Our tuna pasta salad is irresistibly creamy and packed with flaky tuna goodness. Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, this dish is a breeze to prepare and perfect for all your potlucks, picnics, backyard barbecues, cookouts, and more! We’ll also guide you through selecting the best canned tuna to ensure your salad is bursting with flavor. With a blend of tender pasta, crisp celery, sweet peas, and a zesty lemon-dill dressing, this salad is one of those side dishes that everyone will love!
Tuna Options
Knowing the differences in the types of canned tuna you’ll typically find at your local grocery store makes all the difference! Now you’ll be able to pick the one that is right for you.
- Solid white tuna: This has a firm, flaky texture with a mild, sweet flavor. It’s perfect for salads and sandwiches.
- Solid light tuna: This option has a lighter, more delicate flavor than solid white tuna. If you prefer a subtler tuna taste, this one’s for you.
- Chunk light tuna: This type offers a chunkier texture with a slightly stronger flavor than solid light tuna. It’s great for recipes where you want noticeable chunks of tuna, like tuna salad.
- Albacore tuna: This variety comes from a different species and has a firmer, meatier texture with a strong tuna flavor. It’s a standout choice for those who enjoy a bolder taste.
Serving Suggestions
Tuna pasta salad serves as a versatile dish. Accompany it with warm, toasted garlic bread and a fresh green salad for dinner. For a casual picnic or potluck, pair it with some fresh fruit for a well-rounded meal.
Storage & Reheating Instructions
Tuna pasta salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. Serve chilled.
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I made this yesterday. I am giving 5 stars, even though I didn’t make the recipe as written, because I know my changes didn’t change the overall taste and quality. It was just very light and delicious!!! I made a half recipe. The full recipe has 3 cans of albacore, so for a half recipe, I used 2 cans. The 2 of us had enough for dinner and enough leftover for lunch today. AND…I’m really looking forward to lunch!
Delicious recipe, I substituted the peas for shredded carrots. The combination of crunchy veggies, tender pasta, and tangy dressing was
amazing. The tuna recipe Iโve been looking for.
First time making this. Scrumptious! I did a half recipe because I am 1 person.
I loved the recipe, but will not use the albacore tuna next time. It was too “tough.” Next time I will use the white tuna. I also prefer the tuna packed in oil, but it’s hard to find.
I halved the recipe and over the next 2 days ate the whole thing by myself! Ooops! But darn it was so tasty.
Wonderfully easy and cool for texas summer
Made this a couple of weeks ago. Great recipe. My husband is asking for it again already.
love this
I love this recipe, I’ve made it before and it really was well loved by my family.