Quick And Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad (A Cold Pasta Salad Favorite!)

What is tuna pasta salad?

Tuna pasta salad is a delightful dish that combines the hearty flavors of tuna with the comforting texture of pasta, all tossed together in a refreshing salad form. It's a versatile meal that can be enjoyed as a light lunch or a satisfying side dish. The base typically includes cooked pasta and flaked canned tuna. From there, you can add a variety of mix-ins such as chopped vegetables, a dash of herbs, and a zesty dressing. Tuna pasta salad is delicious and a breeze to whip up, making it a perfect go-to for picnics, potlucks, or a quick and nutritious weekday meal!

Why you’ll love this tuna pasta salad recipe

Flavor Packed: Every forkful of this salad bursts with an incredible mix of savory tuna, vibrant veggies, and perfectly cooked pasta, all beautifully married together with a homemade dressing. It’s a symphony of flavors that will have your taste buds dancing!

Quick & Easy: We all love recipes that are as easy as they are delicious, right? This tuna pasta salad is just that. With minimal prep and simple steps, you can whip this up in no time, making it perfect for a quick lunch or a stress-free dinner.

Versatile: Whether you're looking for a light lunch, a side dish for your BBQ, or something special to bring to a potluck, this salad is the answer. It's incredibly adaptable – you can add in your favorite veggies or toss in some extra herbs for a personal touch.

Healthy Choice: Packed with protein-rich tuna and loaded with fresh veggies, this salad is not only mouth watering but also good for you. It’s a wholesome dish that you can feel great about serving to your family or enjoying yourself.

Crowd Pleaser: This DeLallo Tuna Pasta Salad is a guaranteed hit at any gathering. Its universal appeal and delicious taste make it a favorite among both kids and adults alike.

The ingredients you will need to make tuna pasta salad

Whole Wheat Pasta Shells: Whole-wheat shells are an iconic seashell-shaped pasta with a concave body ideal for scooping up thicker sauces and small bits of vegetables, making this the perfect cut of pasta for this dish.

Veggies and Herbs: Young peas provide a burst of fresh flavor, a contrasting bright color, and a delightful crunch, adding both texture and sweetness to this recipe. Red Onion adds a bright color, a bit of crunch, and a sharp, slightly spicy flavor that cuts through the richness of the tuna and dressing. Flat Leaf Parsley adds a bright, fresh taste that complements the richness of the tuna and balances the other ingredients in the salad.

Good Quality Tuna: Using good quality tuna in a tuna pasta salad is important because it significantly impacts the overall flavor of the dish, as lower quality tuna can be dry, bland, and have an unpleasant fishy taste, which can ruin the salad; high-quality tuna provides a richer, more balanced flavor and better texture, making the pasta salad more enjoyable to eat.

Homemade Dressing: Instead of the traditional mayonnaise-based dressing, we decided to lighten this dish up by making a vinaigrette using red wine vinegar, mustard, salt and pepper and extra virgin olive oil.

How to make tuna pasta salad

Start by making the pasta. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for al dente texture, according to package instructions. Drain, then rinse under cold water.

Build the salad by combining the cooked pasta, peas, onion, parsley and tuna in a large bowl.

Prepare the dressing in a separate bowl by whisking together the vinegar, mustard and the salt and pepper to taste. Once combined, slowly whisk in the olive oil.

Dress the salad and serve. Toss dressing with pasta and ingredients. Serve refrigerated or at room temperature.

Top tips

Choose the Right Pasta: Short pasta shapes like shells, fusilli, penne, or farfalle (bow tie) are perfect for tuna pasta salad. They hold up well and are great at scooping up all the delicious dressing and flavors.

Cook Pasta Perfectly: Make sure to cook your pasta al dente (firm to the bite). Overcooked pasta can become mushy once mixed with the dressing. Drain it well and give it a quick rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process.

Quality Tuna is Key: Opt for good-quality canned tuna. Tuna in olive oil tends to be more flavorful, but water-packed can be a lighter option. Drain it well before adding to your salad.

