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Easy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe for Any Occasion

Easy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe for Any Occasion

A creamy, tangy tuna pasta salad packed with tender short pasta, peas, crunchy vegetables, pickle relish, and fresh herbs. This make-ahead salad is ideal for lunches, picnics, potlucks, and easy dinners.
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Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 55 minutes
Servings: 6 servings
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Pasta and Protein
  • 12 ounces Short pasta, such as rotini, fusilli, shells, or macaroni
  • 2 5-ounce cans Tuna, drained
Dressing
  • 1 cup Mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup Sour cream or plain Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 tablespoon Lemon juice or pickle juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon, plus more for pasta water Salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon Black pepper
Vegetables and Herbs
  • 1 cup Frozen peas, thawed
  • 2 stalks Celery, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup Dill pickle relish or finely chopped dill pickles
  • 2 tablespoons, optional Fresh parsley or dill, chopped

Method
 

Step-by-Step
  1. Bring a large pot of generously salted water to a boil. Cook the pasta according to the package directions until just tender, taking care not to cook it past al dente.
  2. Drain the pasta and rinse it briefly under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the noodles. Drain thoroughly so excess water does not thin the dressing.
  3. In a large bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sour cream or plain Greek yogurt, Dijon mustard, lemon juice or pickle juice, salt, and black pepper until smooth.
  4. Add the cooled pasta, drained tuna, thawed peas, celery, red onion, pickle relish, and optional fresh herbs to the bowl. Fold gently until everything is evenly coated, keeping some pieces of tuna intact.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. Stir the salad before serving, and add a spoonful or two of mayonnaise, sour cream, or pickle juice if it has thickened.

Notes

Cook the pasta just to al dente because it softens as it chills and absorbs dressing. Taste and adjust the seasoning after chilling. Store covered in the refrigerator and stir before serving.