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Best Creamy and Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad for Meal Prep and Picnics

Close-up of creamy tuna pasta salad made with rotini pasta, green peas, red onion, and topped with fresh parsley.
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You can make this easy tuna pasta salad quickly for a satisfying, high-protein lunch or a refreshing side dish for your next picnic. This recipe balances creamy texture with fresh vegetables for a flavorful, make-ahead meal.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 12 oz rotini pasta or elbow macaroni
  • 2 (5 ounce) cans water-packed tuna, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 1/4 cup chopped dill pickle (optional)
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon sweet pickle relish (optional)
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, thawed peas, chopped celery, red onion, and optional pickle pieces.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, mustard, sweet pickle relish (if using), salt, pepper, and lemon juice to create the creamy dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and other ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the tuna pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least one hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Before serving, taste the salad and adjust seasoning if needed. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley.

Notes

  • For a healthier option, replace half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This keeps the salad creamy while lowering the fat content.
  • This salad is excellent for meal prep. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to four days.
  • If you skip the pickles, add 1/2 teaspoon of white vinegar to the dressing for a necessary tang.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://delishsymphony.com/tuna-pasta-salad-recipe-easy-creamy/