This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe makes a simple and delicious dish you can whip up quickly! It’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.
On the search for a light and refreshing summer recipe that’s both delicious and easy to make? Our creamy tuna pasta salad is just what you need! This delightful dish combines tender pasta, flavorful canned tuna, crisp corn, crunchy celery, and zesty scallions, all dressed in creamy sour cream and mayo dressing. This recipe is a crowd-pleaser that will delight everyone with its mix of textures and flavors.
This versatile, creamy tuna pasta salad pairs beautifully with various dishes, making it a great addition to any meal. Serve it alongside pan fried fish or as a main meal with homemade garlic bread.
Why This Recipe Works
- The combination of sour cream and mayonnaise creates a lusciously creamy dressing that coats every bite of this pasta salad, adding a rich and velvety texture to the dish.
- Adding crisp celery and zesty scallions brings a refreshing crunch and vibrant flavor to the salad, enhancing its overall appeal.
- The addition of corn adds a fresh sweetness that can’t be beat!
- Canned tuna adds a delightful savory element to the salad, providing a protein-packed boost and making it a satisfying meal option.
Ingredient Notes
Pasta: Choose rotini or penne pasta for their spiral or tube shapes, which hold the dressing and other ingredients well. Substitution: You can use other small-shaped pasta like fusilli or macaroni.
Tuna: Opt for canned tuna in water or oil, whichever you prefer. Substitution: Canned salmon or cooked chicken can be used as an alternative.
Corn: Fresh corn kernels are ideal, but canned or frozen corn works well too. Substitution: Peas or diced bell peppers can be used instead.
Celery: Fresh celery stalks provide a satisfying crunch, but if unavailable, celery salt or seeds can be used for a different flavor profile. Substitution: Chopped cucumber or fennel can be used as alternatives.
Scallions: Also known as spring onions, these green onions offer a mild onion flavor. Substitution: Chopped red onions or shallots can be used for a more pungent taste.
Sour Cream: Use regular or low-fat sour cream according to your preference. Substitution: Greek yogurt can be used as a healthier alternative.
Mayonnaise: Any type of mayonnaise works well in this recipe. Substitution: Light or vegan mayonnaise can be used as a substitute.
Buying Canned Tuna
When purchasing canned tuna, look for reputable brands that offer sustainably sourced fish.
Check for labels such as “dolphin-safe” or “pole-and-line caught” to ensure ethical and responsible fishing practices.
Step By Step Instructions
Cook 8 ounces of pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water.
Whisk together 1/2 cup of sour cream, 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard. Season with salt and pepper.
Add 1 can of drained tuna, 1 cup of corn kernels, 2 diced celery stalks, and 4 thinly sliced scallions to a large mixing bowl with the pasta and dressing mixture.
Gently toss until all the ingredients are coated well with the dressing.
Taste and adjust the seasoning as desired. For a creamier texture, add more sour cream or mayo.
Refrigerate for at least one hour to let the flavors meld.
Before serving, stir the pasta salad well and taste for seasoning. Add more salt as needed and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Erren’s Top Tips
- To save time, prep the ingredients in advance and refrigerate them separately. Mix them just before serving.
- Add Dressing Gradually: Start with a small amount of dressing, add more as needed, and gently toss the salad. By doing this, the salad will not become overly soaked in dressing.
- Customize with Additional Ingredients: Don’t be afraid to customize your tuna pasta salad with additional ingredients, like cherry tomatoes, sliced olives, diced cucumbers, or roasted red peppers, for added flavor.
- Chill Before Serving: For the best flavor and texture, allow the pasta salad to chill in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. Chilling allows the flavors to meld together and the dressing to penetrate the ingredients fully. It also helps the salad become refreshing and crisp, perfect for a summer meal or gathering.
- Adjust Seasoning Before Serving: Taste the pasta salad before serving and adjust the seasoning if necessary. Add a sprinkle of salt and pepper, a squeeze of lemon juice, or a dash of your favorite herbs or spices to enhance the flavors to your liking. Remember, seasoning is key to bringing out the best in any dish.
- To avoid mushy pasta in your salad, cook it just until it’s al dente. This means it should still have a slight firmness in the center when you bite into it. Overcooking the pasta can result in it becoming soft and mushy when combined with the other ingredients. Remember to rinse the cooked pasta.
- Store a double batch of the dressing separately to add to the salad when serving leftovers.
Storage Instructions ?
Tuna pasta salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. It is not suitable for freezing.
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Let’s Make Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 8 ounces pasta rotini or penne work well
- 1 can tuna drained
- 1 cup corn kernels fresh or canned
- 2 stalks celery diced
- 4 scallions thinly sliced
- 1/2 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- Salt and pepper to taste
- chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish
Instructions
- Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, corn kernels, diced celery, and sliced scallions.
- In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna, corn, celery, and scallions. Pour the sour cream and mayo mixture over the pasta and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If desired, you can add more sour cream or mayo for a creamier texture.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
- Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.
Tips + Notes
Nutrition Information:
Update Notes: This post was originally published in June of 2015, but was republished with tips, FAQs, and variations in July of 2018.
Mel says
I proudly served this for our new Year’s day buffet tea, so good, and a treat after all the heavy Christmas food
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m so glad you liked it Mel, it does make great buffet food! 🙂
Jen Fromm says
This salad is delicious!! My whole family loved it—even the one who doesn’t like tuna and another who doesn’t like pasta 🤣 So glad you put these ingredients together and shared your idea. I wouldn’t have thought of it. Yummy!
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you, that’s great to hear! 🙂
Dara C. says
Really easy recipe and fresh tasting!
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m so glad you think so Dara, thank you 🙂
Michael Behrens says
This is a great recipes and gives me some new ideas. I’m doing a short series on side dishes that take less than 15 minutes to prepare and was looking for some ideas. Tuna and corn are a great combination. Thanks for posting this recipe!
Erren's Kitchen says
I’m glad you enjoyed it, thank you 🙂
Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert says
This needs to happen at my house very soon!!
Melanie says
Love how easy this delicious pasta salad is!
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you Melanie, there is nothing like a quick recipe is there!
Amanda says
I must try this soon. Love the recipe.
Erren's Kitchen says
You will love it, Amanda!
Heidi says
Looking forward to trying this – just wondering what size can of tuna to use, please? Thanks
Erren's Kitchen says
Hi Heidi, a 5oz can or any size can you like can be used, just adjust the amount of mayo until you have the ratio you like. I hope this helps 🙂
Chrissie Baker says
I love pasta in every single way. So easy, fast and practical, it looks so pretty!
Erren's Kitchen says
Thank you Chrissie I’m glad you think so!
Laura Gage says
My whole family loves this. I double the recipe and it’s gone in a couple of days. (I replace the onion with fresh chopped cilantro.). Thank you for sharing!
Erren's Kitchen says
Ah, Laura, that’s amazing to hear thank you!
theresa says
This is incredible and so easy to make. Wish I made them sooner.
Erren says
Hi Theresa, I’m happy to hear you liked it so much 🙂