Description
Tuna pasta salad is a creamy, satisfying salad made with bite-sized pasta, canned tuna, fresh vegetables, and a tangy mayonnaise-based dressing, perfect for picnics, potlucks, or as a homemade side dish. Easily paired with sandwiches, grilled proteins, or crusty bread.
Ingredients
For the Salad:
– 8 oz small shell pasta (or your favorite bite-size pasta; substitute gluten-free pasta if needed)
– 7 oz canned albacore white tuna, packed in water, drained
– 2 ribs celery, chopped
– ¼ cup red onion, chopped
– 1 cup frozen peas (add directly to the bowl without thawing)
For the Dressing:
– ½ cup mayonnaise (substitute Greek yogurt or olive oil-based dressing for vegan diets)
– ½ cup plain Greek yogurt
– Dried dill weed (to taste, optional)
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper (to taste)
Instructions
- Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and set aside to cool.
- Chop celery and red onion into small pieces. Add frozen peas directly to the bowl without thawing.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, chopped celery, red onion, frozen peas, and drained tuna.
- In a separate bowl, mix mayonnaise and Greek yogurt until smooth. Stir half of the dressing into the pasta mixture and toss gently to coat evenly. Season with salt, pepper, and dried dill to taste.
- Refrigerate the pasta salad and remaining dressing separately, covered, for at least 30 minutes. Stir in the remaining dressing just before serving.
Notes
– Use high-quality canned tuna for maximum flavor. Substitute plant-based ingredients for vegan diets.
– Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3–5 days. Avoid freezing, as this salad does not freeze well due to its fresh ingredients.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad / Side Dish
- Method: Mixing
- Cuisine: American / Comfort Food
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: ~300
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 350mg
- Fat: 15g
- Saturated Fat: 3g
- Unsaturated Fat: 10g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 25g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 15g
- Cholesterol: 20mg