Tasty Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
Okay, picture this: I’m It’s a sweltering summer afternoon, the kind where even the thought of turning on the oven makes you feel like you’re in heaven. I want to hide under the covers. Is it true that the family gotta eat?What is a good tuna salad recipe?Comes riding in like a culinary knight in shining armor. What is it like to have a Mediterranean vacation in tequila? Is it easier to whip up a batch of potato salad? This isn’t your grandma’s tuna noodle casserole; this is fresh, vibrant, and ready in minutes. Is it really a lifesaver? What are the hours in the kitchen? My mom made something similar when I was a kid, and it’s the taste of summer nostalgia. I’ve tweaked her recipe over the years, and this is the absolute best version.
What is a tuna salad?
Tuna pasta salad is exactly what it sounds like: a delightful combination of cooked pasta, tuna (usually canned, though you could totally use grilled tuna if you’re feeling fancy!), and a creamy, flavorful dressing. Think of it as a tuna melt sandwich, but deconstructed and served cold. It’s essentially a chilled pasta salad with tuna as the star ingredient, and you can customize it with pretty much any veggies you like. It’s super popular as a side dish at picnics and barbecues, but honestly, I love it as a light lunch or even a quick dinner on those crazy weeknights. The beauty of this dish lies in its simplicity and versatility – it’s a blank canvas for your taste buds! Plus, you can whip it up with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. No need for a frantic trip to the grocery store!
Why you’ll love this recipe?
What is the reason for this post?What is a good tuna salad recipe?is about to become your new go-to: a must-have.
- Flavor Explosion:What’s with perfectly cooked pasta, flaky tuna, a tangy, creamy dressing, and fresh herbs? What are some veggies that dance together on your palate? Is it savory, bright, and incredibly satisfying? I always add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten things up!
- Crazy Easy:If you boil water, you can make this. Is it healthier than ordering takeout?
- Budget FriendlyCan you make canned tuna? What are the other ingredients? What is the best way to feed a crowd without breaking the bank?
- Super Versatile:What are some good ways to change up the dressing? I’ve made this with dill pickles instead of sweet relish, and it was amazing! What are some of the best ways to serve it over lettuce?
What I love about this is that it’s a crowd-pleaser. What are some of the best picky eaters to try this dish? If you like simple salads, you should also check out my classic egg salad recipe. Both are amazing!
How do you make a tasty tuna salad?
Quick Overview
Making this What is a good tuna salad recipe? is a breeze! First, you’ll cook your favorite pasta until it’s perfectly al dente. While the pasta is cooking, you’ll whip up a simple, creamy dressing. Then, you’ll combine the cooked pasta, tuna, veggies, and dressing in a large bowl. Give it a good stir, chill it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld, and boom! Dinner is served. It’s so easy, it’s almost embarrassing. The real magic lies in the dressing, so don’t skimp on the ingredients! It’s what really brings everything together.
Ingredients Notes:
What is Pasta Salad?
Pasta: I usually use elbow macaroni or rotini, but you can use any small pasta shape you like. Just make sure it’s cooked al dente – no one likes mushy pasta!
Canned Tuna: I prefer tuna packed in water, but you can use tuna packed in oil if you prefer. Be sure to drain it well! I always give it a good squeeze to get rid of excess water.
Celery: Adds a nice crunch and fresh flavor. Dice it finely so it’s not too overpowering.
Red Onion: Adds a bit of zing and color. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for a few minutes to mellow out the flavor.
Sweet Relish: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang. You can also use dill relish if you prefer a more savory flavor.
Hard-Boiled Eggs: Optional, but I love the added protein and creaminess they bring.
For the Dressing:
Mayonnaise: Use your favorite brand of mayonnaise. Full-fat mayonnaise will give you the richest flavor, but you can use light mayonnaise to save on calories.
Sour Cream: Adds a bit of tang and helps to thin out the mayonnaise. You can substitute with Greek yogurt for a healthier option. I tested this with almond milk yogurt and it actually made it even creamier!
Dijon Mustard: Adds a bit of bite and complexity.
Lemon Juice: Brightens up the flavor and balances the richness of the mayonnaise.
Salt and Pepper: To taste. Don’t be afraid to season generously! I always add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little kick.
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
Bring a large pot of salted water to boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions until al dente. What is the best way to drain pasta and rinse it with cold water to stop the cooking process? You don’t want overcooked pasta. Trust me, I’ve made that mistake more times than I care to admit.
Step 2: Prep the Veggies
While the pasta is cooking, dice the celery and red onion. If you’re using hard-boiled eggs, peel and chop them as well. I like to make sure all the veggies are roughly the same size so they mix evenly throughout the salad.
Step 3: Make the Dressing
In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, sour cream, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Set aside. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. What is your chance to personalize your dressing?
