Seaside Tuna Pasta Salad
Table of Contents
Seaside Tuna Pasta Salad: Your Next Crowd Pleaser
Fancy a bit of seaside nostalgia? Do you remember those summer picnics with a tuna pasta salad ? Honestly, this Easy Tuna Pasta Salad recipe will take you right back! But this one is even better, trust me.
It's got a creamy, tangy dressing that’s just divine.
A Classic Salad's Tale
The humble Tuna Pasta Salad has been gracing picnic blankets for ages. It's a staple for good reason. This version takes about an hour, chilling time included.
It feeds 4-6 hungry souls. So, get ready to share or hoard it all to yourself!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
What makes this Best Tuna Pasta Salad so special? Well, for starters, it's packed with protein! We're talking about a Protein Tuna Pasta Salad that’s surprisingly healthy.
It's perfect for a light lunch or a potluck. And let's be honest, it's ridiculously easy to make.
What You'll Need to Make This Easy Tuna Pasta Salad
Right then, here's what you'll need. We will use pasta of choice. I like elbow macaroni (450g). We're talking tuna, obviously.
Celery, red onion, and some frozen peas because every Tuna Pasta Salad Without Peas feels empty to me. For the dressing, there will be mayo, Tuna Pasta Salad Greek Yogurt , Dijon mustard, and fresh lemon juice.
Salt, pepper, and dill will take it all over the top! I bet you can not wait!
Ingredients & Equipment: Let's Get Started!
Right then, let's get cracking on this Tuna Pasta Salad recipe. Even Mrs. Miggins down the street would be proud! No Michelin stars required. Just good ol' comfort food.
Main Ingredients: The Essentials
Okay, here's what you need to whip up this beauty.
- Pasta: 1 pound (450g) of elbow macaroni. Farfalle or rotini work too.
- Water for cooking the pasta.
- 1 tablespoon (15ml) of salt. For that pasta water.
- Tuna: 2 (5-ounce/142g) cans of tuna in water. Make sure it's drained well!
- Mayonnaise: ½ cup (120ml) . Full fat or light. Your choice.
- Greek Yogurt: ¼ cup (60ml) plain Greek yogurt. It adds a lovely tang! This is how we make a Tuna Pasta Salad Greek Yogurt version.
- Dijon Mustard: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . For a bit of oomph!
- Lemon Juice: 2 tablespoons (30ml) . Freshly squeezed, please!
- Red Onion: ¼ cup (30g) finely chopped.
- Celery: ½ cup (50g) finely chopped.
- Frozen Peas: ½ cup (75g) thawed. If you want a Tuna Pasta Salad Without Peas , just skip it!.
- Fresh Dill: 2 tablespoons (10g) chopped. Or 2 teaspoons dried.
- Salt and pepper to taste.
Quality indicators? For the tuna, go for chunks in water. This keeps it light! The Greek yogurt should be thick and creamy.
This ensures the creamy tuna pasta we want. Honestly, everything else is pretty straightforward.
Seasoning Notes: Spice It Up!
The mustard and lemon are key here. They cut through the richness of the mayo. Don't be shy with the salt and pepper. Dill adds a fresh, herby note.
Can't find dill? Parsley works a treat. Want a protein tuna pasta salad ? Add some chickpeas! Simple substitutions, right?
Equipment Needed: Keep It Simple
- A large pot. For boiling the pasta, duh!
- A colander. To drain that pasta.
- A large mixing bowl.
- Measuring cups and spoons.
- A cutting board.
- A sharp knife.
No fancy gadgets needed! A wooden spoon works just fine for mixing. If you don't have a colander, use a sieve. It's all about making do, innit?
This easy tuna pasta salad recipe is a winner! A perfect cold tuna pasta salad recipe to impress. You can call it tuna macaroni salad too! It will be the best tuna pasta salad you ever made! And that quick tuna pasta salad is ideal for a speedy lunch.
I once made this for a picnic. Everyone raved about it! So, let's do this!
Seaside Tuna Pasta Salad: Let’s Get Cooking!
Right then, fancy a bit of Tuna Pasta Salad ? This ain’t your nan’s soggy version! I’m going to show you how to make a cold Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe that’s so good, you’ll be making it all summer.
Plus, we'll add a twist, like maybe even make this Tuna Pasta Salad No Mayo ! Honestly, you’ll be saying "ta-ta" to boring lunches.
Prep Steps: Getting Our Ducks in a Row
First things first, mise en place . Basically, that means getting everything ready before you start. It's like prepping your troops before a battle.
Chop your veg, drain your tuna, and get the pasta water on. This saves time and stops you from flapping about like a headless chicken later.
Safety wise, watch those fingers when chopping!
- Essential mise en place.
- Time saving organization tips.
- Safety reminders.
step-by-step: The Dance of the Pasta and Tuna
Here's the lowdown on how to make the Best Tuna Pasta Salad :
- Boil 4 litres of salted water in a large pot.
- Chuck in 450g of your fave pasta (elbow macaroni works a treat!). Cook until al dente , usually 10- 12 minutes .
- Drain the pasta like your life depends on it! Rinse with cold water.
- In a big bowl, flake two 142g cans of tuna . Drain this so well.
- Mix in 120ml mayonnaise , 60ml Greek yogurt , 30ml Dijon mustard , and 30ml lemon juice . For a Protein Tuna Pasta Salad , use more tuna!
- Add 30g red onion , 50g celery , 75g peas , and 10g dill . Season like a pro.
- Gently mix the pasta into the tuna deliciousness.
- Chill for 30 minutes (or scoff it straight away no judgement!).
