Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe: A Simple & Delicious Summer Meal
Summer is here, and what better way to enjoy the warm weather than with a light, refreshing, and flavorful tuna pasta salad? This recipe is easy to make, customizable to your liking, and perfect for picnics, potlucks, or a quick weeknight dinner.
Ingredients You'll Need:
This recipe serves 4-6 people. Feel free to adjust the quantities depending on your needs.
- Pasta: 1 pound pasta (rotini, farfalle, or your favorite shape)
- Tuna: 2 (5 ounce) cans tuna in water, drained
- Mayonnaise: 1/2 cup mayonnaise (or Greek yogurt for a healthier option)
- Celery: 1 cup celery, finely chopped
- Red Onion: 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
- Hard-boiled Eggs: 2 hard-boiled eggs, chopped
- Sweet Relish: 1/4 cup sweet pickle relish
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- Salt & Pepper: To taste
- Optional Add-ins: Black olives, bell peppers, carrots, fresh herbs (dill, parsley), etc.
Instructions: A Step-by-Step Guide
Get started:
- Cook the pasta: Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain and rinse with cold water to stop the cooking process and prevent sticking. Let it cool completely.
- Prepare the vegetables: While the pasta is cooking, chop the celery, red onion, and hard-boiled eggs.
Mix it up:
- In a large bowl, combine the cooked pasta, drained tuna, mayonnaise (or yogurt), celery, red onion, hard-boiled eggs, and sweet relish.
- Add the lemon juice, salt, and pepper. Gently mix everything together until well combined.
Finishing touches:
- Taste and adjust: Taste the salad and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt, pepper, lemon juice, or mayonnaise to your preference.
- Chill and serve: Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This also ensures the salad is chilled and ready to enjoy.
Serving Suggestions:
- Serve chilled on its own as a light meal.
- Pair it with grilled chicken or fish for a heartier meal.
- Serve it with crusty bread for dipping.
- Take it to your next picnic or potluck—it's always a crowd-pleaser!
Tips and Variations for the Perfect Tuna Pasta Salad
- Make it healthier: Use Greek yogurt instead of mayonnaise to reduce the fat content.
- Add some crunch: Include chopped nuts, such as walnuts or pecans, for added texture and flavor.
- Spice it up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a little heat.
- Get creative with vegetables: Feel free to experiment with different vegetables based on your preference and what's in season.
- Fresh herbs: Fresh dill or parsley can add a delightful fresh flavor.
- Make it ahead: This salad tastes even better the next day, making it perfect for meal prep.
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