Description
This Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a delicious and easy-to-make dish combining tender pasta, flaky tuna, crisp vegetables, and a flavorful creamy dressing. Perfect for potlucks, picnics, or a quick meal, it’s a refreshing and satisfying salad that delivers a perfect blend of textures and flavors.
Ingredients
Scale
Pasta
- 1 pound elbow macaroni or shell pasta
Salad Mix
- 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
- 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
- 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
Dressing
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
- 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process. Set aside.
- Combine salad ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, thawed peas, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
- Prepare the dressing: In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your dressing.
- Mix salad and dressing: Pour the dressing over the tuna and vegetable mixture. Mix gently until everything is evenly coated.
- Incorporate pasta: Fold in the cooled, drained pasta until fully incorporated.
- Chill: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Notes
- Use al dente pasta to avoid mushy salad texture.
- Rinsing pasta with cold water stops cooking and cools it for salad use.
- Mayonnaise alternatives can be used for a lighter version.
- Refrigeration time enhances flavor melding and texture.
- Can be customized by adding chopped hard-boiled eggs or fresh herbs.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Salad
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: American
Keywords: tuna pasta salad, creamy tuna salad, classic tuna salad, easy pasta salad, picnic recipes, summer salad