- Numbered instructions.
- Visual cues for doneness.
- Critical temperature points.
Pro Tips: Secret Weapons for a Cracking Salad
Want to take your Creamy Tuna Pasta to the next level? Try these tricks:
- Don't overcook the pasta. Mushy pasta is criminal!
- Want a Tuna Pasta Salad Greek Yogurt base? You could drop the mayo altogether.
- If you’re not a fan of peas (each to their own!), ditch them! You'll have Tuna Pasta Salad Without Peas .
Honestly, this Quick Tuna Pasta Salad is a lifesaver. I even did a version once without mayo - call it Tuna Pasta Salad No Mayo - and it was still banging! So get stuck in and make this Easy Tuna Pasta Salad today! What are you waiting for?
- Expert techniques.
- Common mistakes to avoid.
- make-ahead options.
Recipe Notes for the Best Tuna Pasta Salad Ever!
Right then, you've got the recipe for my legendary Seaside Tuna Pasta Salad . But before you dive in, let's chat about some little tweaks and tips.
These are the bits that really make it your masterpiece. Honestly, it’s all about making it work for you , you know?
Serving Suggestions: Let's Plate it Up!
Presentation matters, even if it's just for yourself. For a simple lunch, pile the Tuna Macaroni Salad high in a bowl.
Garnish with a sprig of dill. Feeling fancy? Serve it in individual lettuce cups. Imagine it on a picnic blanket beside some sparkling lemonade.
Absolute bliss! Or, how about some crusty bread for mopping up any leftover creamy sauce?
Storage Tips: Keep it Fresh!
Got leftovers of this Easy Tuna Pasta Salad ? Lucky you! Pop it in an airtight container and it'll happily sit in the fridge for up to 3 days.
Avoid freezing it, though. Freezing messes with the mayo and the texture will be off. When you're ready to tuck in again, give it a good stir.
Add a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten it up. If it seems a bit dry, stir in a touch more mayo or Greek yogurt.
Variations: Make it Your Own!
Fancy a Tuna Pasta Salad Greek Yogurt version? Swap all the mayo with Greek yogurt for a tangier, lighter take.
Need a Tuna Pasta Salad No Mayo version? Use a simple vinaigrette dressing with olive oil, lemon juice, and herbs instead.
If you want a Protein Tuna Pasta Salad , consider adding chickpeas! Want to go Tuna Pasta Salad Without Peas ? No problem! Sweetcorn is an easy swap.
In the summer, I sometimes throw in some grilled courgette for a summery twist. Honestly, it's very flexible.
Nutrition Basics: Goodness in Every Bite
This Quick Tuna Pasta Salad isn't just tasty, it's got some good stuff too! It's packed with protein from the tuna and a fair amount of fibre from the vegetables.
Plus, those healthy fats from the tuna keep you feeling full. It's a real energy booster, especially as a Cold Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe on a hot day.
If you use the Greek yogurt variation, this Creamy Tuna Pasta becomes much healthier. It's a great way to get some extra nutrients.
So there you have it! Your guide to making the ultimate Tuna Pasta Salad. Now go on, get in the kitchen and get creative! You've got this!
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does Tuna Pasta Salad last in the fridge? I want to make it ahead!
Good on ya for planning ahead! Tuna Pasta Salad typically lasts for 3-4 days in the refrigerator, provided it's stored in an airtight container. Just give it a good stir before serving, as the dressing might separate a bit. Think of it as a culinary Cinderella - best enjoyed before it turns into a soggy pumpkin!
Can I use different types of pasta for this Tuna Pasta Salad recipe?
Absolutely! While elbow macaroni is a classic choice, feel free to experiment with other shapes. Farfalle (bowties), rotini, or even small shells work brilliantly. The key is to choose pasta that has ridges or nooks to hold onto the dressing. Just remember to cook it al dente nobody likes a mushy mess!
Is there a way to make this Tuna Pasta Salad healthier? I'm watching my waistline!
Of course, you can lighten it up a bit! Swap out some of the mayonnaise for plain Greek yogurt to reduce the fat content, or even use an olive oil-based mayo. Adding more vegetables, like bell peppers or cucumbers, will also boost the nutritional value and add extra crunch.
You could also try using tuna in spring water, rather than oil, for another win!
What can I add to my Tuna Pasta Salad to give it a little extra "oomph"? It tastes a bit bland!
Alright, let's spice things up! A squeeze of extra lemon juice or a dash of Dijon mustard can add a lovely tang. Consider adding some chopped pickles, capers, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes for a bit of a kick. Fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or even a touch of tarragon can also elevate the flavor profile.
Basically, anything that Delia Smith would approve of!
Can I freeze Tuna Pasta Salad? I made way too much!
Freezing Tuna Pasta Salad isn't generally recommended, as the mayonnaise based dressing tends to separate and become watery when thawed. The pasta can also become mushy. If you absolutely must freeze it, consider removing as much of the dressing as possible before freezing and adding fresh dressing when you thaw it.
However, fresh is always best in this case!
What's the best way to prevent my Tuna Pasta Salad from drying out?
Nobody wants a dry Tuna Pasta Salad! The key is ensuring there's enough dressing to coat all the ingredients, but not so much that it becomes soggy. If you're making it ahead, add a little extra mayo or yogurt just before serving to rehydrate it. Also, be sure to store it in an airtight container in the fridge.
Seaside Tuna Pasta Salad
Ingredients:
Instructions:
Nutrition Facts:
| Calories | 350-400 |
|---|---|
| Fat | 20-25g |
| Fiber | 2-3g |