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This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is filled with delicious vegetables and all dressed in a creamy dressing. The perfect potluck salad for all your spring and summer gatherings.
I love pasta salads, they are my go-to for any picnic, gathering, or potluck that we go to during the summer and spring. This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is especially tasty.
This great recipe is of my favorites, I’ve always been a fan of Tuna Salad and over the years I have tweaked my recipe and made it just how we enjoy it.
With added vegetables which are completely optional and this salad is easily versatile it makes it really tasty and adds a little more depth to the salad itself.
Simple ingredients go a long way in a salad like this. There is a reason cold pasta salads are so popular.
We typically serve this as a classic side dish, but hey, it could also be a main course if you want. Any tuna fan will agree.
This classic recipe can be doubled easily to feed a larger crowd, I made a smaller version for this recipe to just feed your family but trust me you may want to make a double batch each time.
With delish flavor and a pop of dill, you will want to bring this Tuna Pasta salad recipe to any of your upcoming get-togethers.
Some of my other favorite pasta salads we have on our site include: Ranch BLT Pasta Salad, Broccoli Pasta Salad and Orzo Pasta Salad.
WHY THIS RECIPE WORKS:
- This is very versatile and you can add or omit ingredients as desired.
- Easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd. Maybe a summer picnic!
- Use your favorite pasta. Your whole family will love it.
INGREDIENTS NEEDED (SCROLL TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS POST FOR THE FULL RECIPE CARD):
- Tuna
- Pasta
- Red bell pepper
- Sweet corn
- Red onion
- Fresh dill
- Mayonnaise
- Plain yogurt
- Dijon mustard
- Garlic powder
- Paprika
- Lemon juice
- Salt
- Pepper
HOW TO MAKE TUNA PASTA SALAD RECIPE:
- Cook pasta according to instructions on the package (pasta should be cooked al dente).
- Dressing: whisk all the ingredients in a small bowl.
- Add all the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.
- Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt/pepper if needed.
- Place a plastic wrap on top and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with more fresh dill and enjoy!
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THIS RECIPE:
CAN I USE OTHER PASTAS?
Rotini or fusilli pasta would be my number 1 choice for a cold salad as their texture allows the dressing to get stuck well and thus gives more flavor.
Your next options would be farfalle, penne, or other noodles that will be good for tossing in the sauce.
HOW LONG DOES THIS NEED TO CHILL?
After combining all the ingredients in a bowl, I recommend to chill for 15-30 minutes as it helps all the flavors to blend nicely.
However, like many pasta salads, on day 2 or 3 you may need to add a little extra mayonnaise or yogurt to make the salad ‘’creamy’’ again.
ANY ADDITIONS?
It’s a really easy pasta salad recipe to change up how you want.
Check out these ideas to get you started!
- Cheddar Cheese: Add some shredded cheddar cheese for a cheesy twist.
- Grape Tomatoes: Halve some grape tomatoes and mix them in for a burst of freshness.
- Green Peas: Fresh or frozen green peas add a nice pop of color and sweetness.
- Sunflower Seeds: Sprinkle some sunflower seeds for added crunch.
- Hard-Boiled Eggs: Chopped hard-boiled eggs can make the salad more filling.
- Pickle Relish: A tablespoon of pickle relish can add a tangy flavor.
- Lemon Zest: Add lemon zest to the dressing for an extra citrusy kick.
- Dill Pickles: Chopped dill pickles can add a great crunch and flavor.
- Cherry Tomatoes: Add cherry tomatoes for more color and a fresh taste.
- Celery: Finely chopped celery adds a nice crunch and freshness.
ANY SUBSTITUTIONS?
Have a medically restrictive diet? Maybe you just want something different.
I’ve got you covered.
- Greek Yogurt: Use Greek yogurt instead of plain yogurt for a thicker, tangier dressing.
- Miracle Whip: Substitute Miracle Whip for mayonnaise if you prefer a tangier flavor.
- Whole Wheat Pasta: Swap regular pasta for whole wheat pasta for a healthier option.
- Chickpea Pasta: Use chickpea pasta to add more protein and fiber.
- Albacore Tuna: Substitute regular tuna with albacore tuna for a richer taste.
- Sour Cream: Use sour cream instead of yogurt for a creamier dressing.
HOW TO STORE:
Keep the salad refrigerated at all times in an airtight container. For the best flavor, consume within 3 days.
Please keep in mind that pasta will continue to soak up the dressing as it sits. You’ll need to whip up extra dressing after day 1 or simply add a little bit of milk, mayonnaise, yogurt, or sour cream before serving to achieve the creamy texture again.
I do not suggest freezing.
DANA’S TIPS AND TRICKS:
- Use your favorite smaller pasta for this recipe, see some options above.
- We use tuna in water but you can use it in vegetable oil as well. Just make sure you drain it very well.
- Switch up your vegetables in this to cater to your flavor preference.
- Any plain yogurt will work including greek.
- Sour cream can be swapped for the yogurt.
- Easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd.
Wanting more options to bring to all those spring and summer gatherings?
This Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is a perfect option that everyone will love.
If you like this recipe, you might also like:
If you’ve tried this TUNA PASTA SALAD RECIPE, let me know in the comments how it turned out! You can follow me over on PINTEREST, INSTAGRAM OR FACEBOOK to find some more of our mouthwatering recipes!
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Salad:
- 8 ounces fussili pasta cooked and drained well
- 8 ounces tuna in water drained
- ½ medium red bell pepper medium diced
- 1 cup canned sweet corn drained
- ½ medium red onion small-diced
- 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill plus more for garnish
Creamy Dressing:
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup plain yogurt
- ½ teaspoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- To make the dressing, whisk all of the ingredients together in a small bowl.½ cup mayonnaise, ½ cup plain yogurt, ½ teaspoon dijon mustard, ½ teaspoon garlic powder, ½ teaspoon paprika, ½ teaspoon lemon juice, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- Add all of the salad ingredients in a large mixing bowl.8 ounces fussili pasta, 8 ounces tuna in water, ½ medium red bell pepper, 1 cup canned sweet corn, ½ medium red onion, 2 1/2 tablespoons fresh chopped dill
- Drizzle with dressing and toss to coat.
- Taste for seasoning and add more salt or pepper if needed.
- Place a plastic wrap on top and chill in the refrigerator for 30 minutes.
- Garnish with more fresh dill and serce
Notes
- Use your favorite smaller pasta for this recipe, see some options above.
- We use tuna in water but you can use it in vegetable oil as well. Just make sure you drain it very well.
- Switch up your vegetables in this to cater to your flavor preference.
- Any plain yogurt will work including greek.
- Sour cream can be swapped for the yogurt.
- Easily double this recipe to serve a larger crowd.
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
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