Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe: A Fresh and Flavorful Classic

Welcome to Homely Recipes! Today, we’re bringing you a delightful tuna pasta salad, perfect for any summer gathering, whether it’s a picnic, potluck, or just a meal prep for the week. This versatile dish combines tender pasta, savory tuna, crisp veggies, and a creamy dressing, making it a go-to favorite. Whether you’re sticking to a classic or trying a new twist with tuna and noodles, this salad will surely become a family favorite.

Classic Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe: A Perfect Blend

Simple but packed with flavor—this tuna pasta salad is easy to whip up. It’s great for a quick lunch or as a side for your next barbecue. The key to this recipe is the tangy dressing that ties everything together.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups of fusilli or farfalle pasta
  • 2 cans of tuna (6 oz each), drained and shredded
  • 1 cup of chopped, blanched green beans
  • 1/2 cup diced cucumbers
  • 1/4 cup of optional sliced olives
  • 1/2 cup of low-fat Greek yogurt
  • 1 tablespoon of whole-grain mustard
  • 1 tablespoon of white wine vinegar
  • Salt and pepper to season
  • Freshly chopped dill for garnish

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta until al dente. Drain and rinse under cold water to cool.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the tuna, green beans, cucumber, and olives.
  3. In a separate bowl, whisk together the yogurt, mustard, vinegar, salt, and pepper.
  4. Add the pasta to the tuna mixture and toss with the dressing until evenly coated.
  5. Garnish with fresh dill and chill for 30 minutes before serving.

Fresh Twist on Tuna Noodle Salad with Peas

For a nutritious and vibrant twist, try this version with rotini pasta and peas, which adds a burst of sweetness to the dish.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups rotini or shell pasta
  • 2 cans (5 oz) tuna, drained
  • 1 cup peas, thawed
  • 1/4 cup sliced green onions
  • 1/4 cup diced bell peppers
  • 1/2 cup light sour cream
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the pasta, drain, and rinse with cold water.
  2. In a large bowl, combine tuna, peas, green onions, and bell peppers.
  3. In a small bowl, mix sour cream, lemon juice, mustard, onion powder, salt, and pepper for the dressing.
  4. Toss the pasta with the tuna mixture and dressing, mix well, and chill before serving.

Macaroni Salad with Tuna: A Crowd-Pleasing Favorite

A classic macaroni salad with tuna is an easy, satisfying dish that works perfectly for family meals or gatherings.

Ingredients:

  • 2 cups elbow macaroni
  • 2 cans (6 oz each) tuna, drained
  • 1/2 cup chopped celery
  • 1/4 cup diced red onion
  • 1/4 cup shredded carrots
  • 1/2 cup avocado mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
  • 2 tablespoons dill relish
  • 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
  • Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions:

  1. Cook the macaroni according to package instructions, then drain and cool with cold water.
  2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the tuna, celery, red onion, and shredded carrots.
  3. In a smaller bowl, whisk together avocado mayonnaise, Dijon mustard, dill pickle relish, apple cider vinegar, and season with salt and pepper.
  4. Add the cooked macaroni to the tuna mixture, pour in the dressing, and mix well. Chill before serving for best results.

Conclusion

Obviously, tuna pasta salad is versatile and can be made to anyone’s taste. Whether you want to make classic tuna macaroni salad, vibrant tuna noodle salad with peas, or a twist on the traditional with macaroni salad with tuna, these recipes keep your taste buds delighted.
Be sure to showcase your creations on social media using the hashtag #HomelyRecipes! We’re excited to see your personal twist on this recipe! Share it with us and inspire others! We love seeing how you guys make our dishes your own. For more easy and delicious recipes, stay tuned here at Homely Recipes, as we make home-cooked meals simple and flavorful.

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