Name: Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Prep time: 15 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 25 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 16 ounces Uncooked small pasta like shells or farfalle; 17 ounces Canned tuna packed in water, drained** (see notes); ½ cup Diced celery; ½ cup Diced red onion; 1 cup Mayonnaise; 1 teaspoon Yellow mustard; ½ teaspoon Garlic powder; 1 tablespoon Lemon juice; 1 tablespoon Fresh dill; ½ cup Pickle relish; Salt and pepper

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Meet your new favorite picnic companion: this vibrant Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is everything a summer side should be! It’s creamy, zesty, and absolutely packed with bright flavor, tender pasta, and hearty tuna, bringing a fresh spin to your weekday lunch or family cookout. Every bite is a celebration of texture thanks to crisp veggies and a tangy homemade dressing, making it a dish folks will ask for again and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is in its refreshingly simple lineup. Each ingredient has a purpose, whether brightening up the salad, adding crunch, or delivering that savory, satisfying bite.

Pasta: Small shapes like shells or farfalle hold the creamy dressing perfectly and make every forkful balanced.
Canned Tuna: Go for tuna packed in water for a clean, meaty texture—feel free to use your favorite brand or mix can sizes as needed.
Celery: Its crisp bite gives a fresh flavor and some extra crunch that livens up every serving.
Red Onion: Diced finely, it brings a gentle tang and irresistible color to the dish.
Mayonnaise: The creamy star of the dressing, binding all ingredients together in classic, luscious fashion.
Yellow Mustard: Just a touch amps up the flavor with a quiet, tangy kick.
Garlic Powder: This sneaky addition delivers savoriness throughout the entire salad.
Lemon Juice: Adds just the right zing and brightness—fresh is best here!
Fresh Dill: The ultimate herb for a summer salad; it infuses everything with aromatic, green freshness.
Pickle Relish: Brings a gentle sweetness and background crunch that ties the whole dish together.
Salt and Pepper: Essential for dialing up all the other flavors and making the Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe sing.

How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Start by bringing a large pot of well-salted water to a boil. Cook your small pasta shapes, like shells or farfalle, according to the package directions until just al dente. This texture is critical because it holds up after mixing with the dressing. Once cooked, drain the pasta and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and keep the salad light and fluffy, not gummy.

Step 2: Whip Up the Dressing

In a small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, yellow mustard, garlic powder, fresh lemon juice, and dill. The result is a dressing that’s creamy but zippy, and bursting with tangy, herby notes. Taste it now—it’s a preview of the amazing flavors about to happen!

Step 3: Prep the Veggies and Tuna

Dice your celery and red onion as finely as you prefer for that delicate crunch and bite in every forkful. Drain your canned tuna well (no one wants a soggy salad!), then flake it into bite-sized pieces. If you love tuna, feel free to add a little more!

Step 4: Bring It All Together

Add the cooled pasta, tuna, celery, onion, and pickle relish to a large bowl. Pour over that glorious homemade dressing and toss everything gently but thoroughly so each piece is coated. Add salt and pepper to taste—don’t skip this step! The right seasoning transforms the whole dish.

Step 5: Chill or Serve

You can dig in right away, or cover and refrigerate the Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe for a couple of hours to really let the flavors meld. Either option is delicious—it just depends if you’re in a hurry or want to build anticipation!

How to Serve Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Garnishes

Give your Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe a finishing flourish! Sprinkle with extra fresh dill or a dusting of cracked black pepper. Thinly sliced radishes or a few halved cherry tomatoes add a pop of color and freshness to the top just before serving.

Side Dishes

This salad plays so well with others. Pair it with grilled corn on the cob, a juicy fruit salad, or crunchy kettle chips. If you’re serving it as a main, a crisp green salad or a bowl of watermelon rounds out the perfect meal.

Creative Ways to Present

For parties, spoon the salad into lettuce cups or stuff it inside halved sweet bell peppers for a fun, portable option. Mason jar salads make perfect picnic fare, and a big family-style bowl invites everyone to serve themselves at backyard barbecues.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep any leftovers of your Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the fridge for up to three days. As the salad sits, the flavors mingle and deepen, sometimes making it even tastier the next day!

Freezing

While many pasta salads don’t freeze well due to the creamy dressing, you can freeze portions of cooked pasta and drained tuna separately. When ready to serve, simply thaw and mix with fresh dressing and veggies.

Reheating

This salad is all about being served chilled or at room temperature, so there’s usually no need to reheat. If you prefer, let it sit out for 10-15 minutes before serving for the best creamy texture and flavor.

FAQs

Can I make Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe in advance?

Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours ahead and letting it chill in the fridge only improves the flavors. Just give it a quick stir before serving, and maybe add an extra spoonful of mayonnaise if it seems a little dry.

What type of pasta is best?

Short shapes hold up best, with shells, farfalle (bow ties), or rotini all excellent choices. They capture the tuna and bits of veggie in every bite, and don’t turn mushy quickly.

Can I use fresh tuna instead of canned?

Definitely! If you have leftover cooked tuna or even grilled tuna steaks, flake them and toss them into the salad. The flavor will be richer and more luxurious.

How do I lighten up the dressing?

You can swap half of the mayo for Greek yogurt, or use a light mayonnaise. The taste stays creamy, but you’ll end up with a lighter, tangier finish that pairs beautifully with the freshness of the veggies and dill.

Are there other veggies I can add?

Of course! Peas, sweet bell pepper, shredded carrot, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs make great additions. Customize your Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe to suit your mood or what’s in your fridge.

Final Thoughts

You’re just minutes away from a dish that brings bright, comforting flavors to any table. Give this Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe a go and see how quickly it disappears at your next gathering—don’t be surprised if it becomes your signature potluck favorite!