Ingredients You’ll Need
Main Ingredients
- Short pasta: Rotini, shells, elbows, bowties, or penne all work well because they hold the dressing.
- Canned tuna: Use tuna packed in water or olive oil. Drain it well before adding it to the salad.
- Celery: Adds classic tuna salad crunch.
- Cucumber: Adds fresh, cool texture.
- Red onion: Adds color and a sharp bite.
- Frozen peas: Thawed peas add sweetness, color, and easy vegetable flavor.
- Fresh parsley or dill: Adds freshness and makes the pasta salad taste brighter.
- Lemon juice: Balances the creamy dressing and freshens the tuna.
Creamy Lemon Dressing
- Mayonnaise: Gives the pasta salad its classic creamy texture.
- Plain Greek yogurt: Lightens the dressing and adds extra protein.
- Dijon mustard: Adds tang and depth.
- Lemon juice: Keeps the dressing fresh and bright.
- Garlic powder: Adds simple savory flavor.
- Salt and black pepper: Balance the whole salad.
Optional Add-Ins
- Dill pickles or pickle relish
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Cherry tomatoes
- Sweet corn
- Green onions
- Capers
- Olives
- Avocado
- Shredded cheddar
Best Ingredient Tip
Cook the pasta just until tender, then rinse it under cold water and drain very well. Wet pasta can make the dressing thin.
