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.
Prep Time 15 minutes mins
Cook Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 25 minutes mins
Course Lunch Recipes, Side Dishes
Cuisine American
Large pot For boiling pasta
Mixing bowl For combining ingredients
Wooden Spoon For stirring salad
8 ounces rotini pasta or elbow pasta 2 cans tuna drained and flaked 1 cup celery diced ⅓ 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
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.
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