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Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad

Close-up of a creamy Tuna Pasta Salad mixed with elbow macaroni, green peas, and red onion in a light-colored bowl.
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Make this classic tuna pasta salad for a quick dinner or easy meal prep. It combines pasta, tuna, and vegetables in a simple, creamy dressing.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) 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
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 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 and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, thawed peas, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, sweet pickle relish, yellow mustard, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper until smooth. This is your creamy dressing.
  4. Add the cooled pasta to the large bowl with the tuna mixture.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta and tuna. Gently fold all ingredients together until everything is evenly coated.
  6. Cover the bowl and chill the tuna pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add 1 teaspoon of apple cider vinegar to the dressing mixture.
  • This makes a great make-ahead salad; it tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

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