Tuna Pasta Salad

Creamy, easy, and perfect for picnics or potlucks, this Tuna Pasta Salad is a crowd-pleaser. With the delightful combination of noodles, tender peas, and flavorful tuna all enveloped in a rich dressing, it stands out for its convenience and taste. Whether you’re serving it at a summer barbecue or enjoying it as a quick lunch, this salad is versatile enough to fit any occasion.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Quick Prep Time: With only 5 minutes of prep and 15 minutes of cooking, you can whip up this dish in no time.
• Crowd-Pleasing Flavor: The creamy dressing and fresh ingredients create a deliciously satisfying dish that everyone will enjoy.
• Versatile Side Dish: Great for picnics, potlucks, or as a meal on its own; it’s suitable for any gathering.
• Make-Ahead Friendly: Prepare it in advance and let the flavors meld together in the fridge for even better taste.
• Nutrient-Rich Ingredients: Packed with protein from tuna and eggs, plus vitamins from peas and onions.

Tools and Preparation

To make your Tuna Pasta Salad effortlessly, you’ll need some essential kitchen tools. By having the right equipment on hand, you can streamline your cooking process.

Essential Tools and Equipment

• Large pot
• Strainer
• Mixing bowls (large and small)
• Whisk
• Spoon or spatula

Importance of Each Tool

• Large pot: Perfect for boiling pasta until al dente without crowding.
• Whisk: Helps create a perfectly blended dressing by mixing mayo, milk, and seasonings smoothly.
• Strainer: Quickly drains excess water from cooked pasta to prevent sogginess.

Ingredients

For the Pasta 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)

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 the pot from heat and strain the water. Rinse the pasta under cool water to stop cooking and cool it down.

Step 2: Combine Ingredients

In a large bowl, add your drained tuna, chopped eggs, diced onion, and defrosted peas. Mix these ingredients well to ensure even distribution.

Step 3: Add Pasta

Gently fold in your drained pasta into the mixture in the bowl. Stir until everything is combined well.

Step 4: Make the Dressing

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

Step 5: Dress the Salad

Pour the dressing over your pasta mixture. Scrape the bowl to ensure you get all of the dressing mixture. Stir everything together until coated evenly.

Step 6: Chill Before Serving

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

Now you’re ready to enjoy your delicious Tuna Pasta Salad!

How to Serve Tuna Pasta Salad

Tuna Pasta Salad is a versatile dish that works great for various occasions. Whether you’re preparing a picnic, a barbecue, or just a family dinner, there are plenty of ways to serve this delightful salad.

Picnic Perfection

• In individual cups: Serve the salad in small cups for easy handling and portion control.
• With crackers: Pair with your favorite crackers for a crunchy contrast.
• On lettuce leaves: Present the salad on crisp lettuce leaves for a refreshing bite.

Barbecue Delight

• As a side dish: Place it alongside grilled meats for a satisfying contrast.
• In wraps: Use tortillas to wrap the salad for a fun twist on traditional serving.
• Stuffed in tomatoes: Hollow out tomatoes and fill them with tuna pasta salad for an elegant touch.

Family Dinner

• As a main dish: Serve it as the star of the meal with some crusty bread on the side.
• With fresh fruit: Complement with seasonal fruits to enhance flavors and add color.

How to Perfect Tuna Pasta Salad

To create the best Tuna Pasta Salad, consider these simple yet effective tips:

• Use high-quality tuna: Opt for good-quality canned tuna for better flavor and texture.
• Chill thoroughly: Allowing the salad to chill will enhance flavors as they meld together.
• Adjust seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning before serving to ensure it’s just right.
• Incorporate veggies: Add diced bell peppers or celery for extra crunch and nutrition.

Best Side Dishes for Tuna Pasta Salad

Pairing your Tuna Pasta Salad with complementary side dishes can elevate your meal experience. Here’s a list of popular options:

1. Garlic Bread: A warm and buttery garlic bread pairs well with the creamy texture of the salad.
2. Coleslaw: The crunchiness of coleslaw balances nicely with the soft noodles in the pasta salad.
3. Fruit Salad: A light and refreshing fruit salad adds sweetness and freshness to your meal.
4. Roasted Vegetables: Seasoned roasted vegetables provide a hearty complement to your salad.
5. Potato Chips: For added crunch, serve with crispy potato chips or veggie chips.
6. Corn on the Cob: Grilled corn on the cob offers a sweet contrast that’s perfect for summer gatherings.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When making Tuna Pasta Salad, it’s easy to overlook some key aspects that can affect the final dish. Here are common mistakes to avoid.

• Using overcooked pasta: Overcooked noodles can become mushy in the salad. Ensure you cook your elbow noodles just until al dente for the best texture.
• Skipping the chilling time: Not allowing the salad to chill can result in a less flavorful dish. Refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
• Not seasoning adequately: Under-seasoned pasta salad can taste bland. Always taste and adjust seasoning with salt and pepper before serving.
• Using low-quality tuna: Low-quality tuna can affect flavor and texture. Opt for good quality canned tuna packed in water for a tastier salad.
• Ignoring ingredient freshness: Wilted or old vegetables can ruin your salad’s appeal. Use fresh peas and onions for an optimal crunch and flavor.

Storage & Reheating Instructions

Refrigerator Storage

• Store leftovers in an airtight container.
• Tuna Pasta Salad will stay fresh for up to 3 days in the refrigerator.

Freezing Tuna Pasta Salad

• It’s not recommended to freeze this salad as it may alter the texture of the pasta and vegetables.
• If you do choose to freeze, use a freezer-safe container and consume within 1 month.

Reheating Tuna Pasta Salad

• Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C), cover in foil, and heat for about 15 minutes.
• Microwave: Place in a microwave-safe dish, cover loosely, and heat in short bursts of 30 seconds until warm.
• Stovetop: Heat gently in a pan over low heat, stirring frequently to avoid sticking.

Frequently Asked Questions

Here are some common questions regarding Tuna Pasta Salad that might help you perfect your dish.

What variations can I make to Tuna Pasta Salad?

You can customize this salad by adding ingredients like diced bell peppers, cucumbers, or even olives for extra flavor and crunch.

How do I make Tuna Pasta Salad healthier?

To make a lighter version, consider using Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise or adding more veggies for increased fiber.

Can I use different types of pasta?

Absolutely! Feel free to substitute elbow noodles with any pasta shape you prefer, such as rotini or penne.

How long does Tuna Pasta Salad last in the fridge?

When stored properly in an airtight container, it typically lasts up to 3 days.

Is Tuna Pasta Salad suitable for meal prep?

Yes! This dish is great for meal prep because it’s easy to make ahead of time and perfect as a quick lunch option.

Final Thoughts

Tuna Pasta Salad is a delightful dish that brings together comforting flavors and textures. Its versatility allows for various customizations based on your preferences. Whether you’re serving it at a picnic or enjoying it as a meal prep option, this salad is sure to please!

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Tuna Pasta Salad

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• Author: Lara
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: Approximately 8 servings 1x

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Description

Tuna Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish that’s perfect for any gathering, from picnics to potlucks. This easy-to-make salad features tender elbow noodles combined with protein-packed tuna, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet peas, all coated in a rich dressing.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

• 16 oz elbow noodles
• 3 (4 oz) cans 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)

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Instructions

1. Cook pasta in salted water until al dente (about 15 minutes). Strain and rinse under cool water.
2. In a large bowl, combine drained tuna, chopped eggs, diced onion, and defrosted peas.
3. Gently fold in the drained pasta.
4. In a separate bowl, whisk together mayo, milk, seasoning salt, sugar, and pepper.
5. Pour dressing over pasta mixture; stir until evenly coated.
6. Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Main
• Method: Mixing
• Cuisine: American

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1 cup (240g)
• Calories: 290
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 600mg
• Fat: 16g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Unsaturated Fat: 12g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 28g
• Fiber: 2g
• Protein: 12g
• Cholesterol: 160mg