Tuna Pasta Salad

This Tuna Pasta Salad with high-protein pasta, peas, tuna, veggies, fresh dill, and Greek yogurt is fast and healthy. Ready in 30 minutes and perfect for lunch, dinner, or post-workout energy.

For me, summertime is the perfect time for a tuna pasta salad! This high-protein tuna pasta salad has all the classic flavors. It is easy, fast, and uses simple ingredients that we usually have on hand.

In this recipe, I chose to use gluten-free pasta along with Greek Yogurt as the base to provide a salad packed with protein. If you love this dish, you might also want to try my Chicken Pasta Salad or Classic Chicken Salad; both are perfect summertime meals.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

• Easy Summertime Meal - This meal is perfect on the lake or out by the pool.
• Perfect for Meal Prep - This meal lasts for days in the fridge and tastes even better after it sits.
• High Protein - this salad has a perfect balance of protein, carbs, and veggies. It will keep you full and ready to go.
• Budget Friendly - most of these items are in your pantry and are very cost-efficient.
• Making Pasta Salad with Tuna Fish is quick and easy!

Ingredients

• Pasta: Shells or macaroni are the classic tuna pasta salad shapes, but you can use any that you have on hand. For this, I used a spiral gluten-free pasta.
• Albacor White Tuna: I used water-packed tuna for this recipe.
• Celery: Adds the perfect crunch to a pasta salad.
• Sweet Onion: Chopped finely to give bites of onion flavor, but not to overwhelm.
• Frozen Peas: They don't need to be cooked, just toss and go!
• Cucumber: Fresh and perfect for a summer pasta salad.
• Greek Yogurt: The perfect base for your dressing.
• Lemon Juice: Helps cut through the rich flavors of the yogurt and tuna.
• Fresh Dill: The secret flavor boost.
• Hot Sauce: This is optional, but I love it.
• Salt and Pepper: The perfect flavor enhancers.

How to make Tuna Pasta Salad

1. Cook the noodles in salted water according to the package directions, until they are al dente. Drain well. To quickly cool the pasta, stir in the frozen peas while the noodles are still hot.

2. In a large bowl, add the chopped onion, diced and cored cucumber, diced celery, peas, cooked pasta, drained tuna, fresh dill, salt, and pepper.

3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the Greek yogurt, hot sauce, and lemon juice and hot sauce until smooth and creamy.

4. Mix the pasta mixture and dressing, and stir until everything is evenly coated.

5. Serve immediately or refrigerate for about 30 minutes to help flavors meld together.

Substitutions and Variations

• Creamy Avocado Tuna Pasta - Stir in avocado right before serving to add some extra creaminess and healthy fats.
• Spice Level - Feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce, or add in chipotle powder, or red pepper flakes to add some heat.
• Veggie-Load - Add in whatever extra vegetables that you like. Broccoli, spinach, zuchinni and cherry tomatoes are some of my favorites.
• Add More Protein - Stir in chopped hard-boiled eggs or chickpeas.

Tims Tips

• Pasta Tip - Cook the pasta just until al dente, so it does not get mushy when mixed.
• Salt the Pasta Water - This enhances the flavor of the pasta.
• Seed the Cucumbers - I like to seed the cucumbers before dicing and adding to the salad to help keep moisture down.
• Adjust the sauce - If you prefer, you can use half mayonnaise and half Greek Yogurt if you like a little less tang.

What to Serve with Tuna Salad

• Easy Garlic Butter Rolls or Crusty Sourdough Bread
• Garden Salad with Homemade Buttermilk Ranch Dressing
• Salad With Barrel-Aged Balsamic Vinegar

Storage

Refrigeration: Store leftover tuna pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to mix well before serving.

Freezing: I do not recommend freezing this dish; the pasta will get mushy, and the creamy dressing will change consistency.

FAQs

More Delicious Salads

• Chicken Macaroni Pasta Salad
• Loaded Baked Potato Salad
• Sweet Potato Salad
• Classic Chicken Salad
• Roasted Corn Slaw

What are the "must-haves" on your family menus? Let me know your family's favorite recipes in the comments! I love gathering ideas from fellow cooks!