Best 8 Penne And Tuna Pasta Salad Recipes

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Indulge in a delightful culinary adventure with our comprehensive guide to preparing a flavorsome penne and tuna pasta salad. This refreshing dish, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or light summer meals, combines the succulent taste of tuna, the hearty texture of penne pasta, and a medley of colorful vegetables, all tossed in a tangy dressing.

With three enticing variations to choose from, this versatile recipe offers something for every palate. The classic penne and tuna pasta salad features a zesty vinaigrette dressing that enhances the natural flavors of the ingredients. For a creamy twist, try the creamy penne and tuna pasta salad, where a rich and flavorful sauce elevates the dish to a new level of indulgence. And for a lighter option, the Greek yogurt penne and tuna pasta salad offers a refreshing and tangy dressing made with Greek yogurt, lemon juice, and herbs.

No matter which variation you choose, you'll be delighted by the ease of preparation and the burst of flavors in every bite. So gather your ingredients, put on your apron, and embark on a culinary journey that will leave you and your loved ones craving for more.

Check out the recipes below so you can choose the best recipe for yourself!

TUNA PASTA SALAD



Tuna Pasta Salad image

This Tuna Pasta Salad with shell noodles, peas, tuna, celery, and Greek yogurt is fast, healthy, and a dish your whole family can enjoy!

Provided by Lauren Allen

Categories     Main Course     Side Dish

Time 15m

Number Of Ingredients 9

8 ounces small shells pasta (, or your favorite bite-size pasta)
7 ounces canned albacore white tuna, packed in water (, drained)
2 ribs celery (, chopped)
1/4 cup red onion (, chopped)
1 cup frozen peas
1/2 cup mayonnaise
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
dried dill weed (, to taste, optional)
salt and freshly ground black pepper (, to taste)

Steps:

  • Cook noodles according to package instructions, until al dente. Drain.
  • In a large bowl add chopped onion and celery, peas, cooked pasta, and drained tuna.
  • In a separate bowl, mix the mayo and Greek yogurt.
  • Stir half of the sauce into the pasta mixture and toss to evenly coat. Season with salt and pepper and dried dil, to taste.
  • Refrigerate pasta and remaining sauce separately, covered, for 30 min. Stir in remaining sauce and serve immediately.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 291 kcal, Carbohydrate 42 g, Protein 16 g, Fat 6 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 16 mg, Sodium 275 mg, Fiber 3 g, Sugar 4 g, ServingSize 1 serving

MEDITERRANEAN TUNA PASTA SALAD (NO MAYO)



Mediterranean Tuna Pasta Salad (No Mayo) image

This Mediterranean-style Tuna Pasta Salad is a healthy and lighter version of classic pasta salad packed with protein-rich tuna tossed with the best lemon yogurt vinaigrette. This no-mayo tuna pasta salad is an easy make-ahead recipe perfect served as a side dish, easy lunch or dinner.

Provided by Chef Kathy McDaniel

Categories     Salad     Side Dish

Time 16m

Number Of Ingredients 15

12 ounces short pasta (rotini, penne, farfalle)
2 (5-ounces) canned solid white tuna (in water)
1/2 cup diced onions
1 pint grape tomatoes, halved
1/2 cup Kalamata olives, pitted
1 cup diced cucumber
3 tablespoons capers, drained
3 tablespoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tablespoons plain yogurt
1/2 teaspoon Dijon mustard
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
1 teaspoon sea salt
1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
1 tablespoon chopped parsley

Steps:

  • Whisk together the vinaigrette ingredients.
  • Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Rinse in cold water.
  • Combine all the ingredients in a large bowl. Add the vinaigrette and toss well to combine. Serve (See Note)

Nutrition Facts : Calories 238 kcal, Carbohydrate 29 g, Protein 12 g, Fat 8 g, SaturatedFat 1 g, Cholesterol 12 mg, Sodium 522 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 3 g, ServingSize 1 serving

CREAMY TUNA PASTA SALAD



Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad image

This creamy salad combines pasta & tuna to create the perfect light lunch or side to supper! With the addition of pickles, cheese, and peas it is sure to be a hit!

