When you’re craving a dish that strikes the perfect balance between wholesome and comforting, this Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe is exactly what you need. It’s vibrant, packed with protein and fiber, and combines tender macaroni with sweet peas, flaky tuna, and a tangy yogurt-based dressing that feels light yet satisfying. Whether you’re packing lunches, hosting a picnic, or just want an easy weeknight meal that feels fresh and nourishing, this salad ticks all the boxes with its mix of flavors, textures, and nutritional benefits.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The image shows a top view of ingredients placed on a white marbled surface. There are three white bowls with black speckles: one filled with shredded light beige tuna flakes, another with small yellow elbow macaroni, and the third with frozen green peas. A white bowl holds a smooth white creamy ingredient, while another plain white bowl contains a light tan creamy substance. Several small, clear glass bowls hold various sauces and seasonings in shades of light brown, mustard yellow, and light beige. Fresh green celery sticks and a halved red onion with white inside rest nearby, along with a small bunch of fresh green dill. A small metal container with black and white pepper is also present. The items are neatly arranged in a loose circle. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Each ingredient in this recipe plays a vital role in creating a salad that’s delicious and wholesome. From the pasta that serves as the hearty base to the bright peas adding bursts of color and sweetness, every component contributes essential texture and flavor, making the dish truly delightful to eat.

8 ounces uncooked elbow macaroni pasta: Choose fiber-enriched or whole-grain varieties for a nutrient boost and a satisfying bite.
1 (5 ounce) can flaked albacore tuna, packed in water and drained: This provides lean protein with mild flavor, perfect for balancing the salad.
3/4 cup frozen green peas (thawed): Sweet, tender, and vibrant, they add a lovely pop of color and freshness.
2 celery stalks, finely chopped (about 1/3 cup): Adds a gentle crunch and subtle earthiness to the salad’s texture.
1/4 medium red onion, finely chopped (about 1/4 cup): Gives a mild sharpness and beautiful color contrast; soaking in cold water can mellow its flavor if desired.
1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt: A creamy, tangy base for the dressing that keeps the salad light yet luscious.
1/4 cup mayonnaise: Adds richness to the dressing, balancing the tang from the yogurt and mustard.
1 tablespoon yellow mustard: Provides a subtle zing; Dijon or whole grain work beautifully as alternatives.
1/2 tablespoon lemon juice: Or apple cider vinegar, to introduce brightness and a hint of acidity to uplift the flavors.
1/2 teaspoon salt: Essential for seasoning both the pasta water and the salad; seasoning shapes the overall flavor.
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper: Adds a gentle warmth and depth.
2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh dill or parsley (optional): Fresh herbs enliven the salad’s aroma and bring herbal brightness to every bite.

How to Make Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe

Step 1: Cook the Pasta to Perfection

Start by boiling a large pot of well-salted water — don’t skimp on the salt because it seasons the pasta from the inside out. Cook the elbow macaroni until it’s just past al dente so it retains a slight chew but won’t turn mushy. Once cooked, drain it immediately and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process. Chilling the pasta in the fridge not only cools it quickly but helps keep the salad fresh and crisp.

Step 2: Prepare the Creamy Dressing

While the pasta cools, whisk together the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper in a small bowl until smooth and creamy. This dressing is the heart of the salad’s flavor — tangy, rich, and perfectly balanced. Adding fresh dill or parsley at this stage infuses the dressing with lively herbal notes that lift every forkful.

Step 3: Combine the Ingredients

In a large bowl, gently fold the drained pasta, flaked tuna, thawed peas, chopped celery, and red onion. Pour the dressing over the mixture and toss everything until the salad is thoroughly coated. This step ensures every bite is bursting with flavor and texture, from creamy to crunchy to sweet.

