Tuna pasta salad is an easy, creamy mix of al dente noodles tossed with fresh, crisp veggies, herbs, mayo, and plenty of seasoning. Whether you need a quick lunch, a barbecue side, or a picnic, this is a delicious, healthy option.
For more pasta recipes, try Tortellini and Prosciutto Pasta Salad, Shrimp Pasta with Butter Mushrooms, and Burrata Pasta next!
Pasta salad with tuna is light, creamy, and so tasty! Make it with pantry staples for an easy lunch meal or dinner side. It's salty, savory, with a hint of spice from the jalapeños and some tang from the Greek yogurt.
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Why You'll Love This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
- Healthy. Tuna is packed with omega-3 fatty acids and this recipe is loaded with fresh vegetables.
- Affordable. Who doesn't have some pasta and tuna in their pantry or cupboards? It's an easy meal to put together with whatever you have stocked in your fridge.
- Customizable. Choose the type of tuna, the pasta, and all of your add-ins. There are so many ways to make this recipe yours!
Ingredients
Tuna pasta salad with mayo is just the base of this recipe. Throw in the flavor by adding your choice of vegetables, peppers, herbs, and spices.
- Pasta. I use cavatappi because it's thick and chewy and doesn't get lost in the mix of this tuna salad.
- Tuna. Use tuna packed in water because this recipe doesn't require extra oil. Be sure to drain the canned tuna before adding it to the other ingredients.
- Jalapeño. Use a small pepper for a kick of spicy flavor.
- Vegetables. For taste, texture, and color, I use a medley of fresh celery, corn, cucumber, cherry tomatoes, avocado, and red onion.
- Cilantro. This adds a peppery, herby flavor.
- Mayo. This is the base of the creamy texture but also enriches the overall taste.
- Greek Yogurt. This adds a tangy quality to the mix, extra protein, and contribute to the creaminess. Be sure to use plain yogurt.
- Seasoning. I season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, and citrusy garlic powder (you can also substitute the garlic powder with lemon pepper seasoning).
- Lime Wedges. This adds a pop of citrus flavor.
What is the best tuna for Tuna Pasta Salad?
The best canned tuna to use for tuna pasta salad is canned albacore. It is packed "whole" and stays chunkier versus getting lost within the other ingredients.
How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad
This simple tuna pasta salad recipe comes together with just a few simple steps.
Cook Pasta
Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to heavily salt pasta water for best results. Drain and set aside until later use.
Prepare Herbs, Peppers, and Veggies
While the pasta cooks, prep the tuna salad toppings by chopping the cilantro, jalapeño, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, and cucumber, and shucking one ear of corn.
Make Creamy Salad Dressing
Whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, citrusy garlic powder, and lime juice.
Combine Ingredients
In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, drained tuna, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, corn, celery, avocado, red onion, jalapeño, and cilantro. Pour in the salad dressing and stir until well combined.
Chill & Serve
For best results, allow the pasta salad to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to one hour. Finally, enjoy!
Tips and Tricks
- Cook the noodles to al dente for the best results.
- Remember to drain the tuna before adding it to the mix. Otherwise, the dressing may be too thin.
- Don't skip the chilling process because it improves the taste and texture.
Recipe Variations
- Creamy Base. Omit the mayonnaise and use all Greek yogurt for an even healthier alternative.
- Toppings. Get festive with toppings. Add olives or apples for a hint of sweetness.
- Pasta. Use any pasta shape, short pasta works best to combat all of the toppings.
- Tuna Pasta Salad with Egg. Add boiled eggs for extra protein.
- Herbs. Instead of cilantro, you can try dill or parsley.
How to Store Leftovers
Store leftovers in an airtight container. This lasts 3-5 days when refrigerated properly. The integrity will lessen after three days. When serving, be sure to mix leftovers thoroughly because the sauce will separate.
Can I make Tuna Pasta Salad in advance?
Make it the night before you plan to serve so the flavors have time to meld.
FAQ
What can I serve with tuna pasta salad?
Keep it simple by serving it with toasted baguettes. If serving as a side, use grilled chicken or prawns as the entree. It would taste great with fruit salad or a fruity gelato as dessert.
Can I freeze tuna pasta salad?
Certain pasta salads freeze well but this recipe isn't one of them. Because it contains mayonnaise, the texture, and taste will be altered once frozen and then defrosted. If you make an oil-based salad dressing, you can freeze it.
Is tuna pasta meant to be eaten cold?
Cold tuna pasta salad is standard, however, you can serve it at room temperature.
I HOPE YOU ENJOY THIS TUNA PASTA SALAD RECIPE!
If you try this recipe, I'd love to see it! Share it with me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 1 cups Pasta I use Cavatappi
- 10 oz Tuna drained
- 1 cup Corn
- 1 Jalapeno small
- 1 cup Celery
- ⅓ cup Cilantro
- 1 cup Cucumber
- 1 cup Cherry Tomatoes
- Avocado medium sized
- ¾ cup Red Onion
- ¼ cup Mayo
- ½ cup Greek Yogurt
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Garlic
- 1 teaspoon Onion Powder
- 1 teaspoon Citrusy Garlic Powder substitute with Lemon Pepper Seasoning
- 2 Lime Wedges about 2 tbsp
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to package instructions. Be sure to heavily salt pasta water for best results. Drain and set aside until later use.
- While pasta cooks, prep the tuna salad toppings by chopping the cilantro, jalapeno, cherry tomatoes, red onion, celery, cucumber and shucking one ear of corn.
- Whisk together the greek yogurt, mayonnaise, salt, pepper, garlic, onion powder, citrusy garlic powder and lime juice.
- In a large bowl, add the cooked pasta, drained tuna, chopped cucumber, cherry tomatoes, corn, celery, avocado, red onion, jalapeno and cilantro.
- Pour in the salad dressing and stir until well combined.
- For best results, allow tuna pasta salad to refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to one hour.
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