Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad With Greek Yogurt
This Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad is a protein-forward, creamy-but-light dish made with rotini pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a balanced Greek-yogurt dressing that keeps it satisfying without feeling heavy. It works equally well for quick dinners, make-ahead lunches, or simple gatherings where you want something reliable and fresh.
Looking for more pasta salad recipes? Try this chicken Caesar pasta salad or chicken pasta salad with peas and bacon next.
It comes together fast with pantry staples, holds up well in the fridge, and tastes even better once chilled — making it one of those recipes you’ll find yourself making on repeat when you need something easy that still feels put together.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
Recipe Ingredients
Ingredient Notes
Tuna: Chunk light tuna holds together better than solid white once mixed. Drain thoroughly to prevent excess moisture.
Greek Yogurt: Plain, full-fat or 2% works best for texture. Avoid nonfat if possible.
Pasta: Rotini hold the dressing well, but bowties or penne also work..
See the recipe card for full information on ingredients and quantities.
Recipe Variations
Add diced bell pepper or celery for extra crunch
Swap half the mayo for additional Greek yogurt
Stir in olives or capers for a salty bite
Use whole-wheat pasta for added fiber
How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad: Step by Step
Here are quick visual instructions. Be sure to check out the full instructions with exact ingredients in the printable recipe card below.
Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package directions.
Step 2: In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
Step 3: Add the cooled pasta, tuna, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley.
Step 4: Gently fold until everything is evenly coated.
Recipe Tips and Tricks
- Let it chill longer if possible — the flavor improves as it rests
- Taste again after chilling and adjust salt or lemon if needed
- If the salad thickens, stir in a spoonful of yogurt or water before serving
- Dice vegetables evenly so every bite is balanced
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes. This salad is ideal for making a day in advance and tastes better after chilling.
Can I skip the mayo completely?
You can use all Greek yogurt, but the texture will be thicker and more tangy.
Is this good for meal prep?
Yes. Portion it into containers and keep refrigerated for easy lunches.
What can I serve this with?
It pairs well with grilled vegetables, fruit, or a simple green salad.
I hope you love this tuna pasta salad. Please consider leaving a star 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟 rating in the recipe card below. Thank you so much!
More Pasta Recipes
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients
- 12 oz rotini pasta uncooked
- 2 5 oz cans chunk light tuna, drained
- 1 tbsp fresh parsley chopped, plus extra for garnish
- 3 tbsp red onion chopped
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup Greek yogurt
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
- Juice from ½ lemon
- ¼ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp pepper
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes halved
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta until al dente according to package instructions. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool completely.
- In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Add the cooled pasta, tuna, cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, and parsley. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or until ready to serve.
- Garnish with extra parsley before serving.
Notes
- Chill longer for even better flavor!
- Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–4 days.
The nutritional details for recipes are estimated using MyFitnessPal and can vary with different products, measurement accuracy, and source reliability. We aim to provide accurate information but cannot guarantee the precise accuracy of the nutritional data
