This Creamy Dill Tuna Rotini Salad is a vibrant, hearty dish that blends the bold flavor of albacore tuna with the freshness of celery, peas, and green onion. The creamy dressing brings it all together with tangy relish, sour cream, mayo, and a dash of dill that adds brightness and flair.
Perfect for warm-weather lunches, potlucks, or even weekly meal prep, this pasta salad is quick to whip up and incredibly satisfying. It chills beautifully in the fridge and tastes even better the next day. Plus, it’s endlessly customizable to suit your pantry and personal preferences!
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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3 cups rotini pasta (dry)
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6 oz canned tuna, drained
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½ cup finely diced celery
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3 green onions, thinly sliced
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¾ cup frozen peas, thawed
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1 cup diced cheddar cheese (optional)
For the Dressing:
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⅔ cup mayonnaise
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⅓ cup sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
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2 tablespoons sweet relish
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1 tablespoon white vinegar
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½ teaspoon dried dill (or 1 ½ teaspoons fresh chopped dill)
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Salt and black pepper to taste
Directions:
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Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook rotini pasta until al dente, following package instructions. Rinse under cold water to cool and stop cooking.
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In a large serving bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, sweet relish, white vinegar, and dill.
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Add the cooled pasta to the bowl, followed by tuna, celery, green onions, peas, and cheese (if using). Gently mix until well combined and coated.
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Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to let flavors meld and ensure maximum creaminess.
Prep Time: 20 minutes | Cooking Time: 15 minutes | Total Time: 1 hour 35 minutes
Kcal: 431 kcal | Servings: 6 servings
Why Tuna Pasta Salad Works
There’s something inherently nostalgic about a creamy pasta salad. For many, it brings back memories of family reunions or quick summer lunches. What sets this version apart is the incorporation of protein-rich tuna, adding both depth of flavor and a satisfying, meaty texture.
Pasta provides the carb base typically rotini or shells are used to help the dressing cling to every bite. The tuna gives it heartiness and makes it feel like a complete meal rather than just a side. Add in some crunchy elements like celery and peas, and you have a winning texture contrast. The creamy dressing ties it all together, often made from mayonnaise, sour cream (or Greek yogurt), dill, and a touch of vinegar or relish for balance.
This combination not only tastes delicious but also gives you a balanced dish that includes protein, healthy fats, fiber, and a good serving of vegetables.
A Perfect Make-Ahead Option
One of the biggest perks of Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is how well it stores and improves with time. When left to chill in the fridge, the flavors meld beautifully, and the pasta absorbs some of the dressing, enhancing its taste.
This makes it ideal for meal prepping you can make a big batch on a Sunday and have lunch ready to go for several days. It’s also a go-to dish for entertaining because it can be prepared hours (or even a day) in advance without losing its appeal.
To keep the salad creamy, it’s helpful to give it a quick stir before serving. If the pasta has absorbed too much of the dressing, just add a splash of milk or a spoonful of extra mayo/yogurt to revive the consistency.
Customization Ideas to Make It Your Own
One of the things that makes this salad stand out is how endlessly customizable it is. You can tweak it based on what’s in your fridge or tailor it to suit dietary preferences or needs.
Protein Swaps:
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Chicken – Leftover rotisserie chicken or canned chicken works great.
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Eggs – Chopped hard-boiled eggs give it a richer flavor and even more protein.
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Chickpeas or White Beans – For a vegetarian option, legumes add texture and nutrition.
Pasta Alternatives:
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Whole Wheat Pasta – For added fiber and a nuttier flavor.
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Gluten-Free Pasta – Keeps it safe for those with gluten sensitivities.
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Elbow Macaroni, Penne, or Farfalle – Any short pasta will do in a pinch.
Dressing Variations:
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Greek Yogurt Only – Lighten it up with 100% Greek yogurt for a tangier, protein-packed base.
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Lemon Juice or Dijon Mustard – Add zip and complexity to the flavor.
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Herb Mixes – Basil, parsley, or chives can complement or replace dill.
Add-Ins:
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Red Bell Pepper – For a pop of color and crunch.
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Cherry Tomatoes – Adds a sweet, juicy contrast.
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Black Olives or Pickles – Introduce brininess.
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Shredded Carrots or Cucumber – More crunch and freshness.
This salad can really be your canvas. Start with the base and then experiment to find your favorite combo.
When to Serve Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad
Thanks to its versatility and wide appeal, this salad fits into all sorts of occasions:
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Picnics & BBQs – It’s cool, refreshing, and easy to transport.
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Potlucks – Always a crowd-pleaser and easy to make in bulk.
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Work Lunches – Holds up well in the fridge and doesn’t need reheating.
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Family Dinners – Serve it as a light main dish or as a side to grilled meats.
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Post-Workout Meal – With tuna for lean protein and carbs from pasta, it’s great for refueling.
It’s also a great “empty-the-fridge” kind of dish. Got some leftover cooked vegetables or half a can of beans? Toss them in!
Pairing Ideas
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad can easily stand on its own, but it also pairs wonderfully with other light or grilled dishes. Here are a few ideas for what to serve alongside it:
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Grilled Chicken or Steak – The creamy texture of the salad complements charred proteins beautifully.
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Soup – A light broth-based soup like vegetable or chicken noodle adds contrast.
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Crackers or Crostini – For a little crunch on the side.
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Fresh Fruit Salad – Sweet and juicy fruits balance the savory, creamy tones.
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Green Salad – A simple mixed greens salad adds freshness and color to your plate.
If serving it as a main course, a side of crusty bread or garlic toast makes for a perfect finish.
Storage & Leftover Tips
Tuna pasta salad stores well in the fridge for 3 to 4 days in an airtight container. It’s best served cold or at room temperature. If you’re making it for an event, keep it chilled until right before serving to maintain food safety and flavor.
Pro tip: When taking it to an outdoor event, place the serving bowl inside a larger bowl filled with ice to keep it cool longer. Stir it occasionally to ensure even temperature throughout.
If your salad thickens in the fridge, revive it with a little extra mayo, yogurt, or even a splash of milk or lemon juice to brighten it up.
Avoid freezing this salad the creamy dressing tends to separate and the texture of the pasta and vegetables can become mushy once thawed.
Conclusion
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is one of those recipes that’s stood the test of time and for good reason. It’s inexpensive, flexible, nourishing, and delicious. Whether you enjoy it as a light main dish or as a comforting side, it fits into virtually any meal plan or event.
Its make-ahead nature and ability to feed a crowd make it a practical favorite. Plus, the opportunity to customize the ingredients makes it easy to tailor the recipe to your taste preferences or dietary needs. From work lunches to outdoor picnics, this chilled salad is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.
So the next time you’re looking for a dish that’s equal parts satisfying, simple, and adaptable, Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad deserves a spot on your table. Don’t forget to make extra leftovers taste even better the next day!