The Best Homemade Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Spread the love

What You’ll Love About This Recipe

This tuna pasta salad is a quick, tasty meal that’s perfect for busy days or picnics, and it’s packed with flavor everyone will enjoy.

Easy to make—just toss everything together, no fancy skills needed.
Budget-friendly—uses simple ingredients you probably already have.
Versatile—eat it cold for lunch, as a side, or customize it with your favorite add-ins.

Recipe

This homemade tuna pasta salad is a quick and easy dish perfect for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. It combines tender pasta, flaky tuna, crunchy vegetables, and a creamy dressing for a satisfying meal.

Ingredients:

8 oz (225 g) pasta (elbow, penne, or fusilli)
1 can (5 oz/142 g) tuna in water or oil, drained
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/4 cup sour cream
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
1/4 cup parsley, chopped
Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and let cool.
In a large bowl, mix mayonnaise, sour cream, and Dijon mustard until smooth.
Add the cooled pasta, tuna, celery, red onion, and parsley to the bowl. Toss until well combined.
Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Notes:

For a lighter version, use Greek yogurt instead of sour cream.
Add diced cucumbers or bell peppers for extra crunch.

Equipment:

Large pot
Mixing bowl

Time:

Prep time: 10 minutes

Cooking time: 10 minutes

Cuisine:

American

Serving:

Serves 4

Nutrition

This homemade tuna pasta salad is not only delicious but also packed with essential nutrients. Here’s a breakdown of its nutritional value per serving.

Calories: 320

Total Fat: 12g

Saturated Fat: 2g

Cholesterol: 20mg

Sodium: 450mg

Total Carbohydrates: 35g

Dietary Fiber: 3g

Sugars: 4g

Protein: 18g

What To Serve With It

I love pairing my tuna pasta salad with fresh side dishes, like a crisp cucumber salad or steamed green beans, to keep the meal light and balanced. A slice of warm, crusty bread on the side adds that satisfying crunch I always crave. Together, they make the dish feel complete without overpowering the star of the meal.

Fresh Side Dishes

Whenever I whip up a batch of tuna pasta salad, I love pairing it with fresh sides that add a crisp, vibrant balance to the meal. A simple cucumber and tomato salad with a tangy vinaigrette is my go-to—it’s light and invigorating. I also enjoy a crunchy slaw with cabbage, carrots, and a hint of lemon for brightness. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll toss together some avocado slices with lime and cilantro. These sides cut through the creaminess of the pasta salad perfectly. They’re easy to make, and they keep the meal feeling light, even on the hottest days.

Crusty Bread Options

Though tuna pasta salad is a star on its own, it feels even more complete when paired with something warm and crusty—like a slice of bread fresh from the oven. I love serving it with a baguette, its golden crust crackling as I tear into it. Sourdough is another favorite; its tangy flavor balances the creamy salad perfectly. If I’m feeling fancy, I’ll grab a ciabatta loaf, its chewy texture adding a nice contrast. Garlic bread is also a winner, but I keep it simple to let the salad shine. Any crusty bread transforms this dish into a meal I can’t resist.