1. Can I make tuna pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge. Prepare it up to 24 hours in advance and store it in an airtight container. Give it a gentle stir before serving to redistribute the dressing.

2. What’s the best type of tuna to use?

Canned chunk light tuna in water is the most common and lean option. For richer flavor, try tuna in olive oil — just drain it well before mixing. Albacore tuna offers a firmer texture and milder taste if you prefer a chunkier salad.

3. How long does tuna pasta salad last in the fridge?

Stored properly, it will stay fresh for up to 3 days . Keep it tightly sealed to prevent odors from other foods transferring into the salad.

4. Can I make it dairy-free?

Absolutely. Replace the sour cream and mayonnaise with dairy-free versions or blend avocado with olive oil and lemon juice for a naturally creamy base.

5. How can I make it more filling?

Add cooked eggs, extra tuna, or a handful of chickpeas. You can also toss in high-fiber pasta or serve it with a slice of whole-grain bread for an energy boost.

6. What side dishes go well with tuna pasta salad?

It pairs beautifully with a crisp green salad, roasted veggies, or even a light soup. For summer gatherings, serve alongside grilled chicken or seafood.

Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe – Easy, Creamy & High-Protein Meal

Name: Easy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe (Creamy, Protein-Packed & Ready in 30 Minutes)
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 30 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 3.5 oz (100 g) elbow, rotini, or penne pasta; 7 oz (200 g) canned tuna, drained; 1/3 cup light sour cream; 1/3 cup light mayonnaise; 1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard; 1 tbsp lemon juice; 1/2 red bell pepper, diced; 1/2 red onion, finely diced; 1 medium cucumber, diced; 3 radishes, diced (optional); 1/4 cup diced pickles or gherkins; Salt and black pepper, to taste

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe (Creamy, Protein-Packed & Ready in 30 Minutes)

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This easy tuna pasta salad recipe combines tender pasta, a light creamy dressing, and crisp veggies for a protein-packed meal ready in 30 minutes.

Author: Ethan Cooper
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 30 mins
Yield: 4 servings 1x
Category: Pasta Salad
Method: No-Cook/Chill
Cuisine: American

Ingredients

Scale

3.5 oz (100 g) elbow, rotini, or penne pasta

7 oz (200 g) canned tuna, drained

1/3 cup light sour cream

1/3 cup light mayonnaise

1 tsp Dijon or yellow mustard

1 tbsp lemon juice

1/2 red bell pepper, diced

1/2 red onion, finely diced

1 medium cucumber, diced

3 radishes, diced (optional)

1/4 cup diced pickles or gherkins

Salt and black pepper, to taste

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Instructions

1. Boil pasta in salted water until al dente; drain, rinse under cool water, and let cool completely.

2. In a large bowl, whisk sour cream, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.

3. Flake in the drained tuna, then add bell pepper, red onion, cucumber, radishes (optional), and pickles; toss to coat.

4. Stir in the cooled pasta until evenly combined; adjust seasoning with lemon, salt, or mustard.

5. Chill 30 minutes for flavors to meld; serve cold as a main or side.

Notes

Cook pasta just to al dente so it stays firm after chilling.

For a lighter swap, replace sour cream with plain Greek yogurt.

Add-ins: olives, capers, dill, or sweet corn.

Storage: refrigerate in an airtight container up to 3 days; not suitable for freezing.

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 bowl
Calories: 460
Sugar: 8g
Sodium: 1400mg
Fat: 14g
Saturated Fat: 4g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 55g
Fiber: 4g
Protein: 29g
Cholesterol: 55mg

Find it online: https://www.flavourrecipe.com/tuna-pasta-salad-recipe/