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Tuna Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing. Perfect for potlucks and backyard BBQs!

 

We are starting to see a bit more sunshine, a little more blue sky, a lot more flowers and a little less rain. That can only mean one thing, spring has finally arrived here in the PNW and we are this close to all the potlucks and pasta salads that nice weather is sure to bring. 

Pasta salads are always a hit! Whether you’re making a classic Macaroni Salad  or combining two favorites in my Seven Layer Dip Pasta Salad, people love them!

Today I’m adding a new one to the mix with this Tuna Pasta Salad. It is bursting with flavor. Loaded with sweet peas, shallots, briny capers and dill. Trust me when I say it’ll be your new favorite pasta salad.

What ingredients do you need to make Tuna Pasta Salad?

Tuna pasta salad ingredients.

TUNA: Chunk light tuna in oil or water. Whichever you prefer! 

PASTA: Short pastas work the best for pasta salad. I prefer to make this tuna pasta salad with shells but you can also substitute elbow macaroni. 

ASPARAGUS: Asparagus is by far my favorite spring vegetable. I usually simply roast it or steam it and eat it by itself. However, adding it to salads is another favorite way to use it. In this salad, the asparagus is added to the cooking pasta during the last two minutes of cooking so that it’s still nice and crunchy in the salad.

PEAS: Frozen peas are great in this. You add them to the cooking pasta so no need to thaw them first. 

SHALLOTS: They add a subtle onion flavor without over powering the dish. 

In addition to all of the goodies in the pasta salad, you’re going to make a light creamy dressing to toss it all in. To make Tuna Pasta Salad dressing, you’ll need: 

GREEK YOGURT: I love adding greek yogurt to salad dressings instead of making them mayo based. Greek yogurt. Adds a bit of protein and tang to the dressing all while keeping it on the lighter side. 

MAYONNAISE: This dressing still has a little bit of mayo to make the dressing creamy and smooth. 

LEMON JUICE: Use fresh lemon juice for the best results. 

CAPERS: I love capers. They are salty, briny and are so good in this salad. 

DILL: I use dried dill because it’s easier to find year round, but if you’ve got fresh dill on hand use that. You’ll need 1 tablespoon fresh. 

LEMON ZEST: Adds a bit more citrusy freshness. 

Step by Step Photos and Instructions: 

Tuna Pasta Salad is really easy to make! Follow along with these step by step photos and instructions to see just how easy it is. 

STEP #1: Boil the pasta according to package directions. When there is about 2 minutes left on the timer, add in asparagus and peas. Drain. 

STEP #2: Whisk together all dressing ingredients. Set aside until ready to use. 

STEP #3: In a large bowl combine the pasta, veggies, tuna and shallots. Pour dressing over the top and toss to coat. 

STEP #4: Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes. Season to taste with salt and pepper and serve. 

Storage and Leftovers:

Tuna Pasta Salad will last for a few days in the refrigerator.

Looking for more recipes featuring spring veggies? Try these:

Baked Asparagus one of the easiest, most delicious ways to enjoy asparagus!

Pea Salad is a retro classic! This creamy salad is a hit at every BBQ.

Don’t be intimidated by artichokes! They are easy to make, especially this recipe for Instant Pot Artichokes with Creamy Herb Dip.

Note: This post was originally published in 2017. It was updated with new photos, nutrition information and a slightly modified recipe in 2023.

Tuna Pasta Salad with Spring Vegetables

A spring take on Tuna Pasta Salad with peas and asparagus in a creamy dill dressing.
5 from 4 votes
Prep Time 40 mins
Cook Time 6 mins
Total Time 46 mins
Course Main Dishes
Cuisine American
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 105 kcal

Ingredients
  

Salad Ingredients:

  • 2 cups dried shell pasta
  • 1 pound asparagus trimmed and cut into 1 inch pieces
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 1/4 cup sliced shallots
  • 1 6oz can tuna packed in water, drained
  • salt and pepper

Dressing Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup Greek yogurt
  • 2 tablespoons mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 2 teaspoons nonpareil capers
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill
  • 1/4 teaspoon lemon zest
  • salt and pepepr

Instructions
 

  • Bring a large pot of water to boil. Cook pasta according to package directions. Add in peas and asparagus during the final 2 minutes. Drain under cool water.
  • In another bowl whisk together all ingredients for the dressing. Season taste with salt and pepper.
  • In a large bowl combine pasta, vegetables, tuna and shallots. Pour dressing over the top. Mix to coat. Season to taste with salt and pepper. Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes.

Notes

Nutrition information for estimation purposes only. 

Nutrition

Calories: 105kcalCarbohydrates: 9gProtein: 10gFat: 4gSaturated Fat: 1gPolyunsaturated Fat: 2gMonounsaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 1gCholesterol: 13mgSodium: 117mgPotassium: 316mgFiber: 3gSugar: 4gVitamin A: 787IUVitamin C: 16mgCalcium: 46mgIron: 3mg
Tried this recipe?Mention @lifesambrosia or tag #lifesambrosia!
Keywords: bbq, labor day, memorial day, pasta salad, salad, seafood, tuna

Leave a Comment

Recipe Rating




  • Reply
    Charlotte
    May 13, 2022 at 9:10 am

    I add cubed American cheese. My kids love it!

    • Reply
      Deseree
      May 14, 2022 at 8:36 am

      What a great addition! Love that your kiddos love it!

  • Reply
    Susan
    March 23, 2019 at 12:26 pm

    Sounds great

  • Reply
    Erin | Dinners,Dishes and Dessert
    February 10, 2019 at 7:20 am

    5 stars
    This looks incredibly delicious!

  • Reply
    Allison
    February 8, 2019 at 9:09 am

    I’m so ready for spring veggies! This looks delish!

  • Reply
    Sabrina
    February 7, 2019 at 4:07 pm

    5 stars
    This is so creamy and delicious! I love that my kids eat it up too.

  • Reply
    Demeter
    February 7, 2019 at 4:05 pm

    5 stars
    Asparagus is one of my favorites! Love this side dish for get togethers.

  • Reply
    Amanda
    February 7, 2019 at 3:09 pm

    5 stars
    This sounds amazing ! I cannot wait to try !!

  • Reply
    Jenny B @ Honey and Birch
    April 20, 2017 at 12:30 pm

    Tuna salad is seriously one of my favorite things to eat.

  • Reply
    Kelsey Rickert
    April 18, 2017 at 1:57 pm

    This looks so good! I used to love having tuna casserole growing up! I cannot wait to try your Tuna Pasta!

  • Reply
    Gust Și Aromă
    April 18, 2017 at 12:39 pm

    I love spring vegetables! Asparagus is my favourite!

  • Reply
    Michelle Nahom
    April 17, 2017 at 7:50 pm

    That looks delicious — and so perfect with those spring veggies!

  • Reply
    Dorothy at ShockinglyDelicious
    April 17, 2017 at 6:28 pm

    I just love how much asparagus and peas scream Spring! This looks like my kind of salad!

  • Reply
    Amanda
    April 17, 2017 at 6:13 pm

    Cold tuna salads are the best!!

  • Des

    Hey! I'm Des!

    Welcome to Life’s Ambrosia where Dinner is served and memories are made. Here you will find over 1000 tried and true recipes for every possible occasion. In the last 10 years, this blog has helped millions of families put dinner on the table and create food memories. Let me help you too.

    Read more »

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