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Home Recipes Side Dishes Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

by Jennifer Debth July 27, 2022
4 Comments
5 from 2 votes
JUMP TO RECIPE
This post may contain affiliate links. Read our disclosure policy.

This Tuna Pasta Salad is fresh and packed with lean protein. A few secret ingredients makes this the BEST summer side or light lunch.

bowl of tuna pasta salad

Quick Navigation
  • Frequently Asked Questions
  • Get the recipe
  • What type of tuna to buy
  • Pairing suggestions
  • How to store
  • Nutrition information
  • Ingredients

July and August are the hottest months of the year here in North Carolina. What better way to beat the heat than with a giant bowl of refreshing pasta salad? This tuna pasta salad is a new favorite, because not only are you getting a bowl of perfectly chilled noodles, you’re also packing in tons of lean protein, and bonus: fresh, crunchy veggies! Serve this as a side at your next summer BBQ or eat it alone as a light lunch or dinner… you can’t go wrong!

What type of tuna to buy

Buy canned tuna packed in water. I don’t recommend using tuna packed in oil, because it will likely make the dish slimy.

Here are some key words to look for:

  • “Solid” – this means less mushy, better texture.
  • “Packed in water” – the mayo is oily so any added oil is unnecessary and weighs down the salad.
  • “Pole and line fishing only” – this means the tuna weren’t mass-caught.
  • “MSC-certified seal” – this means the tuna were sustainably caught.
Pro tip
If you’re not a fan of canned tuna, use fresh tuna! Be sure to cook it completely before proceeding with the recipe as written.

What to serve with tuna pasta salad

Serve this pasta salad alone as a light lunch or dinner, or serve it next to your favorite sides and proteins at your next summer cook out!

  • Main Dishes: BBQ Pork Chops, Smash Burgers, Hot Dog Chili
  • Other Sides: Grape Salad, Potato Salad, Cornbread
  • Desserts: Strawberry Pretzel Salad, Blueberry Cobbler, Lemon Bars

spoonful of tuna pasta salad in a bowl

How to store

Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. I don’t recommend freezing this recipe.

– Jennifer

serving a bowl of tuna pasta salad

Tuna Pasta Salad

5 from 2 votes
This Tuna Pasta Salad is fresh and packed with lean protein. A few secret ingredients makes this the BEST summer side or light lunch.
Prep Time: 30 minutes
Cook Time: 0 minutes
Yield: 16 people
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Ingredients

US Customary - Metric
  • 1 cup mayonnaise I used an olive oil mayo
  • 6 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
  • 1/2 cup granulated sugar
  • 2 tablespoons parmesan cheese
  • 2 tablespoons sweet relish
  • 2 tablespoons dijon mustard
  • 2 teaspoons salt plus more to taste
  • 1 teaspoon ground black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon curry powder
  • 1 teaspoon dried parsley
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1 teaspoon paprika
  • 1 (16 oz) box medium pasta shells cooked al denté according to package directions
  • 1/2 small red onion finely diced
  • 2 ribs celery finely diced
  • 1 red bell pepper finely diced
  • 3-4 (5 oz) cans tuna packed in water drained (don’t worry about flaking the tuna, it will break apart as you stir everything together)
  • 1 cup frozen peas optional (if using, be sure to thaw)

Instructions

  • Place mayo, vinegar, sugar, parmesan, relish, mustard, salt, pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, curry powder, parsley, dill, and paprika into a large bowl and whisk until smooth.
  • Add in cooked pasta, red onion, celery, bell pepper, tuna, and optional peas, then use a rubber spatula to gently fold the mixture until everything as been coated in the sauce.
  • Cover and chill in the fridge until cold.
  • When ready to serve, stir, then taste and re-season, if necessary!
  • Take 5 seconds to rate this recipe below. We greatly appreciate it!
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STORING
Room Temp:N/A
Refrigerator:3-4 Days
Freezer:N/A
Reheat:N/A
*Storage times may vary based on temperature and conditions

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Nutrition Information

Nutrition Facts
Tuna Pasta Salad
Amount Per Serving (1 scoop)
Calories 207 Calories from Fat 36
% Daily Value*
Fat 4g6%
Saturated Fat 1g6%
Trans Fat 1g
Cholesterol 12mg4%
Sodium 518mg23%
Potassium 190mg5%
Carbohydrates 32g11%
Fiber 2g8%
Sugar 9g10%
Protein 10g20%
Vitamin A 446IU9%
Vitamin C 14mg17%
Calcium 30mg3%
Iron 1mg6%
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

*Note: Nutrition information is estimated and varies based on products used.

Keywords: easy summer recipe, pasta salad, seafood side, tuna salad
Enjoy this recipe?
Tag @showmetheyummy on Instagram and hashtag it #showmetheyummy
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: American
Author: Jennifer Debth

Filed Under: Pasta, Recipes, Seafood, Side Dishes

Reader Interactions

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    Filter Comments
    All Comments 0 Questions 0 Reviews
  1. loree

    Placentia, California

    July 28, 2022 at 7:31 pm

    5 stars
    Reply
  2. Modena

    Pompano Beach, Florida

    July 28, 2022 at 1:50 pm

    5 stars
    Reply
  3. Jo

    United States

    July 27, 2022 at 3:00 pm

    Is 1/2 cup sugar a misteak? Tuna salad
    Reply
    • Jennifer @ Show Me the Yummy

      July 27, 2022 at 3:13 pm

      Nope! It’s like a mash-up between macaroni salad and tuna salad. Feel free to reduce or omit the sugar, if you’d like, but the sugar balances out the tanginess from the vinegar.

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