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Protein-rich, creamy, filling pasta salad
In season: Spring · Summer · Autumn · Winter
CALORIES
GI
POTASSIUM
FIBER
1 cup (medium) of Tuna creamy pasta salad (220 g) has 436 calories. That works out to 198 calories per 100 g. It contains 40.5 g of carbs, 19.1 g of protein, 21.6 g of fat and 2.9 g of fiber. Its 2 µg of B12 covers 83% of the Daily Value. Its glycemic index is 48 (low), so it raises blood sugar slowly.
Tuna creamy pasta salad brings cooked pasta together with tuna and a rich, creamy dressing, often mayonnaise-based. It is a familiar variation on pasta salad rather than a dish tied to one specific place, and recipes may add vegetables, herbs or a little acidity for balance.
Served chilled, it is a convenient lunch or side for picnics, potlucks and warm-weather meals in many parts of the world. The pasta is soft and filling, while tuna gives the creamy dressing a savoury contrast. It provides protein as well as carbohydrates, making it more substantial than a simple leafy salad. For a lighter version, use less mayonnaise or replace some of it with plain yogurt, and add crisp vegetables for freshness.
Selected: 100 g
198
KCAL / 100G
Carbs
18.4g
· 7% DV
Protein
8.7g
· 17% DV
Fat
9.8g
· 13% DV
Fiber
1.3g
· 5% DV
DV is the share of the daily value covered, on a 2,000 kcal reference diet.
Calories come from: Carbs 37% · Protein 18% · Fat 45%
Vitamins
B12
0.9µg · 38% DV
B3
2.4mg · 15% DV
Vitamin K
18µg · 15% DV
B6
0.12mg · 7% DV
Minerals
Selenium
18µg · 33% DV
Phosphorus
108mg · 15% DV
Sodium
320mg · 14% DV
Zinc
1mg · 9% DV
Medium
How many vitamins, minerals and how much fiber this food carries per calorie. A high score means a lot of nutrition for few calories.
Medium
An EatBetter score computed from fiber, protein and calorie density. A high score means staying full longer on the same calories.
Both scores are calculated per 100 g and do not change with the selected portion. The satiety score is EatBetter's own calculation, not a clinical measure.
GLYCEMIC INDEX
GLYCEMIC LOAD
Accounts for portion size — a more realistic measure than GI alone.
To burn the 198 calories in 100 g:
🚶
Walking (5 km/h)
🏃
Running (8 km/h)
🚴
Cycling
🏊
Swimming
Times are calculated with the MET equation for a 70 kg adult. Actual burn varies with your weight, age and pace.
NOVA 3
Processed
1. Unprocessed
2. Minimally Processed
3. Processed
4. Ultra-Processed
NOVA classifies foods into 4 groups by industrial processing. NOVA 1 (unprocessed) is the healthiest.
Contains these allergens:
Vegan
— Not suitable
Vegetarian
— Not suitable
Gluten-Free
— Not suitable
Dairy-Free
— Not suitable
Mediterranean
✓ Suitable
Paleo
— Not suitable
Whole30
— Not suitable
DASH
— Not suitable
Keto
— Not suitable
Low FODMAP
— Not suitable
SATURATED
1.8g
MONOUNSATURATED
4.1g
POLYUNSATURATED
2.4g
Omega 6:3 ratio 17.5:1
Above the ideal 4:1 (17.5:1).
Sweetcorn, peas, finely chopped celery, bell pepper and spring onions all work well in tuna creamy pasta salad. Choose additions that stay crisp and drain watery vegetables first so they do not thin the dressing.
To keep tuna creamy pasta salad from drying out, cook the pasta just until tender and coat it evenly with dressing after it cools. Chilling thickens the sauce, so stir in a little extra dressing before serving if needed.
Tuna creamy pasta salad is usually served cold or chilled, rather than hot. Cooling the pasta before mixing helps the creamy dressing cling to it, and a short rest in the refrigerator lets the flavors come together.
Yes, you can make tuna creamy pasta salad without mayonnaise by using thick plain yogurt, or a yogurt-and-lemon dressing. The result tastes tangier and is less rich; add the dressing gradually to keep the salad from becoming runny.
Canned tuna works best for tuna creamy pasta salad because it is easy to flake and mix through the pasta. Tuna packed in oil gives a richer result, while tuna packed in water has a milder finish; drain either one well.
Keep tuna creamy pasta salad from getting soggy by draining the pasta thoroughly, cooling it before dressing, and removing excess liquid from add-ins such as pickles or canned vegetables. Add delicate or watery ingredients close to serving.
No, freezing tuna creamy pasta salad is usually a poor choice. The pasta can turn soft after thawing, and a mayonnaise- or yogurt-based dressing may separate; make a fresh batch or refrigerate leftovers instead.
Tuna creamy pasta salad keeps for a few days when promptly refrigerated in a sealed container. Discard it if it has sat out for an extended time or develops an unusual smell, appearance or texture.
Serve tuna creamy pasta salad with a crisp green salad, sliced tomatoes or a light vegetable soup. These fresh sides balance its creamy texture without making the meal feel as heavy as another rich side dish would.
Yes, tuna creamy pasta salad can be packed for lunch if it stays cold until you eat it. Use an insulated lunch bag with an ice pack, and keep the container refrigerated when one is available.
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Nutrition data compiled from USDA FoodData Central and scientific sources.