Step 4: Combine Everything
In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, tuna, celery, red onion, sweet relish, and hard-boiled eggs. Serve immediately. Eggs (if using). Is dressing too thick for a spoon? Don’t overmix the tuna. Be careful not to break it up too much.
Step 5: Chill and Serve
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Before serving, give the salad another stir and add more salt and pepper if needed. Serve chilled and enjoy! It is best served after chilling.
What should I serve it with?
This What is a good tuna salad recipe?Is incredibly versatile, so you can serve it with a variety of dishes, depending on the occasion.
For Lunch: Serve it as a light and refreshing lunch with a side of crusty bread or crackers. I love spreading it on toasted baguette slices for a quick and easy appetizer.
For a Picnic:Pack it in a cooler along with some sandwiches, fruit, and drinks. What are some of the best picnic foods?
As a Side Dish:Serve it alongside grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs at your next barbecue. What is a good alternative to potato salad?
What is a quick dinner?Serve it with a side of steamed vegetables or salad to make it complete and satisfying. I’m short on time and need something quick and easy. This is my go-to.
My family loves this paired with a simple coleslaw, or even just fresh fruit. Is there any recipe that goes with everything?
How do I make a perfect tuna salad?
What is the insider secret to making the absolute best?What is a good tuna salad recipe?:
Pasta Perfection: Don’t overcook the pasta! Al dente is key for the best texture. Nobody wants mushy pasta salad. I always set a timer and check it a minute or two before the recommended cooking time.
Drain That Tuna: Make sure to drain the tuna really well. Excess water will make the salad watery and dilute the flavor. I press the tuna against the side of the can with a fork to squeeze out as much liquid as possible.
Onion Taming: If you’re not a fan of strong red onion, soak it in cold water for about 10 minutes before adding it to the salad. This will mellow out the flavor without sacrificing the crunch.
Dressing Consistency: Adjust the amount of mayonnaise and sour cream to get the dressing to your desired consistency. If you like a thinner dressing, add a little more sour cream or lemon juice. If you like a thicker dressing, add a little more mayonnaise.
Chill Out: Don’t skip the chilling time! This allows the flavors to meld together and the salad to cool down. I find that 30 minutes is the minimum, but an hour or two is even better.
Spice It Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the dressing for a little kick. This is totally optional, but I think it adds a nice depth of flavor.
Over the years I have learned to prep all the ingredients ahead of time. This makes it easy to quickly toss together the salad right before serving. It is also great to make the pasta one day and make the salad the day after.
Storing and Reheating Tips
Here’s how to keep your tasty tuna pasta salad recipe tasting its best:
Room Temperature: I don’t recommend leaving this salad at room temperature for more than two hours. Mayonnaise-based salads can spoil quickly, especially in warm weather.
Refrigerator Storage: Store the salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. The flavors will actually improve overnight, so it’s a great make-ahead dish.
Freezer Instructions: I don’t recommend freezing this salad. The mayonnaise can separate and the pasta can become mushy when thawed.
Glaze Timing Advice: Since we don’t have a glaze for this dish, you can skip this part. Just make sure to stir the salad well before serving, as the dressing may settle at the bottom.
I have tried many different storage containers and the best by far is a sealed air tight container. This will ensure the salad stays fresh!
Frequently Asked Questions
Final Thoughts
This tasty tuna pasta salad recipe is a guaranteed winner for any occasion. It’s easy to make, packed with flavor, and incredibly versatile. Whether you’re looking for a quick lunch, a side dish for a barbecue, or a simple dinner, this salad has got you covered. It’s also a great way to use up leftover cooked pasta and canned tuna. The best part? It’s totally customizable, so you can add your favorite veggies, herbs, and spices to make it your own. If you enjoyed this recipe, be sure to check out my other easy pasta salad recipes for more inspiration! Happy cooking, and I can’t wait to hear how yours turns out! Don’t forget to leave a comment and rating below, and share your own variations of this recipe. I love to see what you come up with! Happy cooking!
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Tasty Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe
IngredientsÂ
Main Ingredients
- 8 oz pasta shells small or medium-sized
- 10 oz canned tuna drained
- 1 cup mayonnaise can use light mayonnaise
- 0.5 cup red bell pepper diced
- 0.5 cup celery diced
- 0.25 cup red onion finely chopped
- 2 tbsp dill pickle relish
- 1 tbsp lemon juice freshly squeezed
- 1 tbsp fresh dill chopped
- 0.5 tsp garlic powder
- 0.5 tsp salt or to taste
- 0.25 tsp black pepper freshly ground
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Boil pasta according to package instructions until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water.
- In a large mixing bowl, combine tuna, mayonnaise, red bell pepper, celery, red onion, and dill pickle relish.
- Add lemon juice, fresh dill, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Stir to combine.
- Add the cooled pasta to the mixture and gently stir until well mixed.
- Serve immediately or refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. Garnish with extra dill if desired.
Notes
If you try this recipe, please leave a comment and rating below. I love to hear from you and always appreciate your feedback!
