Tuna pasta salad is a classic dish you can enjoy as a make ahead lunch, or serve at your summer party buffet or picnic. This healthy version is made using Greek yogurt instead of the traditional mayo, making it a lean but delicious salad.

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Pasta salad with canned tuna is one of my go-to backup meals. It's made using pantry essentials, which means I usually have the ingredients available anyway.
🥘 Ingredients
For this recipe you will need pasta, canned tuna, corn, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and black pepper.
Use a short type of pasta, like fusilli or penne.
🔪 Instructions
Boil pasta according to the instructions on the package.
Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients. Drain the canned tuna, and add it to a bowl. Add corn, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and pepper, and combine.
Drain off the excess water from the pasta. Add the pasta to the tuna and corn mixture, and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
💭 Top tips
Here are my best tips to make a perfect tuna pasta salad:
- You can use canned tuna in water, brine or oil; just make sure to drain off the liquid before adding it to the salad.
- Ue any short types of pasta, like fusilli, penne or macaroni.
- If you wish to add more protein to the dish, consider using pasta made from chickpeas.
- Use frozen or canned corn, just make sure they are thawed and drained.
- Adapt the recipe to suit your preferences! You can add any seasoning, fresh herbs or vegetables you want.
🥗 Serving suggestions
Pasta salad with tuna and corn is a common side dish to find at a potluck or a summer garden party. You can also serve it as a light meal with a side of veggies or tomato and cucumber salad.
As this dish stores really well, it's a great option for meal prep, and an excellent make ahead lunch.
🍲 Leftovers
The leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 5 days, or frozen for up to 3 months. Serve them cold, at room temperature, or warm them up in the microwave.
📋 Frequently asked questions
Can you freeze tuna pasta salad? - Absolutely. This dish can be frozen for up to 3 months.
Is this recipe suitable for my diet? - This recipe is suitable for some diets, including slimming world and weight watchers.
What can I use instead of yogurt? - Tuna pasta salad is usually made using mayonnaise, but we use Greek yogurt instead to make a leaner version. You can replace the yogurt with mayo for a more traditional recipe.
🍴 More tuna recipes
Recipe
Pasta salad with tuna
Ingredients
- 300 g canned tuna (drained weight)
- 7 tablespoon Greek yogurt
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 250 g pasta
- 120 g corn
- pepper to taste
Instructions
- Boil pasta according to the instructions on the package.
- Meanwhile, prepare the remaining ingredients. Drain the canned tuna, and add it to a bowl. Add corn, Greek yogurt, lemon juice and pepper, and combine.
- Drain off the excess water from the pasta. Add the pasta to the tuna and corn mixture, and stir to coat the pasta evenly.
Notes
Top tips
Here are my best tips to make a perfect tuna pasta salad:- You can use canned tuna in water, brine or oil; just make sure to drain off the liquid before adding it to the salad.
- Ue any short types of pasta, like fusilli, penne or macaroni.
- If you wish to add more protein to the dish, consider using pasta made from chickpeas.
- Use frozen or canned corn, just make sure they are thawed and drained.
- Adapt the recipe to suit your preferences! You can add any seasoning, fresh herbs or vegetables you want.
Michelle
You really can't beat a good tuna pasta salad. Perfect comfort food and so easy to make.
Tonje
I agree, one of my all time favourite easy meals.
Alisha Rodrigues
I can't think of anyone who would not like this.. So it's definitely coming up at my next dinner party. Love that creamy texture it has
Tonje
I'm glad you like it, Alisha 🙂
Angela Allison
What a simple and delicious recipe! My kids will go crazy for this. Love how easy it is to make. Thanks so much for sharing.
Tonje
Thanks for your kind comment, Angela 🙂
Luigi Infanti
So happy to have stumbled upon a lightened up tuna pasta salad. I am not a huge mayo fan but loved this recipe!
Tonje
Glad you liked it, Luigi!
Sunrita | Spiceitupp
Really like the use of Greek yoghurt instead of mayo! Healthy and yet creamy! A guilt free way to enjoy a classic dish!
Tonje
Thanks, Sunrita! 🙂