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Classic Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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4.2 from 11 reviews

This Classic Tuna Pasta Salad is a creamy, flavorful dish perfect for quick lunches or potlucks. Combining tender mini shell pasta, sweet peas, red onion, and chunk light tuna with a zesty mayonnaise and dill dressing, it offers a delightful mix of textures and flavors in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

For the Dressing

  • ¾ cup mayonnaise
  • 2 Tbsp lemon juice
  • ¼ tsp dried dill
  • ¾ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp freshly cracked black pepper

For the Salad

  • ½ cup red onion, diced
  • 1 cup frozen peas
  • 12 oz mini shell pasta
  • 2 cans (5 oz each) chunk light tuna, drained

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine mayonnaise, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the red onion and measure out the frozen peas for easy incorporation later.
  3. Cook pasta and peas: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the mini shell pasta and cook for 5-6 minutes until almost tender. Then, add the frozen peas and continue cooking for 1-2 minutes until the pasta is fully cooked and peas are heated through.
  4. Drain and cool: Drain the pasta and peas thoroughly in a colander. Allow them to cool until no longer steaming; this step helps maintain a creamy dressing texture when mixed.
  5. Combine ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta and peas to a large bowl. Add the diced red onion, drained tuna, and the prepared dressing. Gently fold everything together until evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Serve or chill: The salad can be served immediately or refrigerated until ready to eat to develop flavors further.

Notes

  • Cooling the pasta before adding the dressing prevents the mayonnaise from becoming watery and helps maintain a creamy texture.
  • Use chunk light tuna packed in water or oil based on preference; drain thoroughly to avoid sogginess.
  • Freshly cracked black pepper enhances flavor more than pre-ground pepper.
  • This salad can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.

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