Creamy tuna pasta salad with lemon and capers

This creamy tuna pasta salad is a delicious combination of red peppers, capers, and creamy yogurt dressing, brightened with fresh herbs and lemon.

This creamy tuna pasta salad is ready in about 20 minutes and will keep in the fridge for up to a week, making it the perfect make-ahead lunch. Flaky tuna, fresh herbs, capers, red bell pepper, and a tangy yogurt mayonnaise dressing make this easy pasta salad irresistible.

Why this tuna pasta salad is great for meal prep

I’m not much of a prepper, but I love making one big recipe that I can carry around with my lunches for the week. I make kale salads and grain salads on prep days, like this Citrus Curry Farro Salad. And this season, I’m all about pasta salad recipes (also check out Dill Pickle Pasta Salad and Taco Pasta Salad!)

Pasta salads aren’t always at the top of the protein chart, so I added tuna. Canned salmon works perfectly here too! Think tuna noodle casserole meets creamy tuna salad. Unlike many classic pasta salads, which are mostly pasta and mayonnaise, this version adds protein-rich tuna and Greek yogurt to make it more filling for lunch or a light dinner. Added with fresh herbs, red peppers, capers, and plenty of lemon, this pasta salad is perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, easy weeknight dinners, as well as meal prep lunches.

Makes about 6 servings, ready in 25 minutes, and can be stored for 4 days!

Easy tuna pasta salad recipe

This tuna pasta salad recipe is super easy to throw together and can be made with mostly ingredients you have in your fridge and pantry. I used elbow macaroni to flavor the casserole and used two cans of albacore tuna flakes. You can get plenty of protein from the tuna, so this pasta salad is satisfying not only as a side dish but also as a lunch box. I’m always looking for sustainably caught tuna. The MSC seal is a good indicator. Fishwife and Wild Planet are my favorite brands. (Use code KATHEATS10 to get 10% off Fishwife).

material

This easy tuna pasta salad recipe combines elbow macaroni, hearty albacore tuna, red peppers, fresh herbs (a must!), and capers in a creamy lemon-infused Greek yogurt dressing. The bright lemon flavor keeps it fresh and light, and the yogurt adds extra protein and a tangy, creamy texture so you don’t feel like you’re eating mayonnaise in every bite.

variations

This tuna pasta salad is endlessly adaptable. Swap the albacore tuna for canned salmon or chunky tuna, use peas or corn instead of bell peppers, add some shredded celery or carrots for crunch, or add feta, cheddar, or olives for a Mediterranean twist. This recipe is perfect for cleaning your refrigerator.

Yes, some of these photos are from my old (old) kitchen.

Lemon zest is the key to this dish’s bright flavor, and I also used some herbs from my herb garden, including parsley, dill, and basil. Use whatever combination of herbs you have. Or choose your favorite and use them all. I used red peppers. I always have red peppers on hand, but frozen peas or corn, or fresh summer corn with the cob cut off, would also work. Adding chopped celery or red onion (!) will add some crunch. You can also add shredded or cubed sharp cheddar cheese or crumbled feta cheese. Olives are also a great addition to Mediterranean cuisine, along with capers.

Elbow macaroni – or you can use any pasta shape of your choice Albacore tuna – or replace with chunks of salmon or light tuna if you prefer Red bell pepper – or the same amount of vegetables of your choice Herbs – any combination of your choice. I used parsley, basil, and dill. Baby spinach is also effective! I love capers! If not, leave it out or replace it with chopped olives.

For dressing

Full-fat Greek Yogurt – Low in saturated fat, creamy texture and high in protein, often used in pasta salads Duke’s Mayonnaise Lemon – grated zest and squeezed juice Salt and Pepper – Natural

How to make tuna pasta salad

boil the pasta

Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water. Return pasta to pot or large mixing bowl.

Prepare materials

Meanwhile, chop the peppers and herbs. Drain the capers. lemon zest and juice. I love lemon zest and use it whenever I use lemons. Next, flip the microplane over and use it to catch the lemon seeds while squeezing the juice. I got about 1.5 tablespoons of zest and 3 tablespoons of juice from my lemon.

Tuna preparation

Drain the tuna and fluff it with a fork.

make the dressing

In a bowl, whisk together yogurt, mayonnaise, lemon, lemon zest, salt, and pepper.

mix pasta salad

Add chopped pepper, herbs and capers to the cooked pasta. Next, add the tuna. Stir to combine.

Add dressing and mix

Add 3/4 of the dressing to the pasta and mix until combined. Add remaining dressing as needed.

serve

Serve as a side dish for a picnic or as the main course for lunch or a light dinner.

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Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for several days. The pasta will gradually absorb the dressing, so you might want to freshen it up with a squeeze of lemon juice or some extra yogurt dressing.

Tuna Pasta Salad FAQ

Can I make the tuna pasta salad in advance?

yes! In fact, this tuna pasta salad tastes even better after a few hours in the fridge as the flavors meld.

How long does tuna pasta salad last?

A perfect meal prep lunch that will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. If it seems dry, squeeze some lemon juice or add a spoonful of yogurt and stir before serving.

What is the best tuna for tuna pasta salad?

I like albacore tuna, which has a firm texture and rich flavor, but light tuna chunks or canned salmon also work well. Sardines are also fine. Drain the can thoroughly before mixing it into your salad.

Can you make tuna pasta salad healthier?

absolutely. Using Greek yogurt in the dressing provides a protein boost while keeping the salad creamier and lighter than a mayonnaise-only dressing. You can also add vegetables like peas, celery, spinach, and cucumbers for an extra nutritional boost.

What goes with tuna pasta salad?

Serve alone in a bowl for a quick lunch, or pair with peaches, watermelon, sliced ​​tomatoes, grilled vegetables, crackers, or a green salad for a complete summer meal.

Can tuna pasta salad be frozen?

Not recommended. After thawing, the yogurt dressing may separate and the texture of the pasta may be affected.

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