Add Crunch and Color: Crunchy veggies not only add texture but also make your salad more vibrant. Think red onions, cucumbers, cherry tomatoes, and bell peppers. For a sweet crunch, you might even add some diced apples.

Fresh Herbs Lift Flavors: Fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or basil can elevate your salad immensely. They bring a freshness that balances the richness of the tuna.

Get Creative with Dressing: A simple dressing of olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper works wonderfully. For a creamy version, mix a little mayo or Greek yogurt with a bit of mustard and lemon zest.

Season Well: Don’t forget to season your salad. Besides salt and pepper, capers or olives add a nice briny touch, and a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can give it a little kick.

Let it Marinate: If time allows, let your salad sit in the fridge for an hour or so before serving. This helps the flavors to meld together wonderfully.

Serve Chilled or at Room Temperature: Tuna pasta salad is versatile. Serve it chilled to refresh those hot summer days, or at room temperature to bring out the flavors a bit more.

Add-ins for Extra Oomph: Feel free to throw in some extras like hard-boiled eggs, cheese cubes, or even some toasted nuts for added texture and flavor.

Substitutions and additions

Try using different cuts of pasta like fusilli, penne or farfalle.

Make a creamy mayonnaise-based dressing instead of a vinaigrette.

Add different vegetables. Tomatoes, cucumbers and olives are all great add-ins.

What to serve with tuna pasta salad

Crusty Bread: Grab a loaf of fresh, crusty bread like a baguette or ciabatta. It’s perfect for scooping up any delicious dressing left on your plate and adds a nice texture contrast to the soft pasta.

Grilled Vegetables: Consider serving your tuna pasta salad with some grilled vegetables. Zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus all make great choices and offer a smoky flavor that pairs well with the light, creamy texture of the salad.

Fruit Platter: A platter of fresh fruits can be a refreshing side, especially during warmer months. Slices of melon, grapes, berries, or even a tropical mix can provide a sweet counterbalance to the savory pasta.

Soup: Depending on the season, a light soup can be a wonderful addition. In summer, go for a chilled gazpacho, while in cooler months, a vegetable or chicken broth-based soup can warm things up.

Cheese and Crackers: A small cheese board with a variety of cheeses and some crispy crackers adds an elegant touch to your meal, especially if you’re entertaining.

Pickles and Olives: Offering a small dish of pickles, olives, or other pickled vegetables can add a nice tangy flavor to your meal, which complements the creaminess of the pasta salad.

Sweet Potato Fries: For something a bit heartier, sweet potato fries are a wonderful option. They’re sweet, which contrasts nicely with the savory flavors of the tuna pasta salad.

Tuna Pasta Salad: FAQ

Can I make tuna pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes. Making your tuna pasta salad ahead of time is a great idea. It gives the flavors time to meld together beautifully and can really enhance the overall taste. Just keep it refrigerated until you're ready to serve. It’s perfect for gatherings or meal prep for the week.

Quick And Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad (A Cold Pasta Salad Favorite!)

• 1 (1-pound) package DeLallo Organic Whole-Wheat Shells Pasta
• 1 1/2 cups frozen young peas, thawed
• 1/4 cup chopped red onion
• 1/2 cup chopped Italian, flat-leaf parsley
• 2 (5-ounce) cans tuna in olive oil, drained
• 1/4 cup DeLallo Red Wine Vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon DeLallo Dijon Mustard
• DeLallo Sea Salt
• Freshly ground black pepper
• 1/3 cup DeLallo Extra Virgin Olive Oil

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta for al dente texture, according to package instructions. Drain, then rinse under cold water.
2. In a large serving bowl, combine pasta, young peas, onion, parsley and the tuna.
3. To prepare dressing, in a separate bowl, whisk together the vinegar, mustard and the salt and pepper to taste. Once combined, slowly whisk in the olive oil. Toss dressing with pasta and ingredients. Serve refrigerated or at room temperature.

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