Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Tuna pasta salad is a quick and satisfying dish that’s perfect for lunch or a light dinner. Combining tender pasta, flaky tuna, and crisp vegetables with a creamy dressing, it’s a crowd-pleaser that comes together in minutes.

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 the 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, pepper, and dried dill if using.
5. Step 5: Cover and refrigerate the pasta and the remaining dressing separately for 30 minutes.
6. Step 6: Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing and serve immediately for a fresh, creamy texture.

Tips & Variations

• Use tuna packed in olive oil for a richer flavor, or swap frozen peas for fresh peas when in season.
• Add chopped hard-boiled eggs or diced cucumbers for extra texture and nutrition.
• For a lighter version, use all plain Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise.

Storage

Store any leftover tuna pasta salad in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days. If the salad thickens after chilling, stir in a little extra yogurt or mayonnaise before serving. For best texture, avoid freezing.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shapes like rotini, macaroni, or bow ties work well in this salad.

Is it necessary to refrigerate the salad before serving?

Refrigerating allows the flavors to meld and the salad to chill, which enhances the taste and texture, but it can be served immediately if needed.

Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.5 from 64 reviews

This Tuna Pasta Salad is a refreshing, protein-packed dish combining al dente pasta shells with flaky albacore tuna, crisp celery, sweet peas, and a creamy, tangy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. Perfect for a quick lunch or a light dinner, it’s easy to prepare and can be served immediately or chilled for enhanced flavor.

• Author: lea
• 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 shells 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 Pasta: Cook the small shells pasta according to the package instructions until al dente. Once cooked, drain the pasta thoroughly to prevent excess moisture in the salad.
2. Combine Ingredients: In a large mixing bowl, add the chopped red onion, chopped celery, frozen peas, cooked pasta, and the drained albacore tuna, breaking up the tuna into bite-sized pieces as you mix.
3. Prepare Dressing: In a separate smaller bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt until smoothly combined. This creates a creamy and tangy dressing that balances the salad.
4. Mix Salad: Pour half of the dressing into the bowl with the pasta mixture and toss well to coat everything evenly. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried dill weed if using, adjusting to taste.
5. Chill and Serve: Cover the pasta salad and refrigerate it along with the remaining dressing separately for 30 minutes. Before serving, stir in the reserved dressing for extra creaminess. Serve immediately for a fresh, cool pasta salad experience.

Notes

• Using small shells pasta or a similar bite-size pasta helps the salad hold together and enhances each bite.
• Draining the tuna thoroughly ensures the salad does not become watery.
• Refrigerating the salad before serving allows the flavors to meld better.
• You can customize the salad by adding chopped cucumbers, bell peppers, or fresh herbs for more freshness.
• For a lighter version, use low-fat mayonnaise or more Greek yogurt as preferred.

Keywords: tuna pasta salad, easy pasta salad, albacore tuna recipe, healthy pasta salad, cold pasta dish