Tuna Pasta Salad Creamy Cold

Featured in: Everyday Cravings

This creamy cold salad brings together tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp celery, and bright green peas tossed with a light mayonnaise dressing. It’s simple to prepare and chills quickly, making it a guilt-free choice for busy lunches or spontaneous picnics. The flavors meld beautifully when allowed to rest, and the dish keeps well for up to three days. For extra zest, add mustard or dill. Enjoy solo or as a sandwich filling. Adapt with gluten-free pasta or egg-free mayo for dietary needs.

Updated on Fri, 31 Oct 2025 16:43:00 GMT
Creamy tuna pasta salad served chilled with vibrant peas and crunchy celery.  Save
Creamy tuna pasta salad served chilled with vibrant peas and crunchy celery. | munchhug.com

A creamy, satisfying cold pasta salad perfect for lunch, picnics, or quick dinners.

I first made this Tuna Pasta Salad for a summer picnic and was delighted by how fast it disappeared. It has since become my go-to for casual lunches and refreshing dinners.

Ingredients

  • Cooked pasta (2 cups): Rotini or similar shape works best
  • Tuna (1 can, in water, drained): Adds protein and flavor
  • Peas (½ cup): Fresh or thawed frozen delivers sweetness
  • Celery (¼ cup, diced): Adds crunch
  • Light mayo (⅓ cup): Creates a creamy dressing
  • Salt and pepper: To taste for seasoning

Instructions

Combine Base:
In a large bowl, mix cooked pasta, tuna, peas, and celery.
Add Dressing:
Stir in mayo and season with salt and pepper.
Chill:
Chill in the refrigerator before serving.
Serve:
Enjoy solo or use as sandwich filling.
Refreshing tuna pasta salad ideal for outdoor picnics or casual lunches.  Save
Refreshing tuna pasta salad ideal for outdoor picnics or casual lunches. | munchhug.com

This salad was a favorite on our last family beach outing, and it was the only dish the kids asked for seconds of.

Required Tools

Pot, strainer, bowl

Allergen Information

Contains fish, egg, and wheat (gluten). Use GF pasta and egg-free mayo if needed.

Nutritional Information

Calories: 340, Total Fat: 14 g, Carbohydrates: 32 g, Protein: 20 g (per serving)

Hearty tuna pasta salad drizzled with light mayo, perfect for quick meals. Save
Hearty tuna pasta salad drizzled with light mayo, perfect for quick meals. | munchhug.com

This refreshingly simple salad makes busy weeknights easier and keeps lunchboxes exciting!

Recipe Guide

How can I make it more flavorful?

Add mustard, fresh dill, or extra pepper for a flavorful boost without complicating the dish.

Can I substitute other vegetables?

Yes, try adding diced red onion, bell pepper, or sweet corn for extra crunch and variety.

Is this dish suitable for meal prep?

Absolutely. It keeps fresh for up to 3 days when refrigerated, making it ideal for meal planning.

How do I avoid soggy pasta?

Cool the cooked pasta thoroughly and drain well before mixing with other ingredients.

Can I make this dairy-free?

Use dairy-free mayo and ensure your pasta is egg-free to maintain a dairy-free preparation.

Tuna Pasta Salad Creamy Cold

Creamy pasta salad with tuna, peas, and celery. Ideal for casual lunches or summer gatherings.

Prep duration
10 min
Heat time
10 min
Complete duration
20 min
Created by Samantha Reed


Skill level Easy

Heritage American

Output 4 Portions

Nutrition preferences No dairy

Components

Base

01 2 cups cooked rotini pasta
02 1 can tuna in water, drained
03 1/2 cup peas, fresh or thawed from frozen
04 1/4 cup celery, diced

Dressing

01 1/3 cup light mayonnaise
02 Salt, to taste
03 Black pepper, to taste

Method

Phase 01

Combine Salad Components: In a large mixing bowl, add the cooked pasta, drained tuna, peas, and diced celery.

Phase 02

Prepare Dressing: Stir in light mayonnaise and season with salt and black pepper until evenly coated.

Phase 03

Chill the Salad: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Phase 04

Serve: Serve chilled as a main dish, or use as a sandwich filling if desired.

Tools needed

  • Pot
  • Strainer
  • Mixing bowl

Allergy alerts

Review ingredients carefully for potential allergens and seek professional medical guidance if concerned.
  • Contains fish, egg, and wheat (gluten). Substitute with gluten-free pasta and egg-free mayonnaise for allergen-friendly preparation.

Dietary info (per portion)

Values shown are estimates only - please consult healthcare providers for specific advice.
  • Energy: 340
  • Lipids: 14 g
  • Carbohydrates: 32 g
  • Proteins: 20 g