Provided by Holly Nilsson

Categories     Salad     Side Dish

Time 30m

Number Of Ingredients 12

3 cups rotini pasta (measured dry)
6 ounces canned tuna (drained)
½ cup celery (diced)
3 green onions (sliced)
¾ cup baby peas (defrosted and drained)
1 cup cheddar cheese (diced (optional))
⅔ cup mayonnaise
⅓ cup sour cream
2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
1 tablespoon white vinegar
salt & pepper to taste
½ teaspoon dried dill

Steps:

  • Combine all dressing ingredients and set aside.
  • Cook pasta al dente according to package directions. Rinse under cold water to stop cooking.
  • Combine all ingredients in a large bowl and mix well.
  • Refrigerate at least 1 hour before serving.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 431 kcal, Carbohydrate 28 g, Protein 16 g, Fat 28 g, SaturatedFat 9 g, Cholesterol 47 mg, Sodium 406 mg, Fiber 2 g, Sugar 5 g, ServingSize 1 serving

PENNE TUNA HERBED SALAD



Penne Tuna herbed salad image

I found this recipe in the local paper, and it is a family favorite. Perfect for summer.

Provided by DeLinda Brooks

Categories     Tuna Salads

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 6oz can(s) tuna/ packed in olive oil/ drained
1 1/2 tsp salt
1/2 lb penne pasta
2 Tbsp each: fresh lemon juice,extra virgin olive oil
1/2 tsp freshly ground black pepper
1/4 c each chopped fresh, flat leaf parsley,basil,cilantro
2 tsp capers, rinsed, drained

Steps:

  • 1. place tuna in a small bowl:break into flakes using fork. Set aside,Heat large pot filled with water to boil. Add penne and 1 teaspoon salt; cook until al dente, about 12 minutes. Drain; transfer to large serving bowl, add lemon juice,olive oil, remaining 1/2 teaspoon salt, and pepper; toss to coat.
  • 2. Add tuna, parsley,basil,cilantro and capers; mix gently. Taste and adjust seasoning. Cover; refrigerate to chill, about 1 hour.Serve at room temperature.

PENNE AND TUNA PASTA SALAD



Penne and Tuna Pasta Salad image

I was in search for a pasta salad that had tuna in it....I came across a recipe that I thought would be perfect but made so many changes I had to post it as a new recipe. I hope you like this recipe as much as I did. Cook time equals cook time for pasta. Prep time is the time it takes to assemble the rest of the ingredient with the cooked pasta.

Provided by cervantesbrandi

Categories     Lunch/Snacks

Time 13m

Yield 4-6 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 10

3 cups penne pasta
1 (6 ounce) can tuna (I used the kind in the pouch)
2 celery ribs (cut in half lengthwise and chopped)
1/2 small white onion (chopped)
1/3 cup mayonnaise
1 teaspoon yellow mustard
1/3 cup frozen peas (thawed)
1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar
1/4 teaspoon celery salt (or to taste, I add a little under 1/2 tsp)
black pepper

Steps:

  • Cook the penne according to the package instructions. Strain the water and set aside to cool, or run under cold water.
  • In a large bowl mix the rest of the ingredients. Fold in the penne until the pasta is completely mixed inches.
  • Enjoy!

TUNA PENNE PASTA SALAD



Tuna Penne Pasta Salad image

This is a good tuna pasta salad. I came up with this recipe for my finicky friend who will not eat cooked or raw vegetables. And for those of you who do not like vegetables either, this recipe is for you.

Provided by Cookin In Texas

Categories     Tuna

Time 20m

Yield 4-10 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 14

2 (6 ounce) cans tuna, drained and flaked
1 (16 ounce) penne pasta
4 -6 hard-boiled eggs, cut up into small chunks
1 tablespoon vinegar
2 1/2 cups mayonnaise
1 teaspoon celery salt
1 1/2 tablespoons onion powder
1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1/2 teaspoon ground pepper
1/2 teaspoon paprika
1/2 teaspoon dill
1/4 teaspoon lemon juice
1/2 teaspoon parsley flakes
1/2 cup mozzarella cheese, shredded

Steps:

  • In a large bowl,combine all ingredients except pasta and cheese,mix well to blend.
  • Cook Rinse and drain pasta.
  • Add pasta and cheese to the mayonnaise mixture,stir well.
  • Cover place in fridge,chill at least 2 hours before serving.
  • TIP: You can add almost anything to this salad and it taste good.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 1233.3, Fat 64.1, SaturatedFat 12.1, Cholesterol 293.6, Sodium 1232.5, Carbohydrate 128.8, Fiber 12.9, Sugar 11.1, Protein 39.4

PENNE WITH TUNA AND RED ONION



Penne with Tuna and Red Onion image

The combination of tuna, anchovies, capers, garlic, and parsley is traditional in Mediterranean cooking, particularly in southern France.

