Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Tuna pasta salad is a quick and satisfying dish perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining tender pasta, flaky tuna, and crisp vegetables with a creamy dressing, it’s a refreshing meal that’s easy to prepare ahead.

Ingredients

• 8 ounces small shells pasta (or your favorite bite-size pasta)
• 7 ounces canned albacore white tuna, packed in water, drained
• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Dried dill weed, to taste (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Cook the pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine the chopped red onion, celery, frozen peas, cooked pasta, and drained tuna.
3. Step 3: In a separate bowl, mix together the mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth.
4. Step 4: Stir half of the dressing into the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Season with salt, black pepper, and dried dill if using, adjusting to taste.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the pasta and the remaining dressing separately for 30 minutes. Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped cucumber or bell peppers.
• Use flavored mayonnaise, like garlic or chipotle, for a twist on the dressing.
• Swap Greek yogurt for sour cream or use all mayonnaise for a richer taste.
• Fresh dill can replace dried dill for a brighter herb flavor.

Storage

Store the tuna pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. Keep the dressing separate if possible to preserve freshness. Reheat is not recommended; serve chilled or at room temperature.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use other types of tuna?

Yes, you can use chunk light tuna or yellowfin tuna, but albacore has a milder flavor that works best for this salad.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad before serving?

Refrigerating the salad allows the flavors to meld and improves texture, but if you’re short on time, you can serve it immediately after mixing.

Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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A light and refreshing Tuna Pasta Salad combining tender shell pasta, protein-rich albacore tuna, crisp celery, sweet peas, and a creamy dressing made with mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic side.

• Author: Rico
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 10 minutes
• Total Time: 40 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

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Pasta and Tuna

• 8 ounces small shell pasta (or your favorite bite-size pasta)
• 7 ounces canned albacore white tuna, packed in water, drained

Vegetables

• 2 ribs celery, chopped
• 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
• 1 cup frozen peas

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
• Dried dill weed, to taste (optional)
• Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the small shell pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Drain well and set aside to cool slightly.
2. Combine salad ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, combine the chopped red onion, chopped celery, frozen peas, cooked pasta, and drained tuna. Mix gently to distribute evenly.
3. Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt until smooth and well blended.
4. Toss pasta with dressing: Pour half of the dressing into the pasta mixture and toss thoroughly to coat all ingredients evenly. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried dill weed to taste.
5. Chill and serve: Cover the pasta salad and the remaining dressing separately and refrigerate both for 30 minutes. Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing for extra creaminess and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use bite-sized pasta such as shells, elbows, or rotini for easy eating.
• Frozen peas can be thawed quickly by rinsing under warm water.
• Adjust mayonnaise and yogurt ratio depending on your preferred creaminess and tartness.
• Adding fresh lemon juice can brighten the flavor.
• This salad can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

Keywords: tuna pasta salad, albacore tuna recipe, easy pasta salad, healthy lunch, creamy tuna salad