Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes
Love creamy, protein-packed tuna pasta salad? This 15-minute recipe is your new go-to! After making it dozens of times, I’ve perfected the balance of flavors and textures. The secret? Crispy bacon and a touch of Dijon mustard. Jump to the recipe card or keep reading for my best tips. If you love recipes like this, you’ll also enjoy Easy Balsamic Soy Roasted Garlic Mushrooms and Best Roasted Veggie and Chickpea Bowl Recipe.
Why This Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes Is Pure Comfort
- Perfect for busy weeknights
- Better than takeout
- Creamy and satisfying
- Customizable with your favorite veggies
What You'll Need for Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes
Choosing the right ingredients makes a big difference, but this recipe is forgiving enough to work with what you have.
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cans tuna
- 1 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
- Optional: Chopped fresh parsley
- Optional: Diced avocado
- Optional: Cherry tomatoes
đź“ť Ingredient Notes
- Pasta: Any shape works, but rotini or penne hold dressing well.
- Tuna: Drain excess water for a creamier salad.
đź›’ Tools & Equipment I Recommend
- Stainless Steel Mixing Bowls — Perfect for tossing salad ingredients → See on Amazon
- Box Grater — Effortlessly grate cheese and veggies → See on Amazon
How to Make Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, drained tuna, mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add veggies: Add diced celery, onion, frozen peas, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Mix gently.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese, optional toppings, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Cook's Tips for Perfect Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes
- Common mistake and fix: Don't overcook the pasta. It will become mushy and absorb too much dressing.
- Pro tip: For a lighter version, substitute Greek yogurt for half the mayo.
- Pro tip: Make it ahead: Prepare the salad without the toppings, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Storing & Reheating Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes
Short-Term Storage
Store in an airtight container in the fridge. Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days Make-ahead tip: Prepare the night before and store in the fridge
Freezing Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes
Not recommended for freezing
How to Reheat Without Drying It Out
Oven: Not necessary Microwave: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
Recipe Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon or chicken for the tuna.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the salad without the toppings and bacon, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more mayo or sour cream. If it's too wet, add more pasta or cheese.
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Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 12 oz pasta
- 2 cans tuna
- 1 cup mayo
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/4 cup diced onion
- 1/2 cup frozen peas
- 1 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 6 slices bacon
Seasonings
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Paprika for garnish
Optional Toppings
- Chopped fresh parsley
- Diced avocado
- Cherry tomatoes
Instructions
- Cook pasta: Cook pasta according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- Cook bacon: In a skillet, cook bacon until crispy. Drain on paper towels.
- Mix salad: In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, drained tuna, mayo, sour cream, Dijon mustard, apple cider vinegar, salt, and pepper. Mix well.
- Add veggies: Add diced celery, onion, frozen peas, and crumbled bacon to the bowl. Mix gently.
- Chill and serve: Chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes. Serve with shredded cheese, optional toppings, and a sprinkle of paprika.
Notes
- Chef tip: For a spicy kick, add diced jalapeños or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Best substitution: Substitute canned salmon or chicken for the tuna.
- Make-ahead: Prepare the salad without the toppings and bacon, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
- Scaling: Easily double or triple the recipe for larger crowds.
- Troubleshooting: If the salad is too dry, add more mayo or sour cream. If it's too wet, add more pasta or cheese.
Storage
- Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 5 days
- Freezer: Not recommended for freezing
- Oven reheat: Not necessary
- Microwave reheat: Warm in the microwave for 1-2 minutes
- Make ahead: Prepare the night before and store in the fridge
Nutrition Per Serving
- Calories: 480
- Protein: 26g
- Fat: 28g
- Carbs: 38g
- Fiber: 2g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 800mg
- Cholesterol: 65mg
- Sat. Fat: 10g
Nutritional values are estimates only. Actual values may vary by brand and portion size.
Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes FAQs
Yes, prepare the salad without the toppings and bacon, then store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
You may have used too much pasta or not enough dressing. Adjust the ratio for a creamier salad.
The air fryer is not suitable for cooking pasta or making salad dressings.
Canned salmon or chicken are great substitutes for tuna.
Freezing is not recommended as it can cause the pasta and veggies to become mushy.
A Warm Final Note
I can’t wait for you to try Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad in Just 15 Minutes and see how effortlessly it comes together. When you make it, pop back here and leave a rating or share how it turned out — I love hearing from you!
