The BEST Tuna Pasta Salad With Eggs + Extra Protein!

by Alex Turnbull, RDN, LD | Aug 14, 2025

Growing up, my mom’s tuna pasta salad with eggs was a staple in our house. My mom would make it for every cabin weekend, and we still ask for it to this day as adults.

Over the years, I’ve added a few nutritional boosts, like extra protein and fiber, to make it even more filling and nutrient-packed, but it’s still the same beloved recipe I remember as a kid.

Whether it’s for a weekend getaway or a busy weekday lunch, this tuna pasta salad with eggs is always a hit.

Table of Contents

Ingredients:

Pasta: We love Goodles Loopdy Loos (because they’re fun and full of extra nutrients like fiber and protein), but you can use any pasta shape you like. Rings work great, too!
Canned Tuna: Go for light tuna to reduce mercury levels.
Celery: diced
Onion: finely diced, but if you have any onion haters – you can omit.
Hard boiled eggs: I love to grate them with a cheese grater, otherwise you can use a gridded cooling rack to push them through, or simply an egg slicer.
Mayo: there are many other alternatives, but I’ve found straight up may is the best. For this recipe, you’ll find you may need to add more mayo as the pasta sits in the fridge.
Edamame: This kind of gives it a “green pea” like option, but with more protein and fiber.
Salt and pepper: No specific measurements here – just what you prefer.

How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad with Eggs

Cook the Pasta: Start by boiling the pasta according to the package instructions. Drain and set aside to cool. Avoid overcooking the pasta or you’ll end up with tuna pasta salad mush.

Prepare the Veggies: Finely dice the celery and onion. If you’re adding edamame, make sure to thaw it if it’s frozen.

Grate the Eggs: Use a cheese grater, cooling rack with a grid, or an egg slicer to grate the hard boiled eggs into small pieces.

Combine Everything: In a large bowl, mix the cooled pasta with the tuna, celery, onion, edamame, and grated eggs. Growing up we used empty gallon ice cream buckets to store my mom’s tuna pasta salad with eggs once it was completely mixed.

Add Mayo: Start by mixing in 1 cup of mayo. Stir and add more to adjust the texture until it’s just right for you. You may need to add more after the tuna salad sits in the fridge, as the pasta will soak up some of the moisture from the mayo.

Season: Taste and season with salt and pepper as needed.

Chill: If you can, let the tuna salad chill in the fridge for at least an hour to let the flavors meld. It’s even better the next day!

Selecting Tuna and Mercury Levels in Fish:

When choosing tuna for kids, infants, and pregnant women, it’s important to be mindful of mercury levels. Tuna, especially larger species like albacore, can accumulate higher mercury levels, which can pose risks to young children and pregnant women.

Tuna is a great protein option for kids that also contains omega-3 fatty acids such as DHA and EPA, so we don’t want to discourage tuna consumption, just choose options that are lower in mercury.

For a safer choice:

Opt for light tuna (skipjack) as it tends to have lower mercury levels.
Limit consumption to 2-3 servings per week for children, and avoid high-mercury fish like swordfish and king mackerel.

Modifications for Picky Eaters

Tuna salad is super versatile and can be customized to fit even the pickiest eater’s preferences. Here are some ideas to make it more appealing:

Let Them Help: One of the best ways to get kids excited about food is by letting them help in the kitchen. They may be more willing to try new ingredients if they’re involved in the process and can explore the ingredients before hand. Let them measure out the pasta, stir in the mayo, or sprinkle in the salt. The more involved they are, the more likely they are to feel invested in the final dish!
Taste Ingredients Separately: If your child is hesitant about the tuna or certain ingredients, try tasting them separately first. This helps them get a feel for what’s in the recipe before it all comes together. For example, let them try the edamame, celery, or tuna on their own to see if they like each ingredient individually. This can help reduce any fear of the unknown when everything is mixed together. If they don’t want to taste it, they can touch, squish, or even smell it to help their body learn about it first.
Handling Strong Fish Smells: I get it, fish can have a strong smell that might be off-putting for some kids, especially for kids with sensory sensitivities. Here are a few tips to make the process smoother:
- Rinse the tuna: After draining the tuna, rinse it under cold water to reduce the fishy odor.
- Use fresh herbs: Adding fresh herbs like parsley, dill, or chives can help mask the smell and add a refreshing flavor to the salad.
- Chill it: After mixing the tuna salad, chill it in the fridge for at least an hour. The cold temperature can help reduce the fishy aroma and make the salad more palatable.
Swap out the mayo: If your child isn’t a fan of mayo, try using Greek yogurt or avocado for a creamy, nutrient-packed alternative.
Skip the veggies: If celery or onions are met with resistance, you can leave them out or finely chop them to make them less noticeable. You can also add some shredded carrots for a touch of sweetness.
Flavor variations: Add some diced pickles, relish, or a sprinkle of cheese to change up the flavor and keep it interesting.
Tuna Alternatives: For picky eaters who might not love tuna, try substituting it with chicken, chickpeas, or even cooked quinoa for a plant-based option.

Nutrition Breakdown For Tuna Pasta Salad

This protein tuna salad packs in some serious nutrition, especially with a few simple tweaks:

Protein: Tuna is a great source of lean protein. By using lentil or bean-based pasta, you’re adding even more protein and fiber, which is essential for growing kids. Plus, the eggs and edamame bumps up the protein even more, this meal can easily fuel active children!
Healthy Fats: The mayo provides a creamy texture, but you can swap for Greek yogurt to reduce fat and increase protein. Healthy fats from omega-3s (found in tuna and edamame) support brain function and heart health.
Vitamins and Fiber: With the addition of celery, onion, and edamame, you’re also getting a good dose of fiber, which aids digestion and keeps kids full longer.

No Mayo Pasta Salad: Alternatives

If your family isn’t fond of mayo or you’re looking for a healthier or more allergy-friendly version, here are some great alternatives:

Greek Yogurt: High in protein and lower in fat, Greek yogurt makes a creamy, tangy substitute. It adds a good amount of protein, making the dish even more filling and nutritious.
Avocado: For a richer, buttery texture, try mashing up ripe avocado. It’s packed with healthy fats and will make the salad smooth and creamy.
Hummus: If you want a different flavor profile, hummus can be a fun, creamy swap. It’s made from chickpeas, so it adds fiber and protein, too.
Cottage Cheese: A great source of protein, cottage cheese can give the tuna salad a little extra texture while still maintaining a creamy consistency.
Pesto: For a burst of flavor, try using a spoonful of pesto. It’s fresh, flavorful, and a great way to sneak in some extra veggies, especially if it’s made with spinach or kale.

What to Serve with Tuna Salad

Tuna salad is versatile and pairs well with so many sides. Here are a few ideas to complete the meal:

Whole Grain Crackers: whole grain crackers, or whatever crackers you and your kids enjoy, are a great crunch accompaniment.
Fresh Veggies: Serve alongside a platter of sliced cucumbers, bell peppers, and cherry tomatoes for an extra boost of nutrients.
Leafy Greens: For a lighter option, serve the tuna salad on a bed of mixed greens or spinach. Try a full romaine, ice berg, or butter lettuce leaves for a “wrap” like experience.
Bread or Rolls: Use whole wheat or multigrain bread for making sandwiches, or serve it with soft dinner rolls for an easy, hearty meal.
Fruit: A side of fresh fruit, like apple slices or grapes, adds a refreshing touch to balance the savory tuna salad.
Rice Cakes: For a gluten-free alternative, serve the tuna salad with lightly salted rice cakes or gluten-free crackers.

How Long is Tuna Salad Good For?

If you have leftovers, tuna salad with eggs can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Make sure to check the salad for freshness before serving, and if it starts to look or smell off, it’s time to toss it.

Final Thoughts

This protein tuna salad is one of those family recipes that’s both comforting and nutritious, plus it’s easily customizable. Whether you serve it in a sandwich, as a side, or with crackers for a snack, it’s versatile and can be made to suit every family member’s taste. And if you’re like me, you’ll always have it ready to go for a quick meal, just don’t forget to grab the ice cream bucket!