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The Ultimate Creamy & Quick Tuna Pasta Salad – Perfect for Meal Prep and Picnics

A spoonful of creamy tuna pasta salad featuring shell pasta, peas, and red onion being lifted from a white bowl.
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You need a reliable, comforting dish for your next gathering or quick lunch. This creamy tuna pasta salad combines tender pasta, flaky tuna, and crisp vegetables in a rich dressing. It is simple to make and ideal for meal prep or serving cold at a summer picnic.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound shell pasta or rotini
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) solid white tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1/2 cup celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a lighter option)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta well and immediately rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, Dijon mustard, lemon juice, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper until the dressing is smooth. This creates your best tuna pasta salad dressing.
  3. Add the drained tuna, thawed peas, chopped celery, and chopped red onion to the dressing mixture. Gently fold everything together until the ingredients are evenly coated.
  4. Add the cooled, drained pasta to the bowl. Fold gently until the pasta is completely mixed with the tuna and dressing. Avoid overmixing to keep the pasta from breaking.
  5. Taste the salad and adjust salt or pepper if needed. For the best flavor, cover the bowl and chill the tuna pasta salad for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to combine.
  6. Serve cold. This is a great make ahead pasta salad for potlucks or quick lunches.

Notes

  • For a healthier tuna pasta salad, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a creamy yet lighter texture.
  • If you prefer a classic tuna macaroni salad, use elbow macaroni instead of shells or rotini.
  • This recipe scales up easily, making it a budget friendly tuna recipe perfect for feeding a crowd at a potluck salad ideas gathering.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://hearthbite.com/tuna-pasta-salad-creamy-quick-recipe/