A close-up of a creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, corn, and herbs. Text reads: “Easy and Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad.” A fork is beside the vibrant salad. - 1 Collage of Tuna Pasta Salad with fusilli, corn, and herbs. Top shows a close-up; bottom left features mixing ingredients; bottom right displays the finished salad. In the center, text reads: “Erren’s Kitchen Easy and Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad.”. - 2

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tuna-Pasta-Salad-2-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A close-up of a creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini, corn, celery, and parsley in a bowl and on a spoon. Text reads “Tuna Pasta Salad Easy & Delicious” and “Erren’s Kitchen. - 3”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tuna-Pasta-Salad-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A bowl of Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, corn, green onions, and tuna tossed in a creamy dressing. The image is labeled “Tuna Pasta Salad” with errenskitchen.com at the bottom. - 4”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tuna-Pasta-Salad-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A close-up of Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, tuna, corn, and fresh herbs on a white plate beside a gold fork. The text reads: “Tuna Pasta Salad” and “www.errenskitchen.com. - 5”>

A close-up of a Tuna Pasta Salad featuring rotini mixed with corn, tuna, and chopped greens, with a gold fork placed on the side. - 6

in this article:

  • Tips for Success
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions FAQs

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe makes a simple and delicious dish you can whip up quickly! It’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Know Before You Scroll

Easy and Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad - 7

Flavor Profile

Creamy, tangy, and totally fresh with bright lemon, sweet corn, crisp celery, and a subtle savory kick from tuna and green onion. It’s like summer in a bowl.

What You’ll Need

Pasta, canned tuna, corn kernels, celery, green onions, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, fresh herbs.

Difficulty Level

Easy. It’s a chop-and-stir kind of deal, with zero cooking stress—just boil, mix, chill, done.

Equipment Needed

Medium pot, colander, large mixing bowl, small bowl, whisk, knife, cutting board, spoon or spatula.

Top Tip

Rinse that pasta with cold water after cooking! It stops the cooking process and keeps things light and springy instead of sticky.

Time-Saving Tips

Use pre-cooked pasta and bagged chopped celery or green onions to cut down prep time big time.

Ingredient Swaps

No sour cream? Greek yogurt works great. No fresh herbs? Try a pinch of dried dill or parsley.

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with corn, chopped celery, and parsley, held above a bowl of the same salad, beautifully garnished with lemon slices. - 8

When I first shared this tuna pasta salad back in 2015, it was all about those simple, nostalgic flavors we grew up with. But I knew I could make it even better. I tested, tasted, and tweaked until I found that perfect balance — a little brightness from fresh lemon, crunchy bites of celery, sweet pops of corn, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together. The result? A fresh but familiar favorite that’s earned every one of its 5-star reviews.

Today, I’m refreshing this post. It’s the same delicious recipe, just cleaned up to make it easier for you to find what you need and get right to the good stuff.

You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post , but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.

Step By Step Instructions

1

Boil the Pasta

Alright, first things first—bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I’m using spiral, but shells or bowtie are totally perfect here too. Cook it to al dente—so it still has a little bite—then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set that aside.

A close-up of cooked rotini pasta draining in a metal colander, ready to be tossed into a delicious Tuna Pasta Salad. The spiral-shaped noodles fill the colander atop a white marble countertop. - 9

2

Mix the Good Stuff

In a large bowl, add one can of drained tuna—I like white meat if you can find it. Then toss in 1 cup of sweet corn, 2 diced celery stalks for crunch, and 4 green onions, thinly sliced for a bit of zip.

A white bowl contains a mixture of chopped green onions, corn, and chunks of tuna, resembling a fresh Tuna Pasta Salad, with a white spoon featuring a wooden handle resting inside. - 10

3

Whisk the Dressing

Now for the creamy magic—whisk together ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper. This is what pulls the whole thing together.

Split image: Left side shows a bowl with mayonnaise, honey, and mustard. Right side displays these ingredients mixed into a creamy sauce—perfect for Tuna Pasta Salad. A whisk is partly visible in the top right corner. - 11

4

Bring It All Together

Add the cooled pasta to your bowl of tuna and veggies, then pour that creamy dressing right over the top. Gently toss everything together until it’s all coated and looking amazing.

