Easy Vintage Tuna Pasta Salad – A classic tuna pasta salad recipe with a nostalgic, vintage flair that’s perfect for a light lunch, outdoor picnic, or refreshing dinner. This creamy, comforting salad combines rich tuna, tender pasta shells, crunchy celery, red onion, and sweet peas, all tossed in a savory garlic and dill dressing. Whether you’re craving an old-school family favorite or a quick meal that’s both satisfying and full of flavor, this creamy tuna pasta salad is always a crowd-pleaser.

Last Updated February 17th, 2025.

Contents (show)

Why you’ll love this recipe:

Budget-Friendly & Simple – This easy tuna pasta salad uses just a handful of affordable ingredients, making it the perfect option for anyone looking for a wallet-friendly, delicious meal without sacrificing flavor or quality.
Quick & Hassle-Free – Busy days don’t have to mean sacrificing a homemade meal. With minimal prep and simple steps, this creamy tuna pasta salad is ready in no time, offering a stress-free solution to your mealtime needs.
Nostalgic Comfort – A true throwback to the past, this classic tuna pasta salad recipe will take you straight to summer BBQs, family picnics, and homemade meals just like grandma used to make. It’s the kind of dish that brings back all the best memories, making every bite feel like a warm hug.

Ingredient Notes:

Pasta Shells – These shells are perfect for holding onto the creamy dressing, but you can easily substitute with any short-cut pasta, such as bow-tie or rigatoni, for added texture and visual appeal.
Canned Tuna (Packed in Oil) – The oil-packed tuna brings a rich, savory flavor and ensures the salad stays moist. It’s a great source of lean protein, omega-3 fatty acids, and vitamins D and B. You can swap it for tuna packed in water if you prefer a lighter flavor.
Frozen Peas – These add a burst of sweetness and color to the salad, and frozen peas are ideal for easy prep and keeping their vibrant green hue.
Celery – provides a crisp, refreshing crunch and balances the creamy texture with its mild, earthy flavor.
Red Onion – The red onion offers a zesty bite and a pop of color, giving the salad a subtle sweetness and spice that complements the creamy dressing.
For the Dressing:
Mayo – A rich base that makes the dressing creamy and smooth. You can use light mayo or a plant-based version for a healthier or dairy-free alternative.
Greek Yogurt – Adds tanginess and lightens up the richness of the mayo while boosting the dressing with protein.
Fresh Dill – This herb brings a bright, tangy note to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor. Dried dill can be used as a substitute, though the flavor may be less vibrant.
Minced Garlic – Adds depth and savory richness to the dressing, complementing the fresh dill and the creamy ingredients.
Dill Relish – Provides a tangy and slightly sweet element to the dressing, enhancing the overall flavor with a bit of extra zing.
Dijon Mustard – Adds a hint of heat and sharpness, balancing the creaminess of the mayo and yogurt with its subtle tang.
Salt & Pepper – A final seasoning touch to bring all the flavors together and enhance the overall taste of the salad.

Dietary Restriction & Allergy- Friendly Substitutions:

To make gluten-free: Simply swap out the pasta shells with your favorite gluten-free pasta. Brown rice pasta, quinoa pasta, or any gluten-free short-cut pasta will work well. Just be sure to check the ingredients on the mayo and Dijon mustard to ensure they’re free of any gluten-based additives.
To make dairy-free: Replace the Greek yogurt with a dairy-free yogurt (such as coconut or almond milk-based yogurt) and use a dairy-free mayo. This will keep the salad creamy while ensuring it’s dairy-free.
To make low-fat: For a lighter version, use light mayo or swap the mayo for more Greek yogurt. You can also choose a lower-fat tuna packed in water if you prefer a leaner option.
To make egg-free: Most store-bought mayo contains eggs, but you can find egg-free mayo alternatives or make your own egg-free dressing with vegan mayo.
For nut-free: This recipe is naturally nut-free, but always double-check the ingredients in your mayo or yogurt if you need to avoid cross-contamination.
To Make Vegetarian/Vegan – Make this recipe vegan by swapping the tuna with vegan tuna (made from chickpeas or jackfruit) and using vegan mayo and dairy-free yogurt. You can also top it with some avocado for extra creaminess.

