Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad is made without mayo, high in protein and dairy free. This tasty dish comes together in less than 20 minutes!
This post contains affiliate links. Please read our Privacy Policy HERE.

This Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad is a delicious and balanced meal filled with protein, fats and carbs.
To make this recipe, first make the homemade Dijon Balsamic Dressing. Then, mix together cooked pasta, tuna, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives and fresh basil. Pour dressing over the top and combine.
This recipe is also great for meal prep! It becomes even more flavorful as it sits in the fridge.
Double or triple the recipe for a crowd. This pasta salad is awesome for a summer BBQ!

Ingredients in Homemade Dijon Balsamic Dressing
- extra virgin olive oil - good quality olive oil is key!
- balsamic vinegar
- fresh lemon juice
- dijon mustard
- garlic powder
- salt and pepper
Ingredients in Pasta Salad
- dried farfalle pasta
- drained and flaked tuna (in water)
- halved cherry tomatoes
- chopped cucumbers
- diced red onion
- chopped kalamata olives
- fresh chopped basil or fresh chopped dill
Can I make this recipe gluten free?
Yes! Just swap out regular pasta for gluten free.
How long does tuna pasta salad last in the fridge?
Tuna pasta salad will keep well in the fridge for 3-4 days when stored in an airtight container. I love THESE containers!
Expert Tips
- Do not overcook your pasta or the salad will be mushy.
- Normally, I would never say to rinse your pasta with cold water, but it's important to do that. We aren't serving this dish hot.
- You can customize this recipe as you please. Use whatever fresh veggies or herbs that you like. The flavor combinations are endless!
- If you don't like farfalle pasta, use your favorite pasta shape!
Healthy Tuna Pasta Salad (No Mayo)
Ingredients
Ingredients in Homemade Dijon Balsamic Dressing
- 3 tablespoons extra virgin olive oil - good quality olive oil is key!
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ½ tablespoon dijon mustard
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- salt and pepper to taste
Ingredients in Pasta Salad
- 2 cups dried farfalle pasta
- 4 oz drained and flaked tuna (in water)
- 1 cup halved cherry tomatoes
- 1 cup chopped cucumbers
- ¼ cup diced red onion
- ¼ cup chopped kalamata olives
- ¼ cup fresh chopped basil or fresh chopped dill
Instructions
- Place all the ingredients for the dressing into a small jar. Put the lid on and shake until combined. Set aside.
- Cook the pasta, drain pasta and rinse with cold water.
- Add the cooked pasta to a bowl with tuna, tomatoes, cucumbers, red onion, olives and fresh basil. Pour the dressing over the mixture, combine and enjoy!
This nutrition information is an estimate and should not be taken as fact. The owner of this website is not liable for this estimation.
Ryan
So light and yummy!!
Success!! - Krista <3
Hannah
Absolutely delicious, I doubled the recipe and served it warm with a little bit of melted Violife feta. Galentines was a complete success thanks to this dish. Perfect Krista thank you!
Ahhh! I love that idea! So honored my dish was featured for Galentine's Day. 🙂 - Krista <3
Gabi
Loved it!
Super light, healthy and easy!
I doubled it and have plenty now for leftovers. The dressing was very citrusy and light just the way I like it! 🙂
Thank you for your kind comment and rating, Gabi! 🙂 So happy you enjoyed the pasta salad and found it easy to make. - Krista <3
Elizabeth
Never been a tuna pasta salad person. I am that person now lol. So quick, so easy, delicious, and filling.
Thank you, Elizabeth! 🙂
Deanna
The perfect summer pasta salad recipe is right here. Who needs Mayo?! So light and delicious without.
Yes! It's one of my favorite summer recipes as well. 🙂
Alene
Perfect! I haven't made a pasta salad in ages, so retro! But this was so easy and light and tasty! Works for a fast lunch or a light summertime dinner. Thank you!
So glad you enjoyed! 🙂