Basic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Tuna Pasta Salad has been a type of go-to recipes I’ve been making for what appears like ceaselessly. It’s easy, satisfying, and simply hits the spot—particularly on busy days once you need one thing fast however nonetheless home made. I really like how all the things comes collectively in a single bowl with pantry staples and some contemporary substances for good measure.

A bowl of tuna pasta salad on a wooden surface.

This model has all the good things: tender elbow macaroni, flaky tuna, crisp celery, candy peas, and a zippy dill pickle twist. The creamy dressing has a bit kick from Dijon and lemon juice to maintain issues shiny and balanced. It’s a type of salads that one way or the other tastes even higher after chilling within the fridge, making it excellent for meal prep or a make-ahead lunch.

Whether or not you’re packing it for a picnic, BBQ, serving it at a potluck, or simply want one thing simple to get you thru the week, this creamy Tuna Pasta Salad checks all of the packing containers. It’s consolation meals with a contemporary twist—and I do know you’re going to like it.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Fast and straightforward: You possibly can have this salad prepared in about half-hour, and a lot of the substances are probably already in your kitchen.
Good for make-ahead meals: It tastes even higher after a while within the fridge, so it’s nice for meal prep, potlucks, or weekday lunches.
Creamy and flavorful: The dressing is tangy, garlicky, and creamy with out being heavy. It ties all the things collectively fantastically.
Nice use of pantry staples: Canned tuna, frozen peas, and pasta are budget-friendly and at all times helpful to have round.
A contemporary twist on a traditional: With chopped dill pickles and contemporary dill, this model has an herby, zippy chunk that makes it further tasty.
Crowd-pleaser: Whether or not you’re serving it to choosy eaters or tuna lovers, this dish tends to vanish quick!

Components

The total printable recipe card with measurements and directions is discovered on the backside of the submit.

Elbow macaroni: A traditional alternative that holds onto the creamy dressing nicely. You possibly can swap in shells or rotini if that’s what you have got.
Canned tuna in water: I like utilizing chunk mild tuna for a flakier texture. You should definitely drain it nicely so your salad doesn’t get watery.
Frozen peas: Simply thaw them earlier than tossing in. No have to cook dinner—it’s simple and provides a contact of sweetness.
Celery: Be sure it’s finely chopped so it blends in properly with the pasta.
Pink onion: If uncooked onion is simply too sturdy for you, soak it in chilly water for 10 minutes first.
Dill pickle: Use your favourite form—garlic dills work nice!
Recent dill: In case you don’t have contemporary, you need to use dried, however minimize the quantity in half.

For the Dressing:

Mayonnaise: Use full-fat for the richest taste, or swap in some Greek yogurt for a lighter model. I want Hellmann’s mayo.
Lemon juice: Recent is greatest should you’ve obtained it!
Dijon mustard: In case you’re not a Dijon fan, common yellow mustard will nonetheless do the trick.
Garlic powder: Provides it a delicate garlicky taste with out overpowering the dish.
Salt and black pepper: Season to style as soon as all the things is combined. Don’t skip this step—it actually brings all of the flavors collectively.

How one can Make Tuna Pasta Salad

Step One: Prepare dinner the macaroni in keeping with the package deal instructions. Drain and rinse with chilly water. Put aside to chill.
Step Two: In a small bowl, whisk collectively the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.

Collage of mixing ingredients in a bowl.

Step Three: In a big bowl, toss collectively the macaroni, tuna, peas, celery, onion, pickles, and contemporary dill.
Step 4: Pour the dressing over the salad and stir till all the things is evenly coated.
Step 5: Cowl and refrigerate for a minimum of half-hour to let the flavors meld. Stir it earlier than serving and alter the seasoning if wanted.

