Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Introduction

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a refreshing and satisfying dish that’s perfect for quick lunches or potlucks. Combining tender macaroni with fresh vegetables and a tangy, creamy dressing, this salad is both flavorful and easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 2.5 cups uncooked macaroni
• 1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1 cup little tomatoes, halved
• 2 sticks celery, chopped small
• 1 mini cucumber (or 1/4 English cucumber), chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped
• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil and cook the macaroni until al dente according to the package directions.
2. Step 2: While the pasta cooks, prepare the dressing by mixing the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, and fresh dill until smooth. Set aside.
3. Step 3: Chop the red onion, little tomatoes, celery, cucumber, red bell pepper, and fresh parsley, and add them to a large mixing bowl along with the drained tuna.
4. Step 4: Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse it under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it. Drain thoroughly.
5. Step 5: Add the pasta to the bowl with the vegetables and tuna, then pour the dressing over everything. Toss gently to combine.
6. Step 6: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Serve immediately or cover and refrigerate for an hour to let the flavors meld.

Tips & Variations

• For extra crunch, add chopped radishes or toasted pine nuts.
• Swap sour cream with Greek yogurt for a lighter dressing.
• Add a splash of Dijon mustard to the dressing for a tangy twist.
• Use canned salmon instead of tuna for a different flavor.
• Make sure to rinse the pasta well to keep the salad creamy and not mushy.

Storage

Store the pasta salad covered in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Stir well before serving. It’s best enjoyed chilled but can be served at room temperature. Avoid freezing as the creamy dressing may separate.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta?

Yes, any small pasta shape like rotini, shells, or penne works well in this salad. Just adjust the cooking time according to the package instructions.

How do I prevent the salad from becoming watery?

Rinsing the pasta under cold water after cooking and draining it thoroughly helps keep excess moisture away. Also, drain canned tuna well and use fresh, firm vegetables.

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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★★★★★

4.7 from 100 reviews

This creamy tuna pasta salad is a refreshing and hearty dish perfect for summer lunches or potlucks. Featuring tender macaroni, protein-rich tuna, and a medley of fresh vegetables, it’s tossed in a tangy mayo and sour cream dressing with hints of lemon, dill, and garlic. Easy to prepare and versatile, this salad can be served immediately or chilled to deepen its flavors.

• Author: lucas
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 9 minutes
• Total Time: 24 minutes
• Yield: 6 servings 1x
• Category: Salad
• Method: Boiling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Low Fat

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Pasta

• 2.5 cups uncooked macaroni

Salad Ingredients

• 1 (6 ounce) can tuna, drained
• 2 tablespoons red onion, chopped
• 1 cup little tomatoes, halved
• 2 sticks celery, chopped small
• 1 mini cucumber (or 1/4 English cucumber), chopped
• 1/2 red bell pepper, chopped
• 1 tablespoon fresh parsley, chopped

Dressing

• 1/2 cup mayonnaise
• 1/2 cup sour cream
• 1 teaspoon lemon juice
• 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon fresh dill, chopped
• Salt & pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Cook the pasta: Boil a large pot of salted water. Add the macaroni and cook al dente according to the package instructions, typically about 7-9 minutes. Drain and rinse under cold water to stop cooking and cool the pasta.
2. Prepare the dressing: While pasta cooks, combine the mayonnaise, sour cream, lemon juice, garlic powder, fresh dill, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Whisk until smooth and creamy, then set aside.
3. Prep the vegetables and tuna: Chop the red onion, little tomatoes, celery, cucumber, red bell pepper, and parsley. Flake the drained tuna with a fork and add all ingredients to a large mixing bowl.
4. Combine and season: Add the cooled macaroni to the bowl with vegetables and tuna. Pour the dressing on top. Toss everything gently until evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning with additional salt and pepper as needed.
5. Serve or chill: You can serve the salad immediately for a fresh flavor or cover and refrigerate it for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Notes

• Fresh dill is key for the classic flavor, but dried dill can be used in a pinch, reducing the quantity to 1 teaspoon.
• Use mini or grape tomatoes for a burst of sweetness and to keep the salad colorful.
• Rinsing the cooked pasta under cold water helps cool it quickly and prevents sticking.
• Adjust salt carefully as pasta absorbs flavors and can require more seasoning.
• This salad holds well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it a great make-ahead dish.

Keywords: tuna pasta salad, creamy pasta salad, tuna salad with veggies, easy pasta salad, summer salad, picnic recipe