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Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.1 from 9 reviews

This Tuna Pasta Salad combines tender small shell pasta with flaky canned albacore tuna, crunchy celery, sweet peas, and a creamy dressing made from mayonnaise and Greek yogurt. It is a quick, easy, and refreshing salad perfect for a light lunch or a side dish, ready in just 15 minutes and great served chilled.

  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 5 servings

Ingredients

Pasta and Tuna

  • 8 ounces small shells pasta (or your favorite bite-size pasta)
  • 7 ounces canned albacore white tuna, packed in water, drained

Vegetables

  • 2 ribs celery, chopped
  • 1/4 cup red onion, chopped
  • 1 cup frozen peas

Dressing

  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise
  • 1/2 cup plain Greek yogurt
  • Dried dill weed, to taste (optional)
  • Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Cook Pasta: Cook the noodles according to package instructions until al dente, then drain and set aside to cool slightly.
  2. Mix Vegetables and Tuna: In a large bowl, combine the chopped red onion, celery, frozen peas, cooked pasta, and drained tuna, mixing them thoroughly.
  3. Prepare Dressing: In a separate bowl, combine the mayonnaise and plain Greek yogurt, mixing well to create a creamy dressing.
  4. Combine Dressing and Salad: Stir half of the dressing into the pasta mixture and toss to ensure everything is evenly coated. Season with salt, freshly ground black pepper, and dried dill weed to taste.
  5. Chill and Serve: Refrigerate the pasta salad and remaining dressing separately, both covered, for 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld. Before serving, stir in the remaining dressing and serve immediately.

Notes

  • For best texture, cook pasta just until al dente to avoid sogginess after chilling.
  • You can substitute plain Greek yogurt with sour cream for a different flavor profile.
  • Feel free to add chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for extra freshness.
  • Make sure to drain the tuna well to prevent adding extra moisture to the salad.
  • Salad can be made a few hours ahead and kept refrigerated for optimal flavor melding.
  • Author: Daisy
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Salad
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: American
  • Diet: Low Fat