This Easy Tuna Pasta Salad is a wholesome and satisfying cold dish made with tender rotini pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a creamy, tangy dressing. Ideal for warm-weather lunches, picnics, and meal prepping, this protein-rich salad is quick to assemble and easy to customize. Whether you choose Greek yogurt or classic mayonnaise, the result is a refreshing, flavorful meal that’s perfect served straight from the fridge.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

High in protein from tuna and Greek yogurt or mayonnaise
Quick to make in just 25 minutes
Perfect for meal prep and stays fresh for days
Customizable with your favorite veggies and herbs
Creamy and tangy dressing for satisfying flavor
Ideal for picnics, potlucks, and lunches
No reheating required—great for on-the-go meals
Colorful and nutritious with a variety of vegetables
Balanced and filling without being heavy
Kid- and family-friendly with familiar, simple ingredients

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

rotini pasta
canned tuna in water, drained
frozen peas, thawed
red bell pepper, diced
corn kernels
red onion, diced
celery, diced
mayonnaise or plain Greek yogurt
Dijon mustard
lemon juice
salt and pepper

Optional garnish:

fresh parsley

Directions

Cook the rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool. Set aside.
In a large bowl, mix together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper to create the dressing.
Add the cooled pasta, tuna, peas, bell pepper, corn, onion, and celery to the bowl.
Toss gently until everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
Garnish with chopped parsley before serving, if desired. Serve cold.

Servings and timing

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories: 320 kcal per serving

Variations

Make it dairy-free: Use a plant-based mayo instead of Greek yogurt
Add hard-boiled eggs: For even more protein and richness
Use different pasta shapes: Try bowtie, penne, or shells for variety
Swap tuna with chicken: For an alternative protein option
Add olives or pickles: For a briny, savory twist
Include shredded carrots or cucumber: For extra crunch and freshness
Make it spicy: Add a dash of hot sauce or diced jalapeños
Use fresh herbs like dill or basil: For added depth of flavor
Add avocado chunks: For creaminess and healthy fats
Lighten it further: Use half yogurt and half mayo for a balanced texture

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days
Freezing: Not recommended, as pasta and mayonnaise-based dressings don’t freeze well
Serving tip: Stir well before serving, especially if chilled for more than a day. Add a splash of lemon juice or a spoonful of dressing to refresh the texture

FAQs

Can I make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better after chilling. Make it up to a day in advance for best results.

What kind of tuna should I use?

Tuna in water is ideal for a lighter salad, but tuna in oil can be used for a richer texture—just be sure to drain it well.

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Absolutely. Any short pasta shape like penne, farfalle, or macaroni will work well.

Is Greek yogurt a good substitute for mayo?

Yes, it offers a tangier flavor and lighter calorie count while still maintaining creaminess.

How do I keep the pasta from sticking together?

Rinse the cooked pasta under cold water and toss with a bit of dressing immediately to prevent clumping.

Can I add cheese?

Yes, crumbled feta or shredded cheddar can add flavor and texture.

How can I make this gluten-free?

Use gluten-free pasta to make the entire dish gluten-free.

Does this salad need to be chilled?

While you can eat it immediately, chilling for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to develop more fully.

Can I omit the vegetables?

Yes, but the vegetables add crunch and color. Feel free to adjust based on preference or availability.

What’s the best way to serve this salad?

Serve cold as a main dish or side, with crackers, greens, or on a bed of lettuce for extra texture.

Conclusion

This Easy Tuna Pasta Salad is a creamy, satisfying, and protein-rich dish that’s perfect for lunches, meal prepping, or picnics. Loaded with crisp vegetables, tender pasta, and flavorful tuna, it’s a versatile recipe that comes together quickly and stays delicious for days. Light yet filling, it’s a must-have in your weekly rotation for a healthy, no-fuss meal that everyone will enjoy.

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 25 minutes
Yield: 6 servings

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Description

This Easy Tuna Pasta Salad is a creamy, protein-packed dish featuring rotini pasta, tender tuna, crunchy vegetables, and a tangy dressing made with mayo or Greek yogurt. Ideal for meal prep, picnics, or a quick lunch, it’s light, fresh, and full of flavor—perfect for warm weather or no-fuss meals.

Instructions

Cook rotini pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse under cold water. Set aside to cool.
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise or Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Add the cooled pasta, drained tuna, peas, red bell pepper, corn, onion, and celery.
Gently toss until everything is evenly coated with dressing.
Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Garnish with fresh parsley if desired. Serve cold.