Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Jump to Recipe -

This creamy and refreshing tuna pasta salad is ideal for gatherings or meal prep and is sure to satisfy everyone's appetite. It combines flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a rich dressing, making it a delightful choice for any occasion.

tuna pasta salad in bowl with can of tuna in background

This post contains affiliate links, please read my full disclaimer here.

Full Recipe Ingredients/Instructions are available in the
recipe card at the bottom of the post.
You can find important tips/tricks in the
blog post.

It's no secret that I love pasta salad and enjoy it in any form. From my cold seafood salad to my Southern-style pasta salad, each recipe offers a unique twist that keeps me returning for more.

This tuna salad, also called tuna macaroni salad, is simple but with my twist on the classic recipe. Along with tuna, I opt for fresh green bell peppers and red onion to provide crunch to the salad. Most recipes I found call for fresh or frozen peas.

And now, the star of the show, the creamy dressing that brings all the flavors together. Made with a blend of mayo, yellow mustard, lemon juice, and spices, this delicious tuna pasta salad is the perfect finishing touch.

Ingredients for Tuna Pasta Salad

Pasta - You can use any short pasta, but I prefer elbow macaroni. You could also use shells or bow-tie pasta.
Tuna - I suggest tuna in water.
Vegetables - Green bell pepper and red onion.
Pasta Salad Dressing - mayonnaise, lemon juice, yellow mustard, salt, pepper, sugar, black pepper, and relish.
Garnish - paprika

How to make Tuna Pasta Salad

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse them under cold water to cool. Set them aside.

Combine the drained tuna, chopped red onion, diced green bell pepper, mayonnaise, dill relish, lemon juice, yellow mustard, granulated sugar, salt, and pepper in a large mixing bowl. Stir well to integrate the ingredients thoroughly.

Incorporate the cooled elbow noodles into the tuna mixture, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly with the dressing and distribute the ingredients throughout.

tuna and macaroni in bowl before going in fridge

Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend.

Serve the salad chilled, garnished with paprika for added color and a subtle, smoky flavor.

tuna pasta salad in white bowl with tuna can in corner

Tanya's Top Tip

Don't skip the refrigeration. The flavor is this will get better as it sits and gets chilled.

How to Make Ahead and Storage Tips

This recipe is ideal for preparing in advance since the flavors improve with refrigeration. You can prepare it up to three days before serving it.

Storage: Tuna pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to three days. For best results, keep it in an airtight container to preserve freshness and prevent it from absorbing odors from the fridge.

I would not freeze pasta salad. The mayonnaise and fresh vegetables do not freeze and thaw well, which can lead to a watery and less appealing taste.

Variations

Switch up your tuna pasta salad by switching out the vegetables.
If you want a healthier tuna salad, you can change the dressing. For example, you could substitute Greek yogurt for the mayonnaise in the recipe.
Use fresh dill rather than dill relish.

FAQ

How do I cook the pasta for tuna salad? (Cook according to package directions to al dente)

Cook according to package directions to al dente

What's the best way to cool the pasta for tuna salad?

Run under cold water or cook ahead and chill.

Print Pin Save

5 from 1 vote

Tuna Pasta Salad

Course Side Dish

Cuisine American

Keyword tuna pasta salad

Prep Time 15

Cook Time 10

Chill Time 1

Total Time 1 25

Servings people

Calories 263kcal

Author Tanya

Ingredients

8 ounces elbow noodles
2 4 ounce cans of tuna drained
½ cup diced red onion
½ cup diced green bell pepper
¾ cup mayonnaise
¼ cup dill relish
2 Tablespoons lemon juice
1 Tablespoon yellow mustard
1 teasooon white granulated sugar
Salt and pepper to taste
Paprika for garnish

Instructions

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the elbow noodles according to the package instructions until al dente, then drain and rinse them under cold water to cool. Set them aside.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, chopped red onion, diced green bell pepper, mayonnaise, dill relish, lemon juice, yellow mustard, and granulated sugar, salt, and pepper. Stir well to integrate the ingredients fully.
Incorporate the cooled elbow noodles into the tuna mixture, tossing gently to coat the noodles evenly with the dressing and distribute the ingredients throughout.
Refrigerate the salad for at least one hour to allow the flavors to blend.
Serve the salad chilled, garnished with paprika for added color and a subtle, smoky flavor.

Notes

Don't skip the refrigeration. The flavor is this will get better as it sits and gets chilled.

Nutrition

My Southern Air Fryer ECookbookFind all my Top Southern Air Fryer recipes in one place! My Southern Air Fryer ECookbook!

Subscribe to my YouTubeSubscribe to my YouTube Channel for full length recipe videos. Click the bell icon to be notified when I upload a new video.

Tried this recipe? Share on InstagramMention @Myforkinglife or tag #myforkinglife!

Although myforkinglife.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures should be considered estimates. Varying factors such as product types or brands purchased, natural fluctuations in fresh produce, and the way ingredients are processed change the effective nutritional information in any given recipe. Under no circumstances will myforkinglife.com be responsible for any loss or damage resulting for your reliance on nutritional information.