Tuna Pasta salad is a light, healthy dinner or side dish that is packed full of protein and vital nutrients. The very best part is the flavor of this amazing summer salad.
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This tuna pasta salad recipe is a great option for a healthy summer menu or ideal for someone on a Pescetarian diet. It is packed full of nutrients, protein and of course, incredible summer vegetables.
Find great summer recipe ideas here.
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What We Love About This Tuna and Pasta Salad Recipe
Pasta salads are a great way to get vegetables into your family (and yourself!), and they’re easy to pack with protein like meat, fish or beans. We often use herbs and vegetables from our summer garden in recipes like this. Just choose what you and your family enjoy, or even what’s leftover in the fridge from other meals!
- 25 Minute Meal: Perfect for those hot summer days.
- Easy Ingredients: All found in pantry, fridge or garden.
- Family Friendly: When you add their favorite things, this salad is sure to please.
- Adaptable: Can make it low-carb, meat free, dairy free, etc…
- Makes Great Leftovers: Perfect for lunch the next day.
Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Any shape will do; I use elbow macaroni cooked via package instructions.
- Mayonnaise: There are so many different varieties of mayo now, use your favorite.
- Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream: Both add flavor and creaminess.
- Lemon Juice, to taste
- Sweet Pickle Relish, optional
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- Dried Dill Weed: Or use fresh herbs if you have it in your garden.
- Canned Tuna, drain the juice. Albacore tuna is what I use.
- Celery, 2 stalks diced.
- Red Onion, diced.
Equipment Needed
How to Make this Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
These are the basic steps for making old fashioned macaroni salad with tuna. Please refer to the recipe card below for more detailed instructions and nutrition information.
STEP 1: PASTA
First, prepare the pasta according to package directions. Cool slightly before proceeding with recipe or rinse with cold water.
STEP 2:
Meanwhile, in a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt and lemon juice until smooth and combined and then add sweet pickle relish, if using. Next, season with salt, pepper and dill.
STEP 3: COMBINE THE TUNA MACARONI SALAD
Finally, toss the cooked, cooled pasta in the dressing, then add the tuna and stir to distribute well. Lastly, add the diced celery and red onion and toss to combine.
Prep and Storage Tips for Tuna and Pasta Salad
HOW TO MAKE THIS RECIPE AHEAD OF TIME
This recipe is great for meal prep, you can make it in advance and store it for several days in the refrigerator in an airtight container or covered well with plastic wrap.
HOW TO STORE THIS RECIPE
The Tuna Salad with pasta should be wrapped well in plastic wrap or in an airtight container and stored in the refrigerator.
HOW LONG CAN THIS SALAD BE OUT FOR?
Two hours is the maximum, see more information about food safety here.
Frequently Asked Questions about Tuna Pasta Salad
While already a really healthy option, you can make this recipe healthier by using a protein pasta or gluten free pasta.
Of course, it is easy to add your favorite fresh vegetables, try cherry tomatoes, cucumbers or peas.
Indeed, it is a great recipe for a party, simply remember the rules for allowing the recipe to sit out for less than two hours.
Yes, it is, unless eaten in excess it is safe to eat canned tuna according to the FDA.
Expert Tips for Making This Recipe
- Add Cheese: Try a little Feta Cheese or Parmesan cheese for this salad.
- Different Protein: Chunk light tuna, shrimp or other fish are all great in this recipe.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add your favorite canned bean to this side dish.
- Alternate ingredient/Substitution/Addition: Feel free to add as many tips as you need in this section
- Olives: Toss in your favorite olives or capers to this salad.
- Fresh Herbs: Try a little fresh parsley or basil for the garnish.
What to Serve with Tuna Pasta Salad
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Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 3 cups Dry Pasta
- ½ cup Mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek Yogurt or Sour Cream
- 2-3 Tablespoons Lemon Juice, to taste
- 1 Tablespoon Sweet Pickle Relish, optional
- Salt and Pepper, to taste
- 1 teaspoon Dried Dill Weed
- 6-7 oz Canned Tuna, drained
- 2 Stalks Celery, diced
- ¼ cup Diced Red Onion
Instructions
- Prepare the pasta according to package directions. Cool slightly before proceeding with recipe.
- In a large bowl, stir together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt and lemon juice until smooth and combined. Add sweet pickle relish, if using.
- Season with salt, pepper and dill.
- Toss the cooked, cooled pasta in the dressing, then add the tuna and stir to distribute well.
- Add the diced celery and red onion and toss to combine.
Expert Tips
- Add Cheese: Try a little Feta Cheese or Parmesan cheese for this salad.
- Different Protein: Chunk light tuna, shrimp or other fish can be used in this recipe.
- Variation tip: Feel free to add your favorite canned bean to this side dish.
- Alternate ingredient/Substitution/Addition: Feel free to add as many tips as you need in this section
- Olives: Toss in your favorite olives or capers to this salad.
- Fresh Herbs: try a little fresh parsley or basil for the garnish.
Estimated Nutritional Information
The nutritional information provided are estimates. To learn more about how I calculate this information go to www.itisakeeper.com/about-its-a-keeper/privacy-disclosure-policies/
This recipe is my personal adaption of an ethnic inspired recipe. It is not intended to be an authentic recipe. I’ve recreated this recipe because I enjoy the flavors and I want to encourage my readers to expand their tastes and try new flavor combinations. The recipe, ingredients and processes may have been adapted to make the recipe accessible for the average American. I have provided links to authentic versions of the recipe in the post above. I encourage you to visit these pages and learn more about the traditional version(s) of this recipe.
This made a delicious and simple lunch for me and a friend, this week! Thanks for sharing the tasty recipe!
This was a great pasta salad! The herbs added a lot of flavor.
Olives & fresh herbs are a great idea here – tasty!