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The Ultimate Creamy, Quick & Easy Tuna Pasta Salad for Meal Prep

Close-up of a creamy tuna pasta salad mixed with bright green peas and red onion in a dark bowl.
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This recipe delivers the best classic tuna pasta salad, ready in under 30 minutes. It is creamy, protein-packed, and perfect for quick lunches, picnics, or potlucks. Make this easy pasta salad ahead of time for satisfying meals all week.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound short pasta shells (or elbow macaroni)
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or substitute Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons yellow mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

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, chopped red onion, and sweet pickle relish.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt), mustard, lemon juice, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth.
  4. Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta and all ingredients are evenly coated in the creamy dressing.
  5. Cover the bowl and chill the tuna pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Serve cold as a side dish or a main course for your meal prep lunches.

Notes

  • For a healthier, protein-packed option, replace half or all of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • If you are making this ahead for meal prep, you may need to add an extra tablespoon of mayonnaise or a splash of milk when serving to restore the creamy texture, as the pasta absorbs moisture over time.
  • This salad holds well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it an excellent make-ahead lunch idea.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://pureplatepath.com/tuna-pasta-salad-creamy-quick-easy-meal-prep/