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A freshly prepared tuna pasta salad on a white plate
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Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

This easy tuna pasta salad recipe is a classic for a reason. Made with canned tuna, shell pasta, peas, celery, and a tangy dressing, it's a quick and delicious meal that's perfect for lunch or dinner.
Course Salad
Cuisine American
Keyword tuna pasta salad
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Servings 8 servings
Calories 360kcal
Author C. Sophie

Equipment

  • Large pot
  • Colander
  • Large mixing bowl

Ingredients

Pasta

  • 1 pound small shell pasta

Protein

  • 12 ounces canned tuna in water drained and flaked

Vegetables

  • 1 cup frozen peas thawed
  • 1 cup celery finely diced
  • 1/2 cup red onion finely chopped

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon yellow mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/4 cup fresh dill finely chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper

Instructions

  • Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until it reaches an al dente texture.
  • Drain the pasta into a colander and immediately rinse under cold running water for 1-2 minutes until completely cooled. This prevents the pasta from overcooking and ensures the dressing doesn't clump.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, plain Greek yogurt, lemon juice, yellow mustard, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
  • Add the drained tuna, thawed peas, diced celery, and chopped red onion to the dressing. Stir gently to ensure the tuna is evenly distributed.
  • Add the cold, drained pasta and the fresh chopped dill to the bowl. Fold everything together with a large spatula until the pasta is thoroughly coated.
  • Taste the salad and add extra salt or pepper if desired. If the salad appears dry after chilling, stir in one tablespoon of water or extra yogurt to restore the creamy consistency.
  • Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld. Serve chilled.

Notes

Nutritional information:
  • Calories: 360
  • Protein: 18g
  • Carbohydrates: 45g
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated fat: 2g
  • Cholesterol: 25mg
  • Sodium: 420mg
  • Potassium: 320mg
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Vitamin A: 850 IU
 
Tip: To prevent the pasta from becoming dry, stir in a small splash of water or extra yogurt before serving. You can also add some diced bell peppers or chopped hard-boiled eggs to the salad for extra flavor and nutrients.