Tuna Pasta Salad – It’s a timeless classic that pairs al dente pasta with savory tuna, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing for a picnic, potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish brings comfort and flavor without the fuss.
Why Tuna Pasta Salad is a Must-Try Recipe
Tuna Pasta Salad has been a beloved staple in households for generations, and it’s easy to see why. It’s:
- Quick to prepare: Ready in just under 30 minutes.
- Budget-friendly: Using pantry staples like canned tuna and pasta.
- Customizable: Adapt it to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Perfect for meal prep: It tastes even better the next day!
Tips and Tricks for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad
- Choose the right pasta: Pasta shapes with ridges (like rotini) are best for holding onto the creamy dressing. Avoid using thin or long pasta, as it won’t absorb the flavors as well.
- Rinse the pasta: Rinsing pasta under cold water after cooking helps to cool it down quickly and prevents it from sticking together.
- High-quality tuna matters: Opt for solid white albacore tuna for a meatier texture and better flavor. Tuna in olive oil has a richer taste but can be more calorie-dense.
- Balancing creaminess: Using half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt adds tang and reduces calories while keeping the salad rich and creamy.
- Add-ins and extras: Sun-dried tomatoes, olives, or shredded cheese can add a Mediterranean flair. Feel free to get creative!
Variations to Try
One of the best things about Tuna Pasta Salad is its versatility. Here are some ideas to customize your salad:
- Gluten-free version: Use your favorite gluten-free pasta brand. Rice pasta or chickpea pasta work well.
- Dairy-free option: Swap Greek yogurt for a dairy-free yogurt alternative or use more mayonnaise.
- Spicy twist: Add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or diced jalapeños for a bit of heat.
- Extra veggies: Throw in diced cucumber, shredded carrots, or even baby spinach for added nutrition.
- Vegan alternative: Replace tuna with chickpeas for a plant-based protein, and use vegan mayo and yogurt.
How to Serve Tuna Pasta Salad
This salad is incredibly versatile when it comes to serving. Here are a few ideas:
- As a main dish: Serve it with crusty bread or alongside a simple green salad.
- Side dish: It pairs well with grilled chicken, burgers, or barbecued vegetables.
- Meal prep: Portion it into individual containers for easy grab-and-go lunches throughout the week.
How to Store Tuna Pasta Salad
Storing your Tuna Pasta Salad properly will ensure it stays fresh and delicious:
- Refrigerate promptly: Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days.
- Re-dress if needed: Pasta tends to soak up the dressing as it sits. If the salad seems dry, add a little more mayo or a splash of lemon juice before serving.
- Avoid freezing: The creamy dressing doesn’t freeze well, and the texture of the pasta can become mushy.
Recipe FAQs
Can I make Tuna Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better when made a few hours in advance, as the flavors have time to meld together. Just give it a good stir before serving.
What’s the best type of tuna to use?
I recommend using solid white albacore tuna packed in olive oil for a richer flavor. If you prefer a lighter option, tuna in water works too—just be sure to drain it well.
How do I make it healthier?
You can reduce the calorie count by using whole wheat pasta, substituting some of the mayo with more Greek yogurt, and loading up on extra veggies.
Why does my pasta salad dry out?
Pasta absorbs the dressing as it sits. To keep it creamy, make a bit of extra dressing and add more just before serving, or reserve a small amount to mix in later.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
Yes! If you prefer fresh tuna, grill or sear a tuna steak, flake it, and use it in place of canned tuna for a more gourmet experience.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad - It’s a timeless classic that pairs al dente pasta with savory tuna, crisp vegetables, and a tangy, creamy dressing for a picnic, potluck, or a simple weeknight dinner, this dish brings comfort and flavor without the fuss.
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small shell pasta (or your favorite bite-sized pasta)
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
- 7 ounces canned albacore white tuna in water, drained
- 2 ribs celery, chopped
- Dried dill weed (optional, to taste)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Boil your pasta according to the package directions until perfectly al dente. Drain and let it cool.
- In a big bowl, combine chopped celery, red onion, peas, cooked pasta, and drained tuna.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayo and Greek yogurt until smooth.
- Add half of the dressing to the pasta mix and toss to coat evenly. Season generously with salt, black pepper, and a pinch of dried dill, if you like.
- Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad and the remaining dressing separately for about 30 minutes. When you’re ready to serve, stir in the rest of the dressing for maximum creaminess.
Nutrition Information
Yield
5Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 319Total Fat 18gSaturated Fat 3gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 15gCholesterol 27mgSodium 394mgCarbohydrates 21gFiber 3gSugar 3gProtein 16g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Tuna Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser that checks all the boxes: it’s quick, easy, nutritious, and delicious. Whether you’re making it for a summer gathering or prepping meals for the week, it’s sure to become a family favorite. I hope you enjoy making and eating this versatile dish as much as I do!
Try these other tuna recipes:
