Summer recipes

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

Silky tuna pasta salad with mayonnaise! You will adore this chilled tuna salad with pasta; it is quick to prepare, simple and scrumptious, and brimming with flavors. This refreshing salad recipe is nutritious and delightful. Ideal for lunch, light dinner, picnics, and more.

Allow me to illustrate how to prepare it with my uncomplicated step-by-step guide.

Reasons you will adore this chilled pasta salad

  • It is budget-friendly, but that doesn’t imply it lacks flavor. This pasta is infused with a variety of tastes and is likely to become your family’s favorite.
  • Fresh, light, and rich in protein
  • Excellent for picnics, potlucks, BBQs, summer gatherings, and beyond
  • Can be prepared in advance, making it perfect for meal prepping, as it remains fresh in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.

Related articles: This canned tuna pasta recipe is straightforward, fast, and can be on your dinner table in just 20 minutes. Create this Mexican tuna salad in merely 10 minutes.

Ingredients

Here is the list of ingredients necessary to make the finest chilled tuna pasta with mayonnaise and yogurt.

Pasta: I opted for fusilli, but you may choose any other pasta you prefer. Farfalle (bowtie pasta), penne, and macaroni are excellent alternatives.

Canned tuna: I prefer using tuna packed in oil for this salad recipe; however, if you wish, you can use tuna packed in brine or spring water.

Mayonnaise

Greek yogurt

Cucumber

Rice wine vinegar

Capers: this is optional; you can replace them with kalamata olives, which can serve the same purpose in this case.

Red bell peppers

Onion: I used red onion, but you may switch to chives, green onions, or shallots, as they have a milder flavor.

Fresh dill weed; substitute with dried dill, but use only half the amount specified in the recipe card.

Garlic salt

Black pepper

Red pepper flakes

How to prepare tuna pasta salad

Cook the pasta in salted boiling water following the package instructions, drain, and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process; set aside.

Prepare the ingredients: while the pasta cooks, dice the cucumber, red bell peppers, and onions, then set aside. Drain the tuna and measure out the remaining ingredients.

Assemble the salad: In a large bowl, combine the cooled cooked pasta, rice wine vinegar, garlic salt, red pepper flakes, and black pepper, mixing well.

Incorporate the chopped red bell pepper, cucumber, onions, capers, drained tuna, and mix thoroughly.

In a small bowl, combine the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise, dill weed, and whisk until well blended. Add to the salad and mix until combined. Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed.

Serve right away or refrigerate for up to 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld before serving. Enjoy!

How to preserve

Tuna pasta salad will remain fresh in the fridge for up to 5 days in an airtight container. If the salad appears dry, add more yogurt or mayonnaise.

Suggestions

  • You may include any vegetables of your choice aside from those used in today’s recipe. Peas and sweet corn are quite popular in tuna pasta dishes, making it a great option especially for picky eaters. Other vegetables you might consider include tomatoes, celery, and more.
  • If you won’t be serving this salad immediately, it’s better to prepare the dressing separately and blend it into the salad just before serving. This will help keep the pasta creamy longer.

FAQs

Is tuna pasta salad identical to tuna macaroni salad?

Yes, macaroni is a type of pasta, also known as elbow pasta.

Can I incorporate boiled eggs into this pasta salad?

Yes, you can add boiled eggs to tuna pasta salad; just chop them into bite-sized pieces and enjoy.

How long can you keep tuna mayo pasta?

Tuna salad will last in the fridge for 3 to 5 days if stored at the proper temperature and in an airtight container.

Can I reheat tuna mayo pasta?

Yes, you can reheat a tuna pasta salad that contains mayonnaise or yogurt for a few seconds in the microwave. If time allows, it is preferable to reheat it in the oven or air fryer at 170°C/340°F until warm to your liking.

Can I freeze it?

No, I would not recommend freezing this salad since it contains mayonnaise. Mayonnaise does not freeze well, which may alter the overall flavor of the salad. Additionally, pasta tends to lose its freshness when defrosted and can sometimes become mushy.

Watch how to create it