Tuna Pasta Salad is an easy and healthy meal you can make quickly. It has small pasta shells mixed with tuna, celery, peas, and a creamy dressing made from Greek yogurt and mayonnaise. This salad is fresh, tasty, and perfect for lunch or as a side dish.
Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
This Tuna Pasta Salad stands out because it’s both delicious and healthy. Using Greek yogurt instead of heavy mayonnaise keeps it lighter without losing creaminess. The peas and celery add a fresh crunch, while the tuna provides a good boost of protein. Plus, it’s super fast to make, requiring just about 15 minutes from start to finish. Whether you’re packing a lunch or serving a side dish, this recipe fits well with your busy lifestyle and healthy eating goals.
Ingredients for Tuna Pasta Salad
To make this refreshing Tuna Pasta Salad, you’ll need:
- 8 ounces of small shell pasta or any bite-sized pasta you like
- 7 ounces of canned albacore white tuna packed in water, drained
- 2 ribs of celery, chopped into small pieces
- 1/4 cup of red onion, finely chopped
- 1 cup of frozen peas
- 1/2 cup of mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup of plain Greek yogurt
- Dried dill weed, as you prefer (optional)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
These simple ingredients come together to create a tasty dish that’s satisfying and nourishing.
How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad
Start by cooking your pasta shells in boiling water according to the package instructions. You want them just tender but still firm, so cook until al dente. Once done, drain the pasta and set it aside to cool slightly.
Next, in a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped celery, red onion, frozen peas, the cooked pasta, and the drained tuna. Make sure the tuna is well drained to avoid excess moisture.
In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy. This blend gives the salad a light yet rich texture.
Add half of the dressing mixture to the pasta bowl. Toss everything gently to coat the ingredients evenly with the sauce. Season with salt, pepper, and if you like, sprinkle in some dried dill weed to add a mild herbal note.
Cover the pasta mixture and refrigerate it along with the remaining dressing for about 30 minutes. Chilling the salad helps the flavors to meld together beautifully.
Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing. This final step ensures every bite is creamy and flavorful.
How to Serve Tuna Pasta Salad
Tuna Pasta Salad is wonderfully versatile when it comes to serving. You can enjoy it chilled as a main dish on warm days or as a side alongside grilled chicken or fresh green salads. It pairs well with crusty bread or crackers for a light meal.
For picnics or potlucks, serve it in a large bowl garnished with a sprinkle of fresh herbs like parsley or dill for a burst of color and freshness. This salad also travels well, making it ideal for packed lunches or road trips.
If you want to add a bit of extra crunch, topping with toasted nuts or seeds right before serving adds a nice texture contrast. Overall, it’s a crowd-pleaser that fits into many dining occasions.
Expert Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad
To elevate your Tuna Pasta Salad, consider these tips:
- Use good quality canned tuna in water for the best flavor and a clean, fresh taste. Drain it thoroughly to keep the salad from becoming watery.
- Don’t overcook the pasta. Al dente pasta gives a better texture that holds up well when mixed with the dressing.
- For an even healthier twist, you can reduce the mayonnaise or swap it completely for more Greek yogurt. This will keep the salad creamy yet lower in fat.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to brighten the flavors and add a subtle tanginess.
- Mixing the dressing and pasta salad separately before combining helps you control the creaminess and seasoning.
- If you want, swap the frozen peas for fresh peas when they’re in season for a sweeter, fresher bite.
- Refrigerate the salad for at least 30 minutes before serving; this resting time allows the ingredients to blend and the flavors to deepen.
How to Store Tuna Pasta Salad
Store your Tuna Pasta Salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep fresh for up to three days. Keep the dressing separate if you plan to store it longer to maintain the best texture and flavor. When ready to eat, stir the salad well and add extra seasoning if needed.
Avoid freezing this salad, as the texture of the pasta and peas will change once thawed. Enjoy it fresh or within a few days for the best experience.
Variations to Try with Tuna Pasta Salad
There are many ways to customize this Tuna Pasta Salad to suit your taste or dietary preferences.
- Swap out shell pasta for other shapes like rotini, macaroni, or penne for variety.
- Add chopped hard-boiled eggs for extra protein and richness.
- Include chopped cucumber or bell peppers to add a refreshing crunch.
- For a Mediterranean twist, add olives and a sprinkle of feta cheese.
- Try mixing in some fresh herbs such as parsley, basil, or chives to brighten the flavor.
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce.
- Replace mayonnaise with avocado mash for a creamy, healthy fat alternative.
- Incorporate finely diced apple or grapes for a touch of natural sweetness.
Feel free to experiment and make this recipe your own.
Frequently Asked Questions About Tuna Pasta Salad
What type of pasta works best for Tuna Pasta Salad?
You want a pasta that holds sauce well and is easy to eat in small bites. Small shells, rotini, or elbow macaroni are ideal choices.
Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?
While fresh tuna can be used, canned tuna is convenient and perfectly fine for this salad. If you prefer fresh, cook and cool it before mixing.
How long can Tuna Pasta Salad be stored?
Stored properly in the fridge in an airtight container, it will last up to three days. Beyond that, the pasta texture may degrade.
Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayonnaise?
Yes! Greek yogurt lightens the dressing while keeping it creamy. You can use full or non-fat yogurt depending on your preference.
Can I add other vegetables to this salad?
Absolutely. Vegetables like cucumber, bell pepper, or carrots can add flavor and texture.
Can I prepare Tuna Pasta Salad ahead of time?
Yes, make it a few hours ahead and refrigerate. Just add dressing before serving for freshness.
Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces small shell pasta (or any bite-sized pasta)
- 7 ounces canned albacore white tuna (packed in water, drained)
- 2 ribs celery (chopped into small pieces)
- 1/4 cup red onion (finely chopped)
- 1 cup frozen peas
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
- Dried dill weed (optional, to taste)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Cook the pasta shells in boiling water according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine chopped celery, red onion, frozen peas, cooked pasta, and drained tuna.
- In a separate bowl, whisk together mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth and creamy.
- Add half of the dressing mixture to the pasta bowl. Toss gently to coat. Season with salt, pepper, and optional dill weed.
- Cover and refrigerate the pasta salad along with the remaining dressing for about 30 minutes.
- Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing to ensure every bite is creamy and flavorful.
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