This tuna pasta salad is your easy lunch solution that’s not only fast but that’s also satisfying thanks to tender pieces of pasta and pieces of flaky tuna coated with a creamy, tangy dressing. It’s also made with basic fridge and pantry ingredients that you likely have on hand. Wondering what to do with that random can of tuna in your pantry? Now you know! It’s also a very budget-friendly meal. With the price of groceries these days, I am in full support of being able to take advantage of less expensive meals when I can! Serve it as it is, or alongside a piece of (leftover) chicken you may have for lunch, or as a great side dish for dinner with your favorite burgers or in colder months, pair it with a hearty soup and call it a day. And if you’re a tuna salad lover, I’ve got this protein-packed Chickpea Tuna Salad recipe, too.
Ingredients in This Recipe
For this easy and fast tuna mayo pasta salad you’ll need the following ingredients.
Pasta Salad
Cooked pasta – small shaped pasta such as rotini like I used or elbow macaroni, small shells, wheels, bowtie, farfalle, penne, or your favorite Canned tuna – I prefer the newer packets of tuna they sell (nothing to drain) or look for canned tuna in water. I use albacore tuna. You can use canned tuna packed in oil if that’s more your speed Peas – use fresh or frozen peas (thaw and drain well if using frozen) Sweet pickle relish Seasoning salt Fresh or dried dill Fresh parsley, green onions, or fresh herbs – optional for garnishing
Creamy Dressing
Note: Scroll down to the recipe card section of the post for the ingredients with amounts included and for more complete directions.
How To Make Pasta Salad with Tuna
This pea tuna pasta salad is a wonderful side dish for dinner alongside grilled chicken or fish. Or as a light and satisfying standalone meal for a simple lunch or protein-filled afternoon snack. Make Ahead – Dressing: My suggestion if you’re trying to get ahead for a party or event is that you can prepare the dressing a day in advance, cover it, and refrigerate it. Give the dressing a good stir before adding it to the salad! Make Ahead – Salad: You can prep it the night before, cover, and refrigerate. Add the dressing the next day just before serving and stir well to combine.
More Easy Pasta Salad Recipes:
The Best Pasta Salad Recipes – There’s something for everyone in this collection of FAST and EASY pasta salad recipes!! Whether you need something to bring to a potluck or picnic, or are in need of a no-fuss weeknight meal the whole family will enjoy, these recipes have you covered!! Tried this recipe? Leave a review! Consider leaving a 5 star rating if you’ve made and loved one of my recipes! Classic Macaroni Salad — This fast and easy pasta salad recipe with tender elbow macaroni, bell peppers, carrots, celery, ham, and a super creamy dressing is a family FAVORITE! You can make it up to a day in advance if you want to get ahead and serve it at your next casual get together, backyard barbecue, picnic, potluck, or weeknight family dinner! Everyone always wants seconds! Shrimp Pasta Salad – 🍤🫛🌿 Tender pasta, juicy shrimp, crunchy celery, bell peppers, and peas are tossed in a creamy and tangy homemade dressing for zesty perfection! Great for summer gatherings to serve as a side salad or make it for a lighter yet satisfying stand alone meal for lunch or dinner! Very EASY and always a crowd FAVORITE! BLT Pasta Salad — EASY, ready in 15 minutes, feeds a crowd, and PERFECT for potlucks and parties. Creamy ranch dressing perfectly coats the pasta and BACON. Guaranteed family FAVORITE! Taco Pasta Salad — EASY, ready in 20 minutes, and loaded with great Mexican-inspired ingredients including corn, black beans, tomatoes, cilantro, avocado, and more!! Perfect for picnics, parties, and potlucks!! Basil Lemon Pasta Salad with Chicken — 🍋🥒🍅 This chicken pasta salad is loaded with flavor, ready in minutes, and showcases Mediterranean-inspired ingredients! It’s perfect for summer potlucks and barbecues (no mayo!) and feeds a crowd. Or make it as an EASY family dinner with planned leftovers! Amish Pasta Salad — A family-favorite classic pasta salad recipe with al dente pasta, bell peppers, celery, red onions, and hard-boiled eggs tossed in a creamy tangy-sweet dressing! Italian Chicken Pasta Salad — This Italian Chicken Pasta Salad is easy, ready in 20 minutes, and showcases some of my favorite summer ingredients. It’s perfect for summer potlucks and BBQs, or as a no-fuss family dinner! Chicken Caesar Pasta Salad — The BEST version of a chicken Caesar salad because there’s tender pasta, too!! EASY, ready in 20 minutes, makes a big batch, and a guaranteed family FAVORITE!!
