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Classic Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe

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3.9 from 4 reviews

A refreshing and easy-to-make Classic Tuna Pasta Salad that combines tender mini shell pasta, sweet peas, diced red onion, and chunk light tuna, all coated in a creamy lemon-dill mayonnaise dressing. Perfect for a quick lunch or a picnic side dish, this salad is ready in just 20 minutes and serves 6.

Ingredients

Dressing

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

Salad

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

Instructions

  1. Make the dressing: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, dried dill, salt, and freshly cracked black pepper. Stir well to create a smooth dressing and set aside.
  2. Prepare the vegetables: Finely dice the red onion and measure out the frozen peas. Having the ingredients ready aids in quick assembly later.
  3. Cook the pasta and peas: Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil over high heat. Add the mini shell pasta and cook for about 5-6 minutes until almost tender. Then add the frozen peas and continue cooking for another 1-2 minutes until the pasta is fully tender and peas are heated through.
  4. Drain and cool: Drain the pasta and peas thoroughly in a colander. Let them cool until they are no longer steaming to ensure the mayonnaise dressing remains thick and coats the salad evenly.
  5. Combine ingredients: Transfer the cooled pasta and peas to a large bowl. Add the diced red onion, drained tuna, and the prepared dressing. Fold gently until all ingredients are evenly coated with the dressing.
  6. Serve or chill: Serve the tuna pasta salad immediately for best freshness or refrigerate until ready to eat, allowing flavors to meld.

Notes

  • Cooling the pasta before mixing prevents the dressing from becoming watery.
  • Use chunk light tuna for a milder flavor and better texture.
  • Adjust salt and pepper to taste depending on the saltiness of the tuna and mayonnaise.
  • This salad can be made a few hours in advance and stored in the refrigerator.
  • For extra crunch, add chopped celery or bell peppers if desired.

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