Storage & Meal Prep Tips
How to Store
Store tuna pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
How to Keep It Creamy
Pasta absorbs dressing as it sits. Before serving leftovers, stir in a small spoonful of Greek yogurt, mayo, lemon juice, or a splash of milk to refresh the texture.
Can You Freeze It?
Freezing is not recommended because creamy pasta salad can separate and become watery after thawing.
Best Meal Prep Tip
Pack tuna pasta salad in chilled containers and keep it cold with an ice pack if taking it to work, school, picnics, or outdoor gatherings.
Recipe Card: 15 Minute Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces short pasta, such as rotini, shells, elbows, or bowties
- 2 cans tuna, drained well
- 1 celery stalk, finely diced
- 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
- 1/2 cup peas, thawed
- 2 tablespoons fresh parsley or dill, chopped
- 1/3 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- Optional: pickles, hard-boiled eggs, cherry tomatoes, green onions, capers, olives, avocado, or shredded cheddar
Instructions
- Cook pasta in salted water according to package directions.
- Drain pasta, rinse under cold water, and drain again very well.
- Drain tuna and flake it with a fork.
- Dice celery, cucumber, and red onion.
- In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Add cooled pasta and toss with the dressing.
- Fold in tuna, celery, cucumber, red onion, peas, and herbs.
- Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Serve right away or chill for 20 to 30 minutes.
Notes
For a lighter version, use more Greek yogurt and less mayonnaise. For gluten-free tuna pasta salad, use gluten-free pasta and check all ingredient labels.
Final Fresh Bite
This 15 Minute Tuna Pasta Salad is creamy, crunchy, fresh, and perfect for fast lunches, meal prep, and easy family meals.
Save this recipe for tuna pasta salad, quick lunch ideas, meal prep salads, no-stress dinners, picnic sides, potluck recipes, and healthy lunch bowls.