Additional Substitutions & Variations:

Add Extra Veggies – Feel free to add or swap in other vegetables to boost nutrition and flavor. Try chopped cucumber for crunch, diced bell peppers for sweetness, or shredded carrots for a little extra color and texture.
Swap the Tuna – While tuna is traditional, you can switch it up with other proteins like cooked chicken or canned salmon. For a plant-based version, try adding chickpeas or tofu for a protein-packed alternative.
Add a Crunchy Topping – For a little extra crunch, sprinkle some crushed crackers (gluten-free if needed), toasted sunflower seeds, or chopped nuts like walnuts or almonds over the top.
Make it Spicy – If you love a little heat, mix in chopped jalapeños, a dash of hot sauce, or cayenne pepper to the dressing for an extra spicy kick.
Herb Variations – While dill is a classic, you can mix things up with other fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil. A combination of herbs can bring a whole new flavor profile to the salad.

Which Canned Tuna is Right for You?:

Chunk Light Tuna (Skipjack) – Chunk light tuna is typically made from skipjack tuna, which has a more distinct, slightly stronger flavor and a darker color compared to other types. This variety is often more cost-effective, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious recipes like tuna salad, sandwiches, and casseroles. It’s a versatile option if you’re looking for a more robust, yet affordable, tuna for everyday meals.
Solid White Tuna (Albacore) – Known for its milder flavor and lighter color, solid white tuna (also called albacore) provides a more delicate taste and firmer texture. Because of its premium quality, albacore tuna is typically priced higher than chunk light tuna. It’s ideal for recipes that call for a subtler flavor, such as those requiring creamy tuna pasta salad or tuna melts. If you prefer a milder taste with a firmer bite, solid white tuna is your go-to choice.
In Oil vs. In Water – Canned tuna comes in two primary packing options: in oil and in water. Tuna packed in oil is known for its richer, more intense flavor and moist texture, though it’s higher in calories due to the added oil. Tuna in water, on the other hand, is a leaner alternative with fewer calories, making it a better option for those watching their calorie intake. It’s perfect for lighter, healthier meals but may have a slightly less robust flavor than oil-packed tuna.
Seasoned or Flavored Tuna – For added convenience, many brands offer seasoned or flavored canned tuna. Varieties like lemon pepper, herb-infused, or those packed in sauces like tomato or basil can elevate your dishes with minimal effort. These pre-flavored options are perfect if you’re short on time or want to add extra flavor to your salad or sandwich without needing to season from scratch.

Expert Tips & Recipe Notes:

Frozen Peas – Peas do not need to be thawed before being added to the recipe; they will thaw rapidly. Including them while frozen helps maintain their texture in the salad, giving it that perfect bite.
Dried Dill – If you can’t find fresh dill, dried can be used as a substitute. Dried dill tends to be more potent, so be sure to use about half the amount called for in the recipe.
Storage – Store leftover tuna pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 2-3 days, but use your best judgment to determine when it’s no longer fresh. The salad may get a bit soggy as the dressing absorbs into the pasta over time.
Make-Ahead Tip – This recipe can be prepared up to 24 hours ahead of time. If making it in advance, keep in mind that the pasta will absorb some of the dressing. To maintain its creamy texture, you can assemble the salad and then add the dressing just before serving to keep it fresh and flavorful.
Customize Your Veggies – Don’t be afraid to get creative! You can swap out or add extra vegetables like chopped cucumbers, shredded carrots, or bell peppers for extra crunch and color.
Tuna Quality – For a richer, more flavorful salad, choose oil-packed tuna. However, if you’re aiming for a lighter, leaner option, water-packed tuna works just as well. Just remember that the flavor and texture will differ slightly between the two.

More Salad Recipes You Will Love:

If you try this recipe, please leave a star rating and review in the recipe card below! Your feedback is incredibly valuable. Follow me on Instagram and Pinterest for more delicious recipes, travel inspiration, and behind-the-scenes content.