Why You’ll Love This Tuna Pasta Salad
There are some recipes that just feel like home. Growing up, I spent countless days watching my mom move around the kitchen, completely in her element. She never needed a recipe card or measuring spoons. Just a quick glance at the pantry, a swirl of mayo, a sprinkle of pepper, and everything somehow turned out perfectly. Her pasta salads were especially magic, with that creamy, tangy bite and the perfect texture balance. They were different every time, but perfect in their own way.
Now that I’m a mom, and she’s a proud, involved nana to our kids, I love carrying on the same tradition. I’m trying not to use the measuring spoons, but I cannot help it! Whenever I’m getting into the groove, like in Soul when you go to the “Zone”, I think of her. I’ll find myself adding a dash of this and a dash of that until it’s perfect. Even though I try to write down the ingredients, I still catch myself tasting and adjusting, just like she taught me.
There’s something comforting about a creamy pasta salad you can pull together without fuss, using pantry staples and a few fridge finds. This classic tuna pasta salad is easy, familiar, and made for feeding a hungry family.
Perfect for Summer Picnics and BBQs
Pasta salad is a true summer hero. You can make it ahead, chill it, and have it ready when the weather is too hot to stand over the stove. It travels well to the park or beach, and fits right in on a Fourth of July picnic table alongside grilled burgers and hot dogs. Plus, it’s kid-approved, Brian-approved, and flexible. You can swap in different pasta shapes or add more veggies to make it your own.
Whether you’re planning a picnic, a backyard BBQ, or packing a cooler for a summer road trip, this easy tuna pasta salad is a no-fuss, satisfying option everyone will love.
What to know about this Pasta Salad recipe
Quick, comforting, and perfect for summer, this tuna pasta salad is a family favorite you’ll want to make again and again.
- Creamy, classic tuna pasta salad inspired by my mom’s “no measuring” style
- Simple pantry ingredients you probably already have
- Perfect for summer picnics, potlucks, BBQs, or your Fourth of July table
- Family-approved, kid-friendly, and comes together in under 30 minutes
- Keeps beautifully in the fridge, so you can make it ahead
Tuna Pasta Salad with Eggs and Celery
Description
This creamy tuna pasta salad combines tender rotini, flaky tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and crunchy celery in a tangy mayo dressing, making it a simple and satisfying dish perfect for summer picnics and family meals.
Ingredients
- 1/2 box of rotini pasta, cooked and cooled
- 2 cans of tuna, drained (or 1 large can)
- 2–3 stalks of celery, chopped
- 2 or 3 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 1 tablespoon scallions, chopped
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise, divided (plus more to taste)
- 1–2 teaspoons mustard
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and black pepper to taste
Instructions
- Make your rotini noodles, drain, and set aside to cool.
- Make your boiled eggs, let cool and remove the shells. Chop and set aside.
- In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup of mayonnaise with the chopped eggs and drained tuna.
- Stir in the cooled rotini pasta, chopped celery, and scallions.
- Add the remaining 1/4 cup of mayonnaise, mixing until everything is coated. Adjust with more mayo if you want a creamier pasta salad.
- Season with salt, black pepper, onion powder, garlic powder, and mustard. For the mustard, add a little at a time and taste as you go. Mix well to combine.
- Taste and adjust: add a pinch more of anything you feel it needs.
- Cover and refrigerate for 1–2 hours. Serve cold.
Tips for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad
- Chill before serving: This creamy pasta salad tastes best after resting in the fridge.
- Customize: Swap in elbow macaroni or shells, or add diced bell peppers for extra crunch
- Pack it: This cold tuna pasta salad travels well for picnics and potlucks.
Final Thoughts
There’s a reason this easy tuna pasta salad shows up so often on our summer table: it’s simple and comforting. It pairs perfectly with anything you throw on the grill, and tastes even better the next day. I hope you enjoy sharing it with your family as much as I do with mine. And if you want to skip the measuring spoons, go for it. My mom would definitely approve 😉.