A creamy and satisfying old-fashioned tuna pasta salad with a French twist, this dish brings together tender shell pasta, flaked tuna, and a blend of crisp vegetables tossed in a tangy Dijon-mayo dressing with fresh dill and herbes de Provence. It’s an elegant yet simple salad perfect for a picnic, light lunch, or casual gathering.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
French Tuna Pasta Salad offers the perfect harmony of textures and flavors—rich tuna, tender pasta, and crunchy vegetables enveloped in a velvety, herbaceous dressing. The herbes de Provence and Dijon mustard add a distinct French flair, making it more sophisticated than your average tuna salad. It’s quick to prepare, easy to make ahead, and ideal for warm weather meals or weekday lunches.
ingredients
(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)
- shell pasta
- canned tuna in water, drained and flaked
- mayonnaise
- Dijon mustard
- white wine vinegar
- herbes de Provence (or thyme)
- salt
- ground black pepper
- finely diced red onion
- diced celery
- diced red or orange bell pepper
- hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- chopped fresh dill
directions
- Cook the shell pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to halt the cooking process. Allow the pasta to cool completely.
- In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, herbes de Provence, salt, and black pepper until the dressing is smooth and emulsified.
- Add the cooled pasta, flaked tuna, diced red onion, celery, bell pepper, chopped eggs, and fresh dill to the bowl.
- Mix gently to ensure everything is evenly coated with the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least one hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
- Garnish with additional dill before serving, if desired.
Servings and timing
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Calories per Serving: 365 kcal
Variations
- Mediterranean Style: Add sliced olives, sun-dried tomatoes, or capers for a Mediterranean flair.
- Creamy Upgrade: Mix in a tablespoon of sour cream or crème fraîche for extra creaminess.
- Vegetarian Option: Replace tuna with canned chickpeas or white beans for a meat-free version.
- Low-Carb Alternative: Substitute cooked cauliflower florets for pasta to reduce carbs.
- Spicy Kick: Add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes for some heat.
storage/reheating
Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir gently before serving to redistribute the dressing. This salad is best served chilled and is not suitable for reheating due to the mayonnaise-based dressing and eggs.
FAQs
Can I make this salad a day ahead?
Yes, making it a day in advance allows the flavors to develop and blend beautifully.
What type of tuna should I use?
Use canned tuna in water for a lighter option or tuna in oil for a richer flavor.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
Yes, rotini, penne, or elbow macaroni can be substituted for shell pasta.
How can I make this dish lighter?
Use light mayonnaise or a combination of Greek yogurt and mayonnaise.
Can I omit the eggs?
Yes, the eggs can be omitted if you prefer or need an egg-free version.
What can I substitute for herbes de Provence?
Dried thyme or a mix of rosemary and oregano works well as a substitute.
Is this recipe gluten-free?
Only if you use gluten-free pasta. Standard pasta contains gluten.
Can I freeze this salad?
Freezing is not recommended as the texture of the mayonnaise and vegetables will change after thawing.
What vegetables can I add?
Cucumber, cherry tomatoes, or shredded carrots make good additions.
Is fresh dill necessary?
Fresh dill adds the best flavor, but dried dill can be used in smaller quantities if needed.
Conclusion
French Tuna Pasta Salad is a refined take on a beloved classic, bringing together the comfort of tuna salad with the aromatic elegance of French herbs and Dijon mustard. Easy to prepare, delicious cold, and full of texture and protein, it is an ideal dish for warm weather gatherings or make-ahead lunches. Whether you’re hosting a picnic or simply meal prepping for the week, this salad is sure to impress.
Print
French Tuna Pasta Salad
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 servings 1x
- Diet: Low Lactose
Description
A creamy and satisfying old-fashioned tuna pasta salad with a French twist—featuring tender pasta shells, flaked tuna, crisp veggies, dill, and a tangy Dijon-mayo dressing, perfect for a picnic or light lunch.
Ingredients
- 12 oz shell pasta
- 2 (5 oz) cans tuna in water, drained and flaked
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 tablespoon white wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon herbes de Provence (or thyme)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/2 cup finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup diced celery
- 1/2 cup diced bell pepper (red or orange)
- 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill
Instructions
- Cook pasta shells according to package directions until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water, and set aside to cool.
- In a large bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, white wine vinegar, herbes de Provence, salt, and pepper until smooth.
- Add the cooled pasta, tuna, red onion, celery, bell pepper, eggs, and dill to the bowl.
- Mix gently until everything is evenly coated in the dressing.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to enhance the flavors.
- Garnish with additional fresh dill before serving.
Notes
- Substitute Greek yogurt for mayonnaise for a lighter version.
- Use fresh lemon juice instead of vinegar for a citrusy brightness.
- Perfect served chilled with crackers or crusty bread.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Boiling
- Cuisine: French
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 cup
- Calories: 365
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 490mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 2g
- Protein: 17g
- Cholesterol: 90mg
