Simple Tuna Salad
This easy Tuna Pasta Salad is a simple, budget-friendly recipe made with bowtie pasta, canned tuna, juicy cherry tomatoes, onion, creamy mayonnaise, and simple seasonings.
This recipe goes great alongside Grape Jelly Meatball Sandwiches, and try my White Potato Salad recipe next!
This Simple Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe is one of those classic dishes that never goes out of style. Made with tender bowtie pasta, flaky tuna, juicy cherry tomatoes, sweet onion, and a creamy mayonnaise dressing, this easy pasta salad is perfect for summer cookouts, family gatherings, potlucks, or an easy weeknight dinner.
For my family, this recipe is more than just another pasta salad. My husband’s grandmother used to make this every summer when he was growing up, and it quickly became one of his favorite meals.
He told me about the creamy tuna pasta salad his grandma always made, so I recreated it for him. Now it’s become a summertime tradition in our home.
If you’re looking for a simple tuna pasta salad recipe that’s inexpensive, easy to make, and always disappears fast, you’ve found it!
Why You’ll Love This Simple Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
There are plenty of pasta salad recipes out there, but this one has stood the test of time for a reason.
- Ready in about 30 minutes
- Uses simple pantry staples
- Budget-friendly family meal
- Perfect for meal prep
- Great for potlucks and BBQs
- Delicious served cold
- Even better the next day
Ingredients
You’ll only need a handful of simple ingredients.
- 16 ounces bowtie pasta (farfalle)
- 4 (5-ounce) cans tuna, drained
- 1 pint cherry tomatoes, halved
- ½ medium yellow onion, finely diced or shredded
- 1½ cups mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
Ingredient Notes
Bowtie Pasta
Bowtie pasta, also called farfalle, holds onto the creamy dressing beautifully while adding a fun shape everyone loves.
Tuna
I usually use canned chunk light tuna packed in water, but albacore tuna works wonderfully too if you prefer a firmer texture.
Cherry Tomatoes
Cherry tomatoes add freshness, color, and just the right amount of sweetness to balance the creamy dressing.
Yellow Onion
I actually like to shred my onion using a cheese grater instead of chopping it. This gives the salad a mild onion flavor without leaving large crunchy pieces.
Mayonnaise
Good-quality mayonnaise makes all the difference. It’s what creates the rich, creamy dressing that coats every bite.
How to Make Simple Tuna Pasta Salad
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente.
Drain the pasta and rinse it under cold water until completely cool.
Step 2: Prepare the Vegetables
Slice the cherry tomatoes in half.
Finely dice the onion, or shred it using a cheese grater for a milder onion flavor.
Step 3: Mix Everything Together
Add the cooled pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, and onion to a large mixing bowl.
Step 4: Add the Dressing
Add the mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper.
Gently stir until every piece of pasta is coated in the creamy dressing.
Step 5: Chill
Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
The flavors blend together even more as it chills, making it even better after a few hours.
Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad
- Salt your pasta water well for the best flavor.
- Don’t Slightly Overcook the pasta 😉 Al dente holds up much better after chilling.
- Rinse the pasta thoroughly with cold water to stop the cooking process.
- Shredding the onion with a cheese grater creates a smoother texture and mellower flavor.
- If the salad thickens after refrigeration, simply stir in another spoonful of mayonnaise before serving.
Easy Variations
This classic recipe is delicious exactly as written, but you can easily customize it.
Try adding:
- Sweet peas
- Chopped celery
- Diced cucumber
- Hard-boiled eggs
- Shredded cheddar cheese
- Fresh dill
- Parsley
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
If the pasta absorbs some of the dressing overnight, simply stir in a little extra mayonnaise before serving.
This recipe is not recommended for freezing.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes! In fact, it’s even better after chilling for several hours because the flavors have time to blend together.
Bowtie (farfalle) pasta is one of the best choices because it holds onto the creamy dressing well and has a great texture.
Yes. Rinsing the pasta with cold water cools it quickly and prevents it from continuing to cook, making it ideal for cold pasta salads.
Absolutely! Both chunk light tuna and solid white albacore tuna work well in this recipe.
Easy Summer Recipes
Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the bowtie pasta according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water until completely cooled.
- While the pasta cools, slice the cherry tomatoes in half and finely dice or shred the yellow onion.
- In a large mixing bowl, add the cooled pasta, drained tuna, cherry tomatoes, and onion.
- Add the mayonnaise, salt, and black pepper. Stir gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor. Serve cold.
Notes
- Shredding the onion gives the salad a milder onion flavor while helping it blend into the dressing. (I use a cheese grater for this)
- Add more mayonnaise if you’d like a creamier pasta salad.
- This recipe tastes even better after chilling for a few hours.
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Simple Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Sometimes the best recipes are the simplest ones. This Simple Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe has been loved by families for generations, and it’s easy to see why. Creamy, comforting, budget-friendly, and packed with nostalgic flavor, it’s the kind of dish that brings everyone back for seconds.
Whether you’re making it for a summer cookout, packing lunches for the week, or simply craving an easy family dinner, this recipe is sure to become a favorite in your home, just like it has in ours.
If you try this recipe, I’d love to hear how it turned out! Leave a comment below and let me know if your family loved it as much as mine does. Happy cooking!
