Tuna Pasta Salad (30-Minute Recipe!)

This Tuna Pasta Salad is the kind of dish that just works, whether you’re looking for an easy weeknight dinner, something to pack for lunch, or a simple side for a BBQ. It’s a one-bowl wonder that’s quick to put together, and it’s the kind of recipe that makes leftovers feel like a treat rather than an afterthought. The blend of tuna, creamy Greek yogurt, crunchy relish, and a squeeze of fresh lemon juice creates a perfect balance of savory and bright, with a slight tang from the mustard. I love making it on busy days when I need something that tastes satisfying without having to fuss. It’s so versatile, too! Just add a little extra crunch with diced celery, or make it a high-protein powerhouse with chickpea pasta. It’s a perfect dish for those days when you want something filling yet light.

Why You’ll Love Tuna Pasta Salad

• Quick & Easy: This tuna pasta salad comes together in about 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy days when you need something simple but satisfying.
• Packed with Protein: Thanks to the tuna and chickpea pasta (if you use it), this salad delivers a solid protein punch, keeping you full longer.
• Fresh & Flavorful: The combination of lemon juice, Greek yogurt, and relish gives the salad a bright, tangy flavor that balances perfectly with the tuna.
• Perfect for Meal Prep: Make a batch and have lunch or a quick dinner ready for the next few days. It stores well and the flavor even improves after a day in the fridge.
• Great for Any Occasion: Whether you’re prepping for a picnic, BBQ, or just need an easy weeknight meal, this salad is versatile and crowd-pleasing.

Ingredients Needed To Make Tuna Pasta Salad

Make sure you scroll down to the recipe card to see the full list of ingredients needed for this recipe. 

• Pasta (regular or chickpea-based)
• Cans of tuna fish, drained
• Plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
• Salt
• Ground pepper
• Lemon juice
• Relish
• Dijon mustard
• Mayonnaise
• Peas (fresh or frozen, thawed)
• Celery (optional, finely diced)

How To Make Tuna Pasta Salad

1. Cook the pasta according to the package instructions, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
2. In a large bowl, combine tuna, Greek yogurt, seasonings, lemon juice, relish, mustard, and mayonnaise. Stir until well mixed.

3. Add the cooked pasta, peas, and optional celery to the mixture. Stir everything together until evenly coated.
4. Serve immediately, or chill for 15-20 minutes to enhance the flavor before serving.

Commonly Asked Questions

Can I use any type of pasta for this tuna pasta salad?

Yes, you can use any type of pasta for this recipe! Traditional pasta works well, but for a higher protein version, consider swapping it with chickpea pasta like Banza. This can add a nice texture and nutritional boost while still keeping the salad light and tasty.

How do I store leftover tuna pasta salad?

Store your tuna pasta salad in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. If you’re meal prepping or making it ahead, it’s a great dish to enjoy for a couple of days as the flavors develop even more. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving if any of the dressing has settled.

Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?

Absolutely! Fresh peas can add a slightly sweeter crunch to the salad, but frozen peas are more convenient and already prepped for you. If you’re using fresh peas, just blanch them lightly in boiling water for a minute to soften them up, then cool them quickly in cold water before adding them to the salad.

Is it okay to make this salad ahead of time?

Yes, this salad actually gets better after sitting for a little while. The flavors have time to meld together, and the pasta absorbs some of the dressing. Just make sure to chill it for about 15-20 minutes before serving to enhance the flavors, or store it in the fridge for a few hours.

Can I add other vegetables or protein to this salad?

Definitely! This salad is a blank canvas, and you can customize it however you’d like. Try adding diced cucumber, bell peppers, or even hard-boiled eggs for extra protein. You can also swap the Greek yogurt for cottage cheese for extra protein. If you’re not a fan of tuna, shredded rotisserie chicken or chickpeas are great alternatives. The key is to keep the balance of creamy, crunchy, and flavorful ingredients.

How do I keep this pasta salad from getting soggy?

To avoid sogginess, make sure your pasta is cooked al dente, so it doesn’t absorb too much moisture. Also, give the pasta time to cool before mixing it with the dressing and tuna. If the salad sits in the fridge for a while and seems dry, you can always stir in a little extra mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to loosen it up.

Tuna Pasta Salad

This Tuna Pasta Salad combines creamy Greek yogurt, tangy Dijon mustard, and a pop of crunch from peas and optional celery, making it a light yet filling meal. Perfect for meal prep, picnics, or a quick weeknight dinner.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

10 minutes mins

Total Time 30 minutes mins

Course dinner, lunch, Pasta, Salad

Servings 4

Calories 390 kcal

Equipment

• medium pot
• Strainer
• Large mixing bowl
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon or spatula

Ingredients

 

 

• 8 oz box pasta regular or chickpea-based like Banza for high protein
• 2 cans tuna fish drained
• ¾ cup plain unsweetened Greek yogurt
• ¼ tsp salt
• ¼ tsp ground pepper
• ½ lemon juiced
• ⅓ cup relish
• 2 tsp Dijon mustard
• 3 tbsp mayonnaise
• 1 cup peas fresh or frozen, thawed
• Optional: 1 cup celery finely diced

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Instructions

 

• Cook the pasta according to package directions. Drain and set aside to cool slightly.
• In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, Greek yogurt, salt, pepper, lemon juice, relish, mustard, and mayonnaise. Mix until well combined.
• Add in the cooked pasta and peas (and celery, if using). Stir until everything is evenly coated.
• Serve immediately or chill for 15–20 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

High-Protein Tip:

To boost the protein content of this salad: 

• Use chickpea pasta like Banza instead of traditional pasta.
• Swap the Greek yogurt for blended cottage cheese, which adds extra protein and creaminess without changing the flavor much.

Nutrition

Calories: 390kcalCarbohydrates: 32gProtein: 28gFat: 16gFiber: 5gSugar: 4g

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This Tuna Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that’s perfect for just about any occasion—whether it’s a quick lunch, a picnic, or a potluck. It’s so easy to throw together, and I love that I can make it ahead of time and have a delicious, satisfying dish ready when I need it. The mix of creamy dressing, crunchy veggies, and tuna keeps it flavorful and filling without being too heavy. You’re definitely going to want to add this one to your regular meal rotation!