Tuna Pasta Salad with Mayo and Peas 🐟🥣 Creamy, Chilled, and Packed with Classic Flavor

Tuna Pasta Salad with Mayo and Peas is the retro-cool lunch dish that never left the spotlight.

It’s creamy, savory, and gently sweet from the peas — a chilled pasta salad that’s hearty enough to stand on its own, but light enough to serve as a side.

Ingredients (Serves 4–6)

• 12 oz short pasta (elbow, shells, or rotini)
• 1 (5 oz) can tuna, drained
• ¾ cup frozen peas, thawed
• ½ cup finely diced celery
• ¼ cup red onion, minced
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• 2 tbsp sour cream or Greek yogurt (optional for tang)
• 1 tbsp Dijon mustard or yellow mustard
• 1 tbsp lemon juice or pickle juice
• Salt and pepper to taste
• Optional: chopped parsley or dill for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Boil pasta in salted water until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely. Set aside.

Step 2: Mix the Dressing

In a large bowl, whisk together mayo, sour cream or yogurt, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth and creamy.

Step 3: Combine and Fold

Add cooled pasta, tuna, peas, celery, and red onion to the bowl. Gently fold until evenly coated and well combined.

Step 4: Chill and Serve

Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning. Garnish with herbs if desired.

Variations

• Add shredded cheddar or cubed cheese for extra richness
• Stir in chopped pickles or capers for briny contrast
• Swap peas for sweet corn or chopped bell pepper
• Use canned salmon or chicken instead of tuna

Serving Ideas

• Perfect for lunchboxes, picnics, or meal prep
• Serve on lettuce leaves, in a wrap, or with crackers
• Pair with sliced tomatoes or a crisp green salad
• Great as a light main or classic BBQ side

Pro Tips

• Chill before serving — it thickens and tastes better cold
• Use oil-packed tuna for deeper flavor, or water-packed for lighter taste
• Make it up to 2 days ahead for easy meals
• Stir in a little extra mayo before serving if it dries out

Final Thoughts

Tuna Pasta Salad with Mayo and Peas is creamy, cold, and comfort-packed. It’s fast, fridge-friendly, and endlessly riffable — the kind of classic you keep coming back to.

Chill it. Cream it. Fork it straight from the bowl. 🐟🥣❄️