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Close-up of creamy Tuna Pasta Salad made with rotini pasta, tuna, and celery in a white bowl.

Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad


  • Author: Ahazzam
  • Total Time: 25 min
  • Yield: 4 servings
  • Diet: Low Fat

Description

A simple and satisfying recipe for a creamy tuna pasta salad, perfect for quick meals, picnics, or meal prepping.


Ingredients

Scale
  • 8 ounces small pasta (like elbow macaroni or rotini)
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup finely chopped red onion
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
  • Optional: 1/4 cup frozen peas, thawed


Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop cooking. Set aside to cool completely.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, celery, red onion, pickle relish, Dijon mustard, dill weed, salt, and pepper. Mix well until everything is evenly coated.
  3. If using, stir in the thawed peas.
  4. Add the cooled, drained pasta to the tuna mixture. Gently fold everything together until the pasta is fully incorporated with the dressing.
  5. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • If you prefer a ‘no mayo’ option, replace the mayonnaise with 1/2 cup of a vinaigrette made from olive oil, white wine vinegar, and Dijon mustard.
  • You can prepare this salad up to 2 days ahead of time for easy meal prep.
  • Prep Time: 15 min
  • Cook Time: 10 min
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Mixing
  • Cuisine: American

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 420
  • Sugar: 6
  • Sodium: 550
  • Fat: 18
  • Saturated Fat: 3
  • Unsaturated Fat: 15
  • Trans Fat: 0
  • Carbohydrates: 40
  • Fiber: 3
  • Protein: 25
  • Cholesterol: 55
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