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What to Serve With It

Tuna Macaroni Salad is hearty sufficient to take pleasure in by itself, nevertheless it additionally pairs nicely with all types of sides should you’re serving it as a part of a much bigger meal. Listed below are some tasty concepts:

Recent fruit: A bowl of juicy watermelon, grapes, or a easy fruit salad provides a candy, refreshing distinction.
Inexperienced salad: Maintain it mild and crisp with a fundamental tossed salad or a easy arugula combine with lemon French dressing.
Soup: Pair it with a bowl of tomato soup or veggie-packed minestrone for a comforting lunch combo.
Veggie sticks and dip: Carrots, cucumber, and bell peppers with hummus or ranch make a straightforward, crunchy facet.
Deviled eggs: In case you’re bringing this to a potluck or picnic, deviled eggs are a traditional pairing.

It additionally makes an awesome facet for grilled meats, burgers, or perhaps a yard barbecue unfold!

Variations and Substitutions

Use a unique pasta: Rotini, penne, shells, or bowtie pasta all work simply as nicely. Use no matter you have got readily available.
Swap the tuna: Not a tuna fan? Attempt canned salmon, shredded rotisserie rooster, hard-boiled eggs, and even chickpeas for a vegetarian possibility.
Add some cheese: A handful of shredded cheddar or crumbled feta provides a creamy, salty chunk.
Combine in further veggies: Attempt chopped crimson bell peppers, shredded carrots, or diced cucumber for further colour and crunch.
Make it a bit spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne, a touch of sizzling sauce, or chopped jalapeños should you like a bit warmth.
Lighten it up: Swap some or the entire mayo with plain Greek yogurt or a light-weight mayo different.
High it with contemporary herbs: A sprinkle of contemporary parsley, chives, and even basil makes a stunning garnish and provides a burst of contemporary taste proper earlier than serving.
Attempt a unique pickle: Candy pickles or bread-and-butter pickles give a unique taste twist should you’re not into dill.

The recipe in a bowl with a wooden spoon.

Storage Directions

Retailer any leftover Tuna Pasta Salad in an hermetic container within the fridge for as much as 3 days. Give it a superb stir earlier than serving once more, because the dressing can settle a bit. If it appears a bit dry after sitting, simply combine in a spoonful of mayo or a splash of lemon juice to freshen it up.

This salad is greatest loved chilly, straight from the fridge. I don’t suggest freezing it—the mayo-based dressing doesn’t maintain up nicely, and the feel of the pasta can get a bit mushy as soon as thawed.

Recipe Ideas and Methods

Don’t overcook the pasta: Boil it simply till al dente so it holds up nicely when combined with the dressing and doesn’t flip mushy.
Rinse the pasta with chilly water: This stops the cooking course of and helps maintain the salad good and funky.
Drain the tuna nicely: Extra water from the cans can water down the dressing, so give the tuna a superb squeeze if wanted.
Chop all the things small: Smaller items imply you get a bit little bit of all the things in each chunk, and it simply makes the salad simpler to eat.
Make it forward: This salad tastes even higher after it’s had time to sit back. Letting it sit for a minimum of half-hour actually helps the flavors come collectively.
Style earlier than serving: Give it one final stir and a fast style take a look at earlier than serving. You would possibly wish to add a pinch extra salt, pepper, or lemon juice.

Pasta Salad Recipes

You’ll additionally like this Tuna Salad.

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Tuna Pasta Salad

Created by Stacie Vaughan

Prep Time 10 minutes

Prepare dinner Time 10 minutes

Chill Time 30 minutes

Whole Time 50 minutes

This traditional creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is full of tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp veggies, and a tangy home made dressing. Good for picnics, potlucks, or simple lunches!

Prepare dinner the macaroni in keeping with the package deal instructions. Drain and rinse with chilly water. Put aside to chill.
In a small bowl, whisk collectively the mayonnaise, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, garlic powder, salt, and pepper.
In a big bowl, combine the macaroni, tuna, peas, celery, onion, pickles, and contemporary dill.
Pour the dressing over the salad and stir till all the things is evenly coated.
Cowl and refrigerate for a minimum of half-hour to let the flavors meld. Stir it earlier than serving and alter the seasoning if wanted.

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The knowledge proven is an estimate offered by an internet vitamin calculator. It shouldn’t be thought of an alternative choice to knowledgeable nutritionist’s recommendation.

Course Salad

Delicacies American

Key phrase pasta salad, tuna

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Basic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Why You’ll Love This Recipe