Provided by Martha Stewart

Categories     Food & Cooking     Ingredients     Seafood Recipes

Time 25m

Number Of Ingredients 10

Coarse salt and ground pepper
1 pound penne or other short tubular pasta
2 teaspoons olive oil
1 large red onion, chopped
3 garlic cloves, thinly sliced
1 cup half-and-half
3 anchovy fillets, mashed (optional)
2 cans (6 ounces each) tuna packed in oil, drained
3/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
2 tablespoons capers, drained

Steps:

  • In a large pot of boiling salted water, cook pasta until al dente, according to package instructions; drain, reserving 1/2 cup pasta water. Return pasta to pot.
  • Meanwhile, in a large nonstick skillet, heat oil over medium-low heat. Add onion and garlic; season with salt and pepper. Cook, stirring often, until onion is very tender and starting to brown, about 8 minutes. Add half-and-half and if using, anchovies; raise heat to high, and boil 2 minutes.
  • Pour mixture over pasta. Add tuna, parsley, capers, and reserved pasta water; toss to combine. Season with salt and pepper, as desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 465 g, Fat 12 g, Fiber 3 g, Protein 27 g

TUNA ALFREDO WITH PENNE PASTA



Tuna Alfredo with Penne Pasta image

This family invention is a favorite. It's quick, easy and only requires three core ingredients. The entire family loves this meal and always come running when they know this is being served. Serve with broccoli or fresh salad and garlic bread on side.

Provided by Angel Mom

Categories     Seafood     Fish     Tuna

Time 26m

Yield 4

Number Of Ingredients 6

1 cup penne pasta
24 ounces tuna, drained
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 pinch salt
1 (16 ounce) jar Alfredo sauce
2 ounces grated Parmesan cheese

Steps:

  • Bring a large pot of water to a boil; add penne and cook, stirring occasionally, until tender yet firm to the bite, about 11 minutes. Drain pasta; return to pot.
  • Place tuna in a skillet over low heat; season with onion powder and salt. Cook until lightly browned, about 5 minutes. Stir tuna into cooked pasta. Add Alfredo sauce; stir until combined. Garnish with grated Parmesan cheese.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 793.6 calories, Carbohydrate 47.8 g, Cholesterol 109.4 mg, Fat 39.8 g, Fiber 2 g, Protein 62 g, SaturatedFat 16 g, Sodium 1443.3 mg, Sugar 5.9 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right pasta: Short, sturdy pastas like penne, shells, or farfalle are ideal for pasta salads because they can hold up well to the dressing and other ingredients.
  • Cook the pasta al dente: This means cooking it until it is still slightly firm to the bite. This will prevent it from becoming mushy when you add the dressing.
  • Use a flavorful dressing: A good dressing is essential for a great pasta salad. Experiment with different types of dressings, such as vinaigrette, pesto, or creamy dressings.
  • Add a variety of vegetables: Vegetables add color, texture, and nutrients to pasta salad. Choose vegetables that will hold up well in the dressing, such as tomatoes, cucumbers, peppers, and carrots.
  • Don't forget the protein: Protein is an important part of a balanced meal. Tuna, chicken, shrimp, and tofu are all great options for pasta salads.
  • Add some herbs and spices: Herbs and spices can add a lot of flavor to pasta salad. Try adding fresh basil, oregano, thyme, rosemary, or parsley. You can also add a pinch of salt and pepper to taste.
  • Chill the pasta salad before serving: Chilling the pasta salad allows the flavors to meld together and makes it more refreshing.

Conclusion:

Pasta salad is a versatile and delicious dish that can be enjoyed for lunch, dinner, or a potluck. With so many different variations, there is sure to be a pasta salad recipe that everyone will enjoy. So next time you're looking for a quick and easy meal, give pasta salad a try!

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