Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad: Simple, Hearty, & Quick (Print Version)
Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad: Your new favorite easy recipe! Enjoy tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a rich, tangy dressing. Ideal for quick meals or picnics.
# Recipe Info:
Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 10 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 25 minutes
Servings: 5 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American
# Ingredients:
→ Main Pasta Salad Base
01 -
12 oz elbow macaroni (or small pasta of choice)
02 -
2 (5 oz) cans solid white albacore tuna, packed in water, thoroughly drained
→ Creamy Dressing Essentials
03 -
1 cup full-fat mayonnaise
04 -
1/4 cup sweet relish
05 -
1 tbsp Dijon mustard
06 -
1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
07 -
Salt, to taste
08 -
Freshly ground black pepper, to taste
→ Fresh Mix-ins
09 -
2 stalks celery, finely diced
10 -
1/4 cup red onion, finely diced (soaked in cold water if desired)
→ Finishing Touches
11 -
2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped (optional, for garnish)
12 -
Splash of milk or extra mayo (optional, for consistency)
# Instructions:
01 -
First things first, get a big pot of water boiling. Don't forget to add a generous pinch of salt – this is where I always forget, honestly, and then my pasta tastes bland! Cook your elbow macaroni according to the package directions, aiming for a perfect al dente. I usually check it a minute or two before the suggested time. Drain it really well, then rinse with cold water to stop the cooking and cool it down completely. This step is super important for a non-mushy pasta salad!
02 -
While your pasta is chilling out, get to chopping! Finely dice your celery and red onion. As I mentioned, I like mine super fine. If you're like me and find raw onion a bit too strong, pop those diced red onions into a bowl of ice water for about 5 minutes, then drain them really, really well. It softens their bite significantly, honestly, and makes them much more pleasant in the Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad.
03 -
In a large bowl, whisk together that glorious full-fat mayonnaise, sweet relish, Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice. This is where the magic really starts to happen! I always give it a little taste here to see if it needs a bit more tang from the lemon or a touch more sweetness from the relish. Adjust it to your liking; it should be creamy, tangy, and vibrant.
04 -
Now for the fun part! Add your completely cooled and drained pasta, the flaked tuna (make sure it's drained!), the chopped celery, and the prepped red onion to the bowl with the creamy dressing. Gently fold everything together. I sometimes use a spatula, but if I'm feeling extra hands-on, I'll even use my clean hands to ensure every single piece of pasta and tuna is coated in that luscious dressing.
05 -
This step is critical for a truly flavorful Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad. Add salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Don't be shy with the pepper, I love a good kick! Give it another good stir, then cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap and pop it into the fridge. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes, but honestly, an hour or two (or even overnight!) is best. This chilling time lets all those beautiful flavors meld and deepen.
06 -
When you're ready to dive in, give your chilled Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad another good stir. If it seems a little thick or dry after chilling, you can always stir in a tiny splash of milk or even a bit more mayo to bring it back to that perfect creamy consistency. Garnish with a sprinkle of fresh dill, if you're feeling fancy, for that extra touch of freshness and color. Enjoy!
# Notes:
01 -
Always cool your pasta completely before mixing; hot pasta absorbs too much dressing and gets mushy.
02 -
Store in an airtight container for 3-4 days; adding a splash of mayo or milk can revive it if it dries out.
03 -
Try swapping sweet relish for dill pickles if you prefer a less sweet, more tangy flavor.
04 -
Serve with a crisp green salad and a tall glass of iced tea for a perfectly balanced meal.
# Tools You'll Need:
01 -
Large pot
02 -
colander
03 -
large mixing bowl
04 -
whisk
05 -
measuring cups and spoons
06 -
cutting board
07 -
sharp knife
# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):
Calories: 450 kcal
Total Fat: 28 g
Total Carbohydrate: 35 g
Protein: 18 g