fresh dill and carefully fold it in so its aroma infuses the entire dish.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Immediately
You can serve the Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe right away for a fresh, crisp experience or refrigerate it for an hour or two to let the flavors meld together even more. Keep in mind that as it rests, the pasta will soak up the dressing, so it becomes even tastier with time.
Step 6: Adjust and Enjoy
Before serving, you might want to taste and adjust with a little extra mayo or a splash more lemon juice if the salad has thickened too much or needs a freshening boost. This final touch helps keep the salad perfect every time.
How to Serve Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Garnishes
Refreshing garnishes bring your Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe to life. Fresh dill sprigs, a sprinkle of chopped parsley, or a handful of thinly sliced green onions add layers of herbal brightness and attractive color that invite you in. For a bit of crunch, toasted pine nuts or slivered almonds can be sprinkled on top just before serving.
Side Dishes
This salad shines as a stand-alone light meal but pairs beautifully with crunchy garlic bread, crusty baguette slices, or even sweet corn on the cob. If you want something warm on the side, grilled chicken or fish fillets make an excellent accompaniment without overshadowing the salad’s fresh, summery vibe.
Creative Ways to Present
For picnics or special occasions, serve your Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe in hollowed-out tomatoes or bell peppers for a charming edible bowl. Alternatively, layer it in clear jars or parfait glasses with fresh lettuce and cherry tomatoes for a colorful, portable presentation that’s sure to impress your guests.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe keeps wonderfully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Because the pasta absorbs the dressing over time, the salad will become richer in flavor overnight, making it an excellent make-ahead meal for busy days.
Freezing
While you can freeze the cooked pasta separately, freezing the whole Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is not recommended because the texture of the fresh veggies and creamy dressing can change unfavorably once thawed. It’s best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated.
Reheating
This salad is best served chilled or at room temperature and doesn’t require reheating. If you prefer it warmer, leave it out for a bit to take the chill off. Adding a splash of fresh lemon juice or a touch more mayo afterward will help refresh the flavors.
FAQs
Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water-packed tuna?
Absolutely! Using tuna packed in oil will give the salad a richer taste and a silkier texture, but you might want to reduce or omit added mayo or dressing oil to keep it balanced.
Is this Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe suitable for meal prep?
Yes, it’s perfect for meal prep! The flavors develop nicely after sitting in the fridge and it holds up well for a couple of days, making lunches or quick dinners a breeze.
Can I substitute the mayo and Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative?
You can try using mashed avocado or a dairy-free yogurt to keep the creaminess and tang, though this will change the flavor profile slightly. Experiment to find what works best for your taste.
What type of pasta works best for this salad?
Small pasta shapes like shells, elbows, or bowties are ideal because they catch and hold the dressing and tuna, ensuring every bite is full of flavor.
Can I add other vegetables to the Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe?
Definitely! Feel free to toss in cherry tomatoes, chopped bell peppers, cucumber, or even some corn kernels to add more color, crunch, and nutrients. Just keep the dressing-to-ingredient ratio balanced.
Final Thoughts
There is something so comforting and satisfying about a well-made Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe, especially when it combines fresh, wholesome ingredients with a delicious creamy dressing. Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting a casual get-together, or just craving a simple but special meal, this salad is a versatile classic you’ll want to keep coming back to. I can’t wait for you to give it a try and make it your new favorite!
Print
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings
- Category: Salad
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Tuna Pasta Salad is a refreshing and easy-to-make dish perfect for quick lunches or light dinners. It features tender small shell pasta combined with white tuna, crunchy celery, sweet peas, and red onion, all tossed in a creamy and tangy dressing made from mayo, Greek yogurt, and fresh lemon juice. This salad can be served immediately or chilled to allow the flavors to meld, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option.
Ingredients
Salad Ingredients
- 8 ounces small shell pasta (cooked, drained, and cooled)
- 7 ounces white tuna packed in water (drained)
- 1/4 cup diced red onion
- 1 cup diced celery
- 1 cup frozen peas
Dressing Ingredients
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 tablespoon fresh dill, minced (or more to taste)
Instructions
- Combine Salad Ingredients: In a large bowl, add the diced celery, red onion, frozen peas, cooked and cooled pasta, and drained tuna. Stir gently to combine all the salad components.
- Make the Dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, lemon juice, and minced fresh dill until smooth and well blended.
- First Toss: Add half of the prepared dressing to the pasta mixture and stir thoroughly to evenly coat the salad.
- Final Toss: Pour in the remaining dressing and mix again ensuring the pasta salad is fully dressed and flavorful.
- Serve or Chill: Serve the salad immediately for a fresh taste, or refrigerate until ready to serve. Chilling allows the flavors to meld and the pasta to absorb the dressing.
- Adjust Consistency: Before serving, if the salad seems dry, add a little more mayonnaise and/or lemon juice to moisten it up for optimal taste and texture.
Notes
- The frozen peas can be thawed before adding or added directly frozen for a crunchy texture.
- This salad is best served chilled but can be eaten at room temperature.
- Adjust the amount of dill to suit your taste preference.
- Use gluten-free pasta for a gluten-free version.
- For a lighter calorie option, use light mayonnaise or skip it entirely and increase the yogurt.
- Can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
