Only the Best Tuna Pasta Salad

Creamy, zesty, and packed with protein, "Only the Best Tuna Pasta Salad" is the ultimate go-to for a light yet satisfying meal. This easy-to-make dish combines tender penne pasta with chunks of delicate tuna, a tangy dressing made from mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, and Dijon mustard, and a colorful medley of fresh veggies like cherry tomatoes, celery, and red onion. A splash of lemon juice and a sprinkle of parsley add a refreshing brightness, while optional sweet pickles or relish bring a touch of sweet-savory contrast. Perfect as a make-ahead lunch, picnic favorite, or quick dinner, this delicious tuna pasta salad comes together in just 25 minutes and is served chilled for maximum flavor. Healthy, family-friendly, and packed with vibrant textures, it’s a must-try recipe for pasta salad lovers!

Nutriscore Rating: 71/100

Prep Time:15 mins

Cook Time:10 mins

Total Time:25 mins

Servings: 4

Ingredients

• 250 grams Penne pasta
• 2 cans (5 oz each) Canned tuna in water
• 120 grams Mayonnaise
• 60 grams Greek yogurt
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
• 1.5 tablespoons Lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Salt
• 0.5 teaspoon Black pepper
• 0.5 cup (finely diced) Red onion
• 0.5 cup (finely diced) Celery
• 1 cup (halved) Cherry tomatoes
• 2 tablespoons (chopped) Fresh parsley
• 2 tablespoons (optional) Sweet pickles or relish

Directions

Step 1

Fill a large pot with water, add a pinch of salt, and bring to a boil. Add the penne pasta and cook according to package instructions until al dente, approximately 8-10 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool quickly.

Step 2

While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing. In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth and well combined.

Step 3

Add the drained canned tuna to the bowl with the dressing, flaking it gently with a fork to break it into smaller pieces.

Step 4

Add the finely diced red onion, diced celery, halved cherry tomatoes, and chopped parsley to the bowl. If using sweet pickles or relish, add them at this stage.

Step 5

Once the pasta is completely cooled, add it to the bowl with the tuna mixture. Toss gently to evenly coat the pasta and vegetables in the dressing.

Step 6

Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper, if necessary.

Step 7

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.

Step 8

Before serving, give the salad a gentle stir and garnish with additional parsley, if desired. Serve cold or at room temperature.

Nutrition Facts

Serving size	(1085.2g)

Amount per serving	% Daily Value*
Calories	2252.6

Total Fat 97.1g	0%
Saturated Fat 8.8g	0%
Polyunsaturated Fat 0.1g
Cholesterol 209.2mg	0%
Sodium 3862.0mg	0%
Total Carbohydrate 231.8g	0%
Dietary Fiber 13.7g	0%
Total Sugars 14.4g
Protein 110.7g	0%

Vitamin D 117.0IU	0%
Calcium 159.4mg	0%
Iron 13.0mg	0%
Potassium 1969.7mg	0%

*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.

Source of Calories

Fat: 38.9%

Protein: 19.7%

Carbs: 41.3%