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Tuna pasta salad is a perfect protein-packed lunch or side dish! It combines tuna, veggies, and pasta then gets tossed in a creamy dill dressing.
Potluck season is here and it’s time to make tasty pasta salads that feed a crowd! Try my California Spaghetti Salad, Greek broccoli pasta salad, and this Shrimp Pasta Salad! Not only are they all super easy to make, but absolutely delicious!
Reasons You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: This tuna pasta salad recipe comes together quickly and easily. Cook the pasta, chop the veggies, make the dressing, and combine!
- Protein-Packed: Get your protein in with this pasta salad! It’s great for lunches or serve as a side dish.
- Healthy and Delicious: Loaded with healthy ingredients and a homemade dressing but still big on flavor!
Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
This tuna pasta salad is incredible! The flavors and textures compliment and elevate the tuna and I couldn’t stop eating it. Tuna is such a great source of protein and I love finding new ways to enjoy it. Grilled tuna melts have always been a favorite, but this tuna pasta salad has become my go-to lunch! The added veggies give color and texture, but the dressing takes it over the top. It’s creamy, has a bit of tang from the lemon, and is loaded with fresh dill and parsley. I can’t wait for you to make it!
I love using canned tuna in these tuna burgers, but have you had fresh tuna? Try using ahi tuna in this poke bowl recipe, or enjoy a simple tuna steak. It is so tender and fresh!
Ingredients You’ll Need
Tuna pasta salad is a super easy, budget-friendly side dish. The recipe uses a homemade dressing that is much healthier than store-bought! You will love the fresh and healthy flavors.
- Pasta Shells: We love the shells, but use any pasta your family likes.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Slice cherry tomatoes in half! I love cherry tomatoes in pasta salad because they’re extra sweet and juicy!
- Frozen Peas: Grab a bag of frozen peas! No need to defrost them, just throw them in the salad and they’ll soften quickly.
- Red Onion: This is a favorite of mine to throw into summer salads. It adds a pop of flavor and a delicious crunch!
- Canned Tuna: I used white canned tuna, but any variety works here! Use your favorite!
- Mayonnaise & Greek Yogurt: The perfect creamy combination. A great base for delicious dressings.
- Fresh Dill and Parsley: Fresh herbs brighten the flavors of the dressing and salad.
- Lemon Juice: Lemon juice adds a pop of tangy flavor that compliments the tuna!
- Salt and Pepper: Season to taste.
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
This tuna pasta salad recipe is easy to make! Boil the pasta, make the dressing, and assemble the salad. It’s a great recipe to make ahead of time Follow my step-by-step instructions below.
- Cook the Pasta: Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water, cover then place in the fridge to cool down.
- Combine Salad Ingredients: To a large bowl add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, peas, red onion, and tuna. Toss to combine.
- Make the Dressing: In a smaller bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, parsley, dill, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
- Toss With Dressing: Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Enjoy right away or cover and refrigerate anywhere from 1 hour to overnight before serving.
Add cooked pasta, tomatoes, tuna, peas, and onion to a bowl.
Tasty Flavor Additions
Here are a couple of extra ways you can switch up the flavors in this tuna pasta salad! Easy recipes like these are great for adjusting to personal preferences!
- Herbs: You guys know I love putting fresh herbs on everything. They just add the best pop of flavor and smell great, too! I love the dill and parsley in this recipe but feel free to use dried herbs if that’s all you have. Cilantro is another great herb flavor to add!
- Switch Up the Veggies: I love adding bell peppers and cucumbers for added crunch. Give it a try! You could also add diced jalapeños if you like a kick.
- Add Cheese: Add some cheesy flavor to your salad with crumbled feta or freshly grated parmesan!
- Make it Spicy: Try adding a pinch of smoked paprika or cayenne pepper to your salad to spice it up. Season to reach your desired spice level!
How to Store Leftovers
This tuna pasta salad recipe is great for leftovers and making ahead! I also love having it around for lunches because it’s an easy grab and go meal.
- In the Refrigerator: Store your tuna pasta salad in an airtight container. It will stay good for up to 4 days in the fridge.
Perfect Potluck Recipes
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Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta shells, or pasta of your choice
- 10 ounces cherry tomatoes, quartered
- 1 cup frozen peas
- ¼ cup red onion, small dice
- 10 ounces canned tuna, drained
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 2 tablespoons parsley, chopped
- 1 tablespoon dried dill
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package directions. Drain and rinse in cold water, cover and place in the fridge to cool down.
- To a large bowl add the cooled pasta, cherry tomatoes, peas, red onion, and tuna. Toss to combine.
- In a smaller bowl whisk together the mayonnaise, greek yogurt, parsley, dill, lemon juice, and salt and pepper.
- Pour the dressing over the salad and toss to coat. Enjoy right away or cover and refrigerate anywhere from 1 hour to overnight before serving.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
I’ve been making this for years! One of my favorites, will try dill next time I also add celery, chicken instead of tuna is good also!
The salad looks delicious and attractive, I will definitely learn to cook it for my family to enjoy
I made this recipe and it was very easy and delicious! I will be keeping it in my file for future church gatherings and family get-togethers. It is also perfect for a meal on a warm spring or summer day. Thank you for sharing!
hey girl- this looks amazing! yummy!
Yum! I’m sooooo into pasta salad right now. It must be spring, but you’re right this is absolutely perfect for lunch.