Description

Ah, Tuna Pasta Salad! Just the thought of it brings back memories of sunny picnics and family gatherings. I remember the first time I made this dish; it was a warm summer afternoon, and I wanted to whip up something quick yet delicious. As I tossed together the ingredients, the vibrant colors of the veggies and the creamy texture of the dressing made my heart sing. It was a simple recipe, but it felt like a culinary adventure!

Ingredients

Scale

2 cups pasta (I prefer rotini or penne for their fun shapes)
1 can tuna, drained (look for tuna packed in water for a lighter option)
1/2 cup mayonnaise (you can use Greek yogurt for a healthier twist)
1/4 cup chopped celery (adds a nice crunch)
1/4 cup chopped red onion (for a bit of zing)
1/4 cup chopped dill pickles (the secret ingredient for that tangy flavor)
1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best)
1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
1/4 teaspoon black pepper (for a hint of spice)
1/4 teaspoon garlic powder (because garlic makes everything better)

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Instructions

Cook the pasta in a large pot of salted boiling water until al dente, then drain and rinse under cold water.
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, mayonnaise, chopped celery, chopped red onion, chopped dill pickles, lemon juice, salt, black pepper, and garlic powder.
Add the cooled pasta to the bowl with the tuna mixture and gently toss until well combined.
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to let the flavors meld.
Before serving, give the salad a quick stir and adjust seasonings if necessary.

Notes

Choose the right pasta shape for better dressing adherence.
Don’t overcook the pasta to avoid mushiness.
Experiment with different dressings for varied flavors.
This salad keeps well in the fridge for a couple of days.
Garnish with fresh herbs for a beautiful presentation.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Salad
Method: Mixing
Cuisine: American

Nutrition

Serving Size: 1 cup
Calories: 300
Sugar: 2g
Sodium: 600mg
Fat: 15g
Saturated Fat: 2g
Unsaturated Fat: 10g
Trans Fat: 0g
Carbohydrates: 30g
Fiber: 2g
Protein: 15g
Cholesterol: 30mg