The images show a five-step process of making a creamy pasta salad. The first image has a silver pot filled with cooked elbow macaroni that is light yellow with a soft texture. The second image shows a white bowl with thick, creamy yellow dressing being stirred with a gold spoon. The third image has a white bowl divided into sections with chopped green cucumber, diced red onion, light green chopped celery, green peas, macaroni, and light pink shredded tuna placed neatly and separated. The fourth image shows a thick yellow dressing being poured over the ingredients in the white bowl, covering part of the peas, onion, cucumber, macaroni, and tuna. The last image displays a finished mixed pasta salad in a white bowl with all ingredients combined, showing bits of green peas, diced red onions, chopped cucumbers, celery, tuna, and macaroni in a creamy dressing. The bowl sits on a white marbled surface beside a halved lemon, a sliced red onion, a sprig of dill, and a striped napkin with a wooden spoon nearby. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Step 4: Chill and Serve or Store

You can serve the salad immediately when it’s fresh and vibrant, or refrigerate it for later to let the flavors meld together. The salad will keep beautifully in the fridge and actually tastes even better after a few hours or overnight.

How to Serve Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe

Garnishes

For a gorgeous presentation, sprinkle a little extra chopped fresh dill or parsley on top just before serving. Add a few lemon wedges on the side to brighten the flavors further. A light dusting of cracked black pepper or a few red pepper flakes can add an unexpected kick for those who enjoy a hint of spice.

Side Dishes

This salad pairs wonderfully with grilled chicken or fish for a complete meal, and it’s an excellent companion to fresh green salads, crusty whole-grain bread, or roasted vegetables. It also works as a filling for hearty sandwiches and wraps, making lunchtime exciting.

Creative Ways to Present

Want to jazz things up? Serve this salad in crisp lettuce cups for a fresh handheld bite or spoon it into avocado halves for a creamy, nutrient-packed treat. It also doubles elegantly as a pasta salad side at picnics, potlucks, or summer barbecues, impressing everyone with its healthy twist and delightful texture.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store any leftover Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to 3 days and the flavors meld into a delicious harmony. Just give it a gentle stir before serving.

Freezing

This salad is best enjoyed fresh or refrigerated; freezing is not recommended because the creamy dressing and the pasta’s texture can be compromised upon thawing, becoming watery or mushy.

Reheating

If you prefer your salad at room temperature, simply let it sit out for about 15 minutes after removing it from the fridge. Since it’s a cold dish, reheating in the traditional sense isn’t needed. You can add a splash of milk or extra yogurt if the salad seems dry after chilling for a while to bring back that creamy consistency.

FAQs

Can I use canned tuna in oil instead of water-packed tuna?

Yes, but be mindful that tuna in oil will add richness and calories. You may want to reduce the mayonnaise a bit to keep the salad light and balanced.

Is it okay to use frozen peas without thawing them first?

You can add frozen peas directly into the salad if you want the salad to stay cool or if you’re making it ahead. They will thaw during mixing and add a refreshing pop to the dish.

Can I substitute the Greek yogurt with something else?

Absolutely! If you’re avoiding dairy or want a different flavor, try plain plant-based yogurt or use all mayonnaise instead, though that will make the salad richer and less tangy.

How can I make this salad kid-friendly?

Skip the fresh herbs for a milder flavor and soak the raw onions in cold water to soften their sharpness. You might also slightly reduce the mustard or leave it out entirely if your kids are sensitive to stronger tastes.

Can I add other vegetables to this salad?

Definitely! Chopped bell peppers, cucumbers, or shredded carrots work wonderfully and add exciting crunch and color. Just keep the balance so the original flavor of the Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe shines through.

Final Thoughts

If you’re searching for a go-to dish that’s both nourishing and scrumptiously satisfying, the Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe is a winner every time. It’s easy to make, versatile, and full of vibrant flavors and textures that feel just right for any occasion. I can’t wait for you to try it and make it your own — this salad is truly a delicious hug in a bowl!

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Healthy Tuna Macaroni Salad with Peas Recipe