Tuna Pasta Salad

Creamy, easy, and the perfect picnic side, this Tuna Pasta Salad is a delightful dish packed with elbow noodles, peas, red onion, and tuna, all tossed in a deliciously creamy sauce. It’s an ideal choice for gatherings, potlucks, or even a quick lunch at home. With its vibrant flavors and satisfying texture, this salad stands out as a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick to Prepare: This Tuna Pasta Salad comes together in just about 80 minutes, making it an easy choice for busy days.
• Versatile Dish: Perfect as a side for picnics or barbecues, it also works great as a light main course.
• Flavorful and Filling: Packed with protein from the tuna and eggs, this salad is not only tasty but also hearty.
• Customizable: Feel free to add your favorite ingredients like olives or celery for extra crunch.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Refrigerate it for an hour before serving to let the flavors meld together beautifully.

Tools and Preparation

Before diving into the recipe, gather your tools to ensure a smooth cooking experience.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Large bowl
• Small bowl
• Whisk

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Essential for cooking pasta evenly and effectively.
• Strainer: Helps drain excess water from the cooked pasta quickly.
• Whisk: Ideal for combining dressing ingredients smoothly without lumps.

Ingredients

For the Salad

• 16 oz elbow noodles (cooked according to pkg directions)
• 3 4 oz cans tuna in water (drained)
• 4 hard-boiled eggs (chopped)
• 1 cup frozen peas (defrosted)
• 1/2 cup red onion (diced fine)

For the Dressing

• 1 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tsp seasoning salt
• 3-4 Tbs sugar
• Salt & pepper (to taste)

For Garnish

• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Tuna Pasta Salad

Step 1: Cook the Pasta

Cook your pasta in a large pot with salted water until al dente, about 15 minutes. Once done, remove and strain the water. Run cold water over the pasta to stop the cooking process and cool it down.

Step 2: Combine Main Ingredients

In a large bowl, add your drained tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, and defrosted peas.

Step 3: Mix in Pasta

Add your cooled pasta to the large bowl with other ingredients. Stir gently to combine everything well.

Step 4: Prepare the Dressing

In a smaller bowl, whisk together mayo, milk, seasoning salt, sugar, salt & pepper until fully combined.

Step 5: Combine Dressing with Salad

Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture. Scrape the bowl to ensure you get all of the dressing mixture. Stir gently to coat everything evenly.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

Cover your salad with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to an hour. This chilling time allows the pasta to soak up some of the dressing flavors before serving.

How to Serve Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that can be served in various ways to enhance your dining experience. Here are some creative serving suggestions to make this dish even more enjoyable.

On a Bed of Greens

• Mixed Lettuce: Serve the Tuna Pasta Salad on a bed of mixed greens for a fresh and crunchy contrast.
• Spinach: Use baby spinach leaves for a nutritious base that pairs well with the creamy salad.

With Crackers or Bread

• Ritz Crackers: Offer individual servings of Tuna Pasta Salad alongside buttery Ritz crackers for a delightful crunch.
• Garlic Bread: Serve with slices of warm garlic bread for a comforting side that complements the flavors.

As Stuffed Peppers

• Bell Peppers: Hollow out bell peppers and fill them with Tuna Pasta Salad for a colorful and fun presentation.
• Avocado Halves: Scoop out avocados and use them as bowls for the salad, adding creaminess to each bite.

In Lettuce Wraps

• Romaine Leaves: Use romaine lettuce leaves as wraps to create light and refreshing handheld servings.
• Butter Lettuce: Butter lettuce adds a delicate touch, making it perfect for elegant gatherings.

How to Perfect Tuna Pasta Salad

To ensure your Tuna Pasta Salad is always a hit, follow these tips for the best flavor and texture.

• Bold Flavoring: Use high-quality mayonnaise or Greek yogurt to add richness and depth to the dressing.
• Chill Time: Allow the salad to chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes, which helps meld the flavors together beautifully.
• Fresh Ingredients: Incorporate fresh herbs like dill or parsley to enhance freshness and aroma in your salad.
• Texture Variation: Add crunchy ingredients like diced celery or bell peppers for an appealing contrast to the creamy pasta.
• Adjust Seasoning: Taste before serving and adjust salt, pepper, or sugar levels according to your preference.
• Garnish Wisely: Top with sliced green onions or paprika just before serving for an attractive finish.

Best Side Dishes for Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad pairs wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Here are some great options to complement your meal.

1. Coleslaw: A tangy coleslaw adds crunch and acidity, balancing out the richness of the salad.
2. Potato Wedges: Crispy potato wedges offer a hearty side that satisfies hunger alongside the pasta salad.
3. Fruit Salad: A refreshing fruit salad provides sweetness and bright flavors that contrast nicely with the savory dish.
4. Corn on the Cob: Grilled or boiled corn on the cob brings summer vibes, making it an ideal companion for outdoor meals.
5. Garlic Roasted Vegetables: Roasted veggies add depth of flavor while keeping things healthy and colorful.
6. Caprese Skewers: These bite-sized skewers offer fresh mozzarella, tomatoes, and basil, perfect for finger food lovers.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tuna Pasta Salad, there are a few common mistakes that can affect the final dish. Avoiding these will ensure your salad is delicious and satisfying.

• Using overcooked pasta: Overcooked noodles can become mushy. Always cook the pasta until al dente for the best texture.
• Neglecting to chill: Failing to refrigerate your salad before serving can result in a less flavorful dish. Allowing it to chill helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Skipping seasoning adjustments: Not tasting and adjusting seasoning can leave your salad bland. Always sample your dish and add more salt or pepper if needed.
• Using too little dressing: Insufficient dressing can lead to a dry salad. Make sure all ingredients are well-coated for optimal flavor.
• Ignoring ingredient ratios: Adding too much or too little of any ingredient can throw off the balance. Stick to the recipe for best results, but feel free to customize within reason.

Refrigerator Storage

• Store in an airtight container.
• Keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days.

Freezing Tuna Pasta Salad

• Freezing is not recommended as it affects texture.
• If you must freeze, store in a freezer-safe container for up to 1 month.

Reheating Tuna Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C). Bake covered for about 15 minutes until warmed through.
• Microwave: Heat in short intervals of 30 seconds, stirring in between until warm.
• Stovetop: Gently warm on low heat, stirring frequently to prevent sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Tuna Pasta Salad?

Tuna Pasta Salad is a creamy dish made with cooked pasta, tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and vegetables, all tossed in a savory dressing.

How long does Tuna Pasta Salad last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, Tuna Pasta Salad lasts for up to 3 days.

Can I make Tuna Pasta Salad ahead of time?

Yes! Preparing your salad a day ahead allows flavors to develop. Just remember to chill it before serving.

Can I customize my Tuna Pasta Salad?

Absolutely! You can add ingredients like olives, celery, or bell peppers for extra crunch and flavor.

Is this Tuna Pasta Salad recipe healthy?

While it includes mayo and pasta, you can lighten it by using Greek yogurt instead of mayo or adding more veggies.

Final Thoughts

This Tuna Pasta Salad is not only creamy and delightful but also versatile enough for picnics or potlucks. Its simplicity allows room for customization based on your taste preferences. Give it a try and enjoy creating your own version!

Did You Enjoy Making This Recipe? Please rate this recipe with ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ or leave a comment.

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Tuna Pasta Salad

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• Author: Alexia
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: Serves approximately 8 people 1x

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Description

Tuna Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any occasion, from picnics to potlucks. This salad combines tender elbow noodles, protein-packed tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and vibrant peas, all enveloped in a rich dressing. Not only does it deliver a satisfying crunch with every bite, but it’s also quick and easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for busy days. With the option to customize by adding your favorite vegetables or herbs, this versatile salad can easily become a family favorite. Serve it chilled for the best flavor and discover why this dish is a crowd-pleaser that everyone will love.

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Ingredients

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• 16 oz elbow noodles
• 3 cans of tuna in water
• 4 hard-boiled eggs
• 1 cup frozen peas
• 1/2 cup red onion
• 1 1/2 cup mayo
• 1/4 cup milk
• 2 tsp seasoning salt
• 3–4 Tbs sugar
• Salt & pepper (to taste)
• 2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

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Instructions

1. Cook the elbow noodles according to package directions until al dente, about 15 minutes. Strain and cool under cold water.
2. In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, chopped hard-boiled eggs, diced red onion, and defrosted peas.
3. Add cooled pasta to the mixture and stir gently to combine.
4. In a small bowl, whisk together mayo, milk, seasoning salt, sugar, salt, and pepper until smooth.
5. Pour dressing over the salad mixture and stir gently to coat evenly.
6. Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to enhance flavors.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Salad
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (200g)
• Calories: 340
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 620mg
• Fat: 20g
• Saturated Fat: 3g
• Unsaturated Fat: 14g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 26g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 80mg