A white bowl filled with Tuna Pasta Salad—rotini pasta, corn, green onions, and tuna—topped with a dollop of creamy white sauce, with a spoon resting in the mixture. - 12

5

Serve and Garnish

Pop a lid or some plastic wrap over the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This gives the flavors a chance to hang out and get even better.

Before serving, give it a quick stir and top with a handful of chopped fresh herbs—parsley or dill are super fresh and bright. And that’s it!

A bowl of Tuna Pasta Salad made with rotini, tuna, corn, green onions, and a creamy dressing. A spoon with a wooden handle rests in the bowl, ready for serving this flavorful dish. - 13

More Patsta Salads To Try

  • Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad
  • Best Ever Easy Pasta Salad
  • Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Rate This Recipe

A close-up of a Tuna Pasta Salad featuring rotini mixed with corn, tuna, and chopped greens, with a gold fork placed on the side. - 14

Ingredients

  • ▢ 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne work well)
  • ▢ 1 can tuna (drained)
  • ▢ 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • ▢ 2 stalks celery (diced)
  • ▢ 4 scallions (thinly sliced)
  • ▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
  • ▢ 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ▢ Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ▢ chopped fresh herbs ((such as parsley or dill) for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, corn kernels, diced celery, and sliced scallions.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna, corn, celery, and scallions. Pour the sour cream and mayo mixture over the pasta and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If desired, you can add more sour cream or mayo for a creamier texture.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips

Tips for Success

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

Can I make tuna pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors blend beautifully. Just give it a stir before serving and adjust the creaminess if needed.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short-cut pasta with curves or nooks is best—think rotini, shells, or bowties. They hold onto the creamy dressing like little flavor scoops.

Is canned tuna healthy?

Canned tuna is a great source of lean protein and omega-3s. Go for tuna packed in water for a lighter option, or in olive oil for more richness.

Can I use yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great swap if you want a lighter version. It gives a similar creaminess with more protein and a little tang.

What other mix-ins can I add?

Try diced red bell peppers, shredded carrots, peas, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs. You can also stir in a little shredded cheddar for a twist!

How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?

Pasta absorbs moisture over time, so add a splash of lemon juice, milk, or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream before serving if it looks dry.

Is it safe to leave out at a picnic?

Keep it chilled in a cooler or over ice if you’re serving outdoors. Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to stay food-safe.

A close-up of a Tuna Pasta Salad featuring rotini mixed with corn, tuna, and chopped greens, with a gold fork placed on the side. - 15

Tuna Pasta Salad

Ingredients

  • 8 ounces pasta rotini or penne work well
  • 1 can tuna drained
  • 1 cup corn kernels fresh or canned
  • 2 stalks celery diced
  • 4 scallions thinly sliced
  • 1/2 cup sour cream
  • 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • Salt and pepper to taste
  • chopped fresh herbs (such as parsley or dill) for garnish

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, corn kernels, diced celery, and sliced scallions.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna, corn, celery, and scallions. Pour the sour cream and mayo mixture over the pasta and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If desired, you can add more sour cream or mayo for a creamier texture.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Notes

Tips for Success

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

Thank you for visiting Erren’s Kitchen!

A close-up of a creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, corn, and herbs. Text reads: “Easy and Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad.” A fork is beside the vibrant salad. - 16 Collage of Tuna Pasta Salad with fusilli, corn, and herbs. Top shows a close-up; bottom left features mixing ingredients; bottom right displays the finished salad. In the center, text reads: “Erren’s Kitchen Easy and Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad.”. - 17

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tuna-Pasta-Salad-2-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A close-up of a creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini, corn, celery, and parsley in a bowl and on a spoon. Text reads “Tuna Pasta Salad Easy & Delicious” and “Erren’s Kitchen. - 18”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tuna-Pasta-Salad-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A bowl of Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, corn, green onions, and tuna tossed in a creamy dressing. The image is labeled “Tuna Pasta Salad” with errenskitchen.com at the bottom. - 19”>

<img loading=“lazy” src=“https://www.errenskitchen.com/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Tuna-Pasta-Salad-1-683x1024.jpg" onerror=“this.onerror=null;this.src=‘https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/a/AVvXsEhe7F7TRXHtjiKvHb5vS7DmnxvpHiDyoYyYvm1nHB3Qp2_w3BnM6A2eq4v7FYxCC9bfZt3a9vIMtAYEKUiaDQbHMg-ViyGmRIj39MLp0bGFfgfYw1Dc9q_H-T0wiTm3l0Uq42dETrN9eC8aGJ9_IORZsxST1AcLR7np1koOfcc7tnHa4S8Mwz_xD9d0=s16000';" alt=“A close-up of Tuna Pasta Salad with rotini pasta, tuna, corn, and fresh herbs on a white plate beside a gold fork. The text reads: “Tuna Pasta Salad” and “www.errenskitchen.com. - 20”>

A close-up of a Tuna Pasta Salad featuring rotini mixed with corn, tuna, and chopped greens, with a gold fork placed on the side. - 21

in this article:

  • Tips for Success
  • Storage & Freezing Instructions FAQs

This Tuna Pasta Salad recipe makes a simple and delicious dish you can whip up quickly! It’s perfect for picnics and potlucks.

Know Before You Scroll

Easy and Delicious Tuna Pasta Salad - 22

Flavor Profile

Creamy, tangy, and totally fresh with bright lemon, sweet corn, crisp celery, and a subtle savory kick from tuna and green onion. It’s like summer in a bowl.

What You’ll Need

Pasta, canned tuna, corn kernels, celery, green onions, sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, salt, pepper, fresh herbs.

Difficulty Level

Easy. It’s a chop-and-stir kind of deal, with zero cooking stress—just boil, mix, chill, done.

Equipment Needed

Medium pot, colander, large mixing bowl, small bowl, whisk, knife, cutting board, spoon or spatula.

Top Tip

Rinse that pasta with cold water after cooking! It stops the cooking process and keeps things light and springy instead of sticky.

Time-Saving Tips

Use pre-cooked pasta and bagged chopped celery or green onions to cut down prep time big time.

Ingredient Swaps

No sour cream? Greek yogurt works great. No fresh herbs? Try a pinch of dried dill or parsley.

A close-up of a spoonful of creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with corn, chopped celery, and parsley, held above a bowl of the same salad, beautifully garnished with lemon slices. - 23

When I first shared this tuna pasta salad back in 2015, it was all about those simple, nostalgic flavors we grew up with. But I knew I could make it even better. I tested, tasted, and tweaked until I found that perfect balance — a little brightness from fresh lemon, crunchy bites of celery, sweet pops of corn, and a creamy, tangy dressing that ties it all together. The result? A fresh but familiar favorite that’s earned every one of its 5-star reviews.

Today, I’m refreshing this post. It’s the same delicious recipe, just cleaned up to make it easier for you to find what you need and get right to the good stuff.

You can find the full, printable recipe at the top of this post , but you can read the detailed instructions with photos for each step below.

Step By Step Instructions

1

Boil the Pasta

Alright, first things first—bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook 8 ounces of your favorite pasta. I’m using spiral, but shells or bowtie are totally perfect here too. Cook it to al dente—so it still has a little bite—then drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking. Set that aside.

A close-up of cooked rotini pasta draining in a metal colander, ready to be tossed into a delicious Tuna Pasta Salad. The spiral-shaped noodles fill the colander atop a white marble countertop. - 24

2

Mix the Good Stuff

In a large bowl, add one can of drained tuna—I like white meat if you can find it. Then toss in 1 cup of sweet corn, 2 diced celery stalks for crunch, and 4 green onions, thinly sliced for a bit of zip.

A white bowl contains a mixture of chopped green onions, corn, and chunks of tuna, resembling a fresh Tuna Pasta Salad, with a white spoon featuring a wooden handle resting inside. - 25

3

Whisk the Dressing

Now for the creamy magic—whisk together ½ cup sour cream, ¼ cup mayo, 2 tablespoons lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard. Give it a taste and season with salt and pepper. This is what pulls the whole thing together.

Split image: Left side shows a bowl with mayonnaise, honey, and mustard. Right side displays these ingredients mixed into a creamy sauce—perfect for Tuna Pasta Salad. A whisk is partly visible in the top right corner. - 26

4

Bring It All Together

Add the cooled pasta to your bowl of tuna and veggies, then pour that creamy dressing right over the top. Gently toss everything together until it’s all coated and looking amazing.

A white bowl filled with Tuna Pasta Salad—rotini pasta, corn, green onions, and tuna—topped with a dollop of creamy white sauce, with a spoon resting in the mixture. - 27

5

Serve and Garnish

Pop a lid or some plastic wrap over the bowl and let it chill in the fridge for at least an hour. This gives the flavors a chance to hang out and get even better.

Before serving, give it a quick stir and top with a handful of chopped fresh herbs—parsley or dill are super fresh and bright. And that’s it!

A bowl of Tuna Pasta Salad made with rotini, tuna, corn, green onions, and a creamy dressing. A spoon with a wooden handle rests in the bowl, ready for serving this flavorful dish. - 28

More Patsta Salads To Try

  • Bacon And Asparagus Pasta Salad
  • Best Ever Easy Pasta Salad
  • Pesto Pasta Salad with Chicken

Rate This Recipe

A close-up of a Tuna Pasta Salad featuring rotini mixed with corn, tuna, and chopped greens, with a gold fork placed on the side. - 29

Ingredients

  • ▢ 8 ounces pasta (rotini or penne work well)
  • ▢ 1 can tuna (drained)
  • ▢ 1 cup corn kernels (fresh or canned)
  • ▢ 2 stalks celery (diced)
  • ▢ 4 scallions (thinly sliced)
  • ▢ 1/2 cup sour cream
  • ▢ 1/4 cup mayonnaise
  • ▢ 2 tablespoons lemon juice
  • ▢ 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
  • ▢ Salt and pepper (to taste)
  • ▢ chopped fresh herbs ((such as parsley or dill) for garnish)

Instructions

  • Cook the pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
  • In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, corn kernels, diced celery, and sliced scallions.
  • In a separate small bowl, whisk together the sour cream, mayonnaise, lemon juice, and Dijon mustard until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
  • Add the cooked and cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna, corn, celery, and scallions. Pour the sour cream and mayo mixture over the pasta and gently toss until all the ingredients are well coated.
  • Taste and adjust the seasoning if needed. If desired, you can add more sour cream or mayo for a creamier texture.
  • Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
  • Before serving, give the pasta salad a good stir and garnish with chopped fresh herbs, if desired.

Tips

Tips for Success

Storage & Freezing Instructions

Nutrition

Can I make tuna pasta salad ahead of time?

Yes! In fact, it’s even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours. The flavors blend beautifully. Just give it a stir before serving and adjust the creaminess if needed.

What kind of pasta works best?

Short-cut pasta with curves or nooks is best—think rotini, shells, or bowties. They hold onto the creamy dressing like little flavor scoops.

Is canned tuna healthy?

Canned tuna is a great source of lean protein and omega-3s. Go for tuna packed in water for a lighter option, or in olive oil for more richness.

Can I use yogurt instead of mayo or sour cream?

Yes! Greek yogurt is a great swap if you want a lighter version. It gives a similar creaminess with more protein and a little tang.

What other mix-ins can I add?

Try diced red bell peppers, shredded carrots, peas, or even chopped hard-boiled eggs. You can also stir in a little shredded cheddar for a twist!

How do I keep the pasta salad from drying out?

Pasta absorbs moisture over time, so add a splash of lemon juice, milk, or a spoonful of mayo or sour cream before serving if it looks dry.

Is it safe to leave out at a picnic?

Keep it chilled in a cooler or over ice if you’re serving outdoors. Don’t leave it out for more than 2 hours to stay food-safe.