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Best Ever Creamy Classic Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

A close-up, appetizing view of creamy Tuna Pasta Salad featuring elbow macaroni, peas, red onion, and celery in a white bowl.
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Make this classic, creamy tuna pasta salad for a quick dinner or your next potluck. This easy recipe is perfect for meal prep and tastes great chilled.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 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 chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup chopped red onion
  • 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. Drain thoroughly.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the cooled pasta, 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 creates your creamy dressing.
  4. Pour the dressing over the pasta and vegetable mixture. Toss gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  5. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.
  6. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed before serving. This cold pasta salad is great for make ahead lunches.

Notes

  • For a lighter version, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt for a high protein tuna pasta salad.
  • If you prefer a tangier flavor, add 1 tablespoon of white vinegar to the dressing mixture.
  • This salad keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 4 days, making it excellent for budget friendly meals and meal prep salads.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://miameal.com/tuna-pasta-salad-recipe-classic-creamy/