Classic Tuna Pasta Salad with Peas and Creamy Dill Dressing
A refreshing pasta salad combining tender mini shell pasta with protein-rich chunk tuna, sweet green peas, and crisp red onion, all tossed in a tangy lemon-dill mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or meal prep, this satisfying dish improves in flavor as it chills. The combination of textures from al dente pasta, flaky tuna, and pop of peas creates a well-balanced meal that works as both a side dish and light lunch.
Ingredients
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 2 Tbsp lemon juice
- ¼ tsp dried dill
- ¾ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper
- ½ cup red onion, diced
- 1 cup frozen peasfresh peas or edamame1:1textureadds soy
blanch fresh peas first
- 12 oz mini shell pastarotini or penne1:1gluten-free available
any short pasta works
- 2 5oz cans chunk light tuna, drainedsalmon or chicken1:1protein variety
cooked and flaked
Instructions
- 1
Combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl to make dressing and set aside
- 2
Finely dice red onion and measure out frozen peas
- 3
Bring large pot of salted water to boil over high heat
- 4
Add pasta and boil until almost fully tender, about 5-6 minutes
- 5
Add frozen peas and continue cooking for last 1-2 minutes until pasta is fully tender
- 6
Drain pasta and peas well in colander and allow to cool
- 7
Transfer cooled pasta and peas to large bowl
- 8
Add diced red onion, drained tuna, and prepared dressing
- 9
Fold ingredients together until evenly combined and coated in dressing
- 10
Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat
Tips
Cook pasta just until tender to prevent mushy texture after mixing with dressing and chilling
Adding peas during final minutes of pasta cooking saves time and ensures they retain bright color and texture
Allow pasta mixture to cool completely before adding dressing to prevent mayo from separating
Good to Know
Refrigerate in airtight container for up to 3 days. Stir before serving as dressing may separate slightly.
Can be made up to 1 day ahead. Flavors actually improve after chilling for a few hours.
Serve chilled or at room temperature. Great for potlucks, picnics, and meal prep.
Common Mistakes
Don't overdress the salad to avoid soggy pasta
Drain pasta thoroughly to prevent watery salad
Cool pasta completely before adding mayo-based dressing to prevent separation
Substitutions
Gluten-Free Swaps
any short pasta works
General Alternatives
cooked and flaked
FAQ
Can I use fresh peas instead of frozen?
Yes, blanch fresh peas in boiling water for 2-3 minutes until bright green and tender-crisp, then drain and cool before adding to the salad.
How long will this pasta salad keep in the refrigerator?
Store covered in refrigerator for up to 3 days. The flavors actually improve after chilling overnight, making it perfect for meal prep.
Can I make this pasta salad dairy-free?
Yes, use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayo. Check that your pasta doesn't contain eggs if avoiding all animal products completely.