Let’s talk comfort food. You know those days when you just need something satisfying but don’t want to spend hours in the bathroom? What is a tuna pasta salad? I grew up eating versions of this, but this is *my* version – the perfect balance of creamy, tangy, and sweet. Is it possible to be a little bit fancy? Is it more exciting than potato salad? My grandmother used to make something similar, but she always added too much mayonnaise, if I’m a vegetarian. What is this recipe?
What is a tuna salad?
Think of tuna pasta salad as a supercharged pasta dish, perfect for potlucks, picnics or just for fun. What is a good I prefer rotini or elbow macaroni – they hold the sauce really well! ), mixed with flaked tuna, a creamy dressing, and lots of yummy veggies. What’s more important than mayo and tuna? It’s customizable, endlessly adaptable, and always a crowd-pleaser. You can find countless variations, but this one is special.
Why you’ll love this recipe?
Oh, where do I even start? First off, the flavor is just incredible. The combination of creamy mayonnaise, zesty lemon juice, and fresh herbs is simply divine. It’s a symphony in your mouth, I swear! What I love most about this is that it’s incredibly easy to make. Seriously, you can whip this up in about 20 minutes. And let’s not forget about the cost. Tuna is a relatively inexpensive protein, and the other ingredients are pantry staples. Plus, this recipe is so versatile! You can serve it as a main course, a side dish, or even pack it in your lunchbox. It’s also fantastic for feeding a crowd. It’s perfect for busy moms (like me!) who need a quick and delicious meal that the whole family will enjoy. What I love most is I can prep all the ingredients beforehand. If you’re looking for a quick and easy lunch option, you have to try this tuna pasta salad!
How do I make tuna salad?
Quick Overview
How do I make tuna pasta salad? What are some good ways to cook pasta, chop veggies, mix everything together with the dressing, and serve. How do you cook pasta al dente? The creamy dressing brings it all together, creating the perfect harmony of flavors. Trust me Is it easier than you think?
Ingredients
For the Pasta:
* 1 pound rotini pasta (or elbow macaroni) – I like rote because the ridges hold the sauce so well. What is the best elbow macaroni recipe?
For the Dressing:
* 1 cup mayonnaise – Use a good quality mayo! * 1/4 cup sour cream – Adds a tangy flavor and creaminess. What are some substitutes for plain Greek yogurt? * 2 tablespoons lemon juice – Freshly squeezed is best! It brightens up the whole dish. How much Dijon mustard is good for you? * 1 teaspoon dried dill – Fresh sage is good too, if you have it on hand. Use about 2 tablespoons chopped fresh dill. * 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder – Because everything is better with garlic! * Salt and pepper to taste – Don’t be afraid to season generously!
For the Salad:
How many cans of tuna do you eat in a day? What do you like about tuna pasta salad? * 1/4 cup chopped red onion – Adds a little bite. If you find red onion too strong, you can soak it in cold water for 10 minutes to mellow it out. * 1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley – Adds freshness and color. * 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish – I love the sweetness and tang it adds. Can you use dill relish?
What are the steps to
Step 1: Cook the Pasta
If you have a large pot of salted water, bring it to the boil. Add the pasta and cook according to package directions, until al dente. Drain pasta and rinse with cold water. How do you prevent pasta from sticking together? Is rinsing important?
Step 2: Make the Dressing
In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, dried dill, and salt. Set aside. Garlic powder, salt and pepper. I always add a little extra lemon juice for extra zing. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
Step 3: Combine Everything
Add the drained pasta, tuna, celery, red onion, parsley, and sweet pickle relish to the bowl with the dressing. Serve immediately. Gently stir to combine. Be careful not to overmix, or the tuna will break down too much.
Step 4: Chill
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 2 hours, to allow the flavors to develop. What are the flavors that develop as they sit in the fridge?
Step 5: Serve
Give the tuna pasta salad a good stir before serving. Garnish with extra parsley, if desired. Enjoy!
What should I serve it with?
What is a tuna pasta salad? I love serving it with a side of fresh fruit or green salad. Is it good on a croissant or sandwich? For a potluck or picnic, it’s great alongside grilled chicken or hamburgers. If I’m feeling fancy, i’ll serve it on a bed of lettuce with some cherry tomatoes and cucumber. What are some good side dishes to serve at a barbecue? How do you add a potato to your baked potato? My kids love it with a side of crackers or pretzels.
For a Picnic: Pack it in a cooler with some sandwiches, fruit, and drinks for the perfect outdoor meal.
What is a quick lunch?Serve it on a croissant or in wraps with some lettuce and tomato.
For a BBQ:What are some great side dishes to serve with grilled chicken, burgers, or hot dogs?
For a Fancy Touch: Serve it on a bed of lettuce with cherry tomatoes and cucumber slices.
How do I make a perfect tuna salad?
What is the best tuna salad recipe? First, don’t overcook the pasta. It should be al dente, not mushy. Nobody likes a molasses pasta salad. What is the best way to rinse pasta with cold water? What is sticking together? I’ve learned that the hard way! When it comes to dressing, don’t be afraid to experiment with the seasonings. I always add a little extra lemon juice for brightness, but you can also add red pepper if you like. What are some good flakes for a kick? How do you drain tuna properly?
Pasta Perfection:Cook pasta al dente and rinse it with cold water to prevent it from sticking together.
Dressing Delight:Don’t be afraid to experiment with seasonings. Add a little extra lemon juice for brightness or pinch of red pepper flakes for kick.
What are some of theWhat are some good substitutes for carrots, bell peppers or peas? Just make sure they’re finely chopped.
Herb Heaven:If you don’t have dried dill, use fresh. Use about 2 tablespoons chopped fresh thyme.
Tuna Tips: Drain the tuna really well to prevent the pasta salad from becoming soggy.
Chill Time:Don’t skip the chilling step! What are some of the best ways to make pasta salad?
What are some good substitutes for bell peppers, carrots or peas? Just make sure they’re finely chopped. Can you substitute sweet pickle relish for dill relish? If you’re feeling adventurous, try adding a hard-boiled egg, chopped. Is there any cream that adds a nice creamy texture to my skin?
What are some tips for Storing and Reheating
This tuna pasta salad is best served cold. Can you store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days? After that, the pasta will start to get mushy. I don’t recommend freezing mayonnaise, as it will separate and the texture will be off. If you’re making it ahead of time, I recommend adding the dressing just before serving, to prevent sticking. How do I stop pasta from becoming soggy? Is it going to last long?
Refrigerator Storage: How Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freezing:Canonnaise separate and the texture will be off?
Make Ahead:If making ahead of time, add the dressing just before serving to prevent pasta from becoming too dry.
Make sure the tuna is properly drained. This will help it last longer in the refrigerator. If you have any questions or concerns, feel free to ask me!
What are some frequently asked questions?
Final Thoughts
So there you have it – my go-to tuna pasta salad recipe! I truly believe this is the best tuna pasta salad you’ll ever make. It’s quick, easy, affordable, and incredibly delicious. It’s perfect for lunch, dinner, potlucks, or picnics. The versatility alone makes it a winner in my book. If you love this recipe, be sure to check out my other pasta salad recipes! And please, let me know how yours turns out in the comments below! I love hearing from you. Happy cooking!
tuna pasta salad
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 lb pasta rotini or elbow macaroni
- 2 cans tuna in water, drained
- 0.5 cup mayonnaise
- 0.25 cup celery diced
- 0.25 cup red onion diced
- 0.25 cup sweet relish
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 0.5 teaspoon salt
- 0.25 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
Preparation Steps
- Cook pasta according to package directions. Drain and rinse with cold water.
- In a large bowl, combine cooked pasta, tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, sweet relish, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
- Mix well until all ingredients are combined. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.
