Go Back
+ servings
A photo of a white ceramic plate with a serving of tuna pasta salad. The salad is garnished with chopped parsley and a lemon wedge. There are crackers on the side. The plate is placed on a marble kitchen counter. There is a cloth napkin beside the plate. The background is clean and simple.

Tuna Pasta Salad

This creamy tuna pasta salad blends tender pasta, flaky tuna, crunchy veggies, and a tangy dressing for a refreshing and satisfying dish. Quick to make and perfect for lunch, meal prep, or potlucks, it’s a classic that never fails.
No ratings yet
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Course Lunch Recipes, Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 servings

Equipment

  • Large pot For boiling pasta
  • Mixing bowl For combining ingredients
  • Wooden Spoon For stirring salad

Ingredients
  

  • 8 ounces rotini pasta or elbow pasta
  • 2 cans tuna drained and flaked
  • 1 cup celery diced
  • cup red onion finely chopped
  • ½ cup mayonnaise plus more if needed
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice freshly squeezed
  • 1 tablespoon pickle brine optional, for added tang
  • 2 tablespoons parsley chopped, for garnish

Instructions
 

  • Cook the pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
  • In a large mixing bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, pickle brine, salt, and pepper.
  • Add the flaked tuna, diced celery, and chopped red onion. Mix until evenly coated.
  • Stir in the cooled pasta and toss until well combined. Adjust seasoning or add extra mayo if needed.
  • Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. Garnish with chopped parsley before serving.

Notes

  • For extra crunch, add diced pickles or bell peppers.
  • This salad is great served cold and holds well in the fridge for up to 4 days.
  • Use Greek yogurt instead of mayo for a lighter twist.
Keyword cold pasta salad, easy tuna salad, tuna pasta salad
Did you make this recipe?Mention @CooksCrafter or tag #CooksCrafter!