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Classic Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad with Peas

Close-up of a creamy tuna pasta salad featuring elbow macaroni, flaked tuna, and bright green peas served on a white plate.
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This classic tuna pasta salad recipe delivers a satisfying, creamy dish perfect for quick dinners, meal prep, or potlucks. It comes together fast using simple ingredients.

Ingredients

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  • 1 pound elbow macaroni or rotini pasta
  • 2 cans (5 ounces each) tuna in water, drained well
  • 1 cup frozen peas, thawed
  • 1 cup celery, chopped
  • 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
  • 1/2 cup mayonnaise (use Greek yogurt for a lighter version)
  • 2 tablespoons sweet pickle relish
  • 1 tablespoon yellow mustard
  • 1 teaspoon dried dill weed
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt
  • 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

  1. Cook the pasta according to package directions until al dente. Drain the pasta and rinse immediately with cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down. Set aside.
  2. In a large bowl, combine the drained tuna, thawed peas, chopped celery, and chopped red onion.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