Recipes | Budget meals | Family meals | tuna
Tuna Pasta Salad – Quick & Budget-Friendly Summer Meal
This quick and easy tuna pasta salad is a perfect budget-friendly meal made with simple pantry staples. It’s creamy, light, and full of flavours from sweetcorn and red bell pepper. Ready in just 20 minutes.
This family-friendly recipe is great for busy weeknight dinners, packed lunches, or even a summer picnic.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & ready in 15 minutes – perfect for busy days
- Light, creamy, and budget-friendly with pantry staples
- Great for meal prep or picnics
- Family-friendly & full of Mediterranean flavours
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: 4 portions
Tuna Pasta Salad Ingredients
- 250 g pasta (fusilli or penne)
- 1 tin of tuna (in oil or brine, drained)
- 100 g sweetcorn (canned or frozen, drained)
- 1 small red onion, finely chopped
- 1 small red pepper, diced
- 3–4 tablespoons mayonnaise (or natural yoghurt for lighter version)
- Salt & pepper, to taste
- Fresh parsley or chives, for garnish
Tuna Pasta Salad Instructions
- Cook pasta according to package instructions, drain, and cool slightly.
- In a large bowl, combine tuna, sweetcorn, onion, and pepper.
- Add cooled pasta and mix in mayonnaise. Season with salt and pepper.
- Garnish with fresh parsley or chives before serving.
Tip: Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavour. Perfect for lunchboxes or picnics!
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 days (best eaten cold)
- Freezer: Not recommended – pasta may turn watery after thawing
- Make-Ahead: Chill for 30 minutes before serving for the best flavour – perfect for picnics or packed lunches!
If you love quick summer meals, try my Crispy Zucchini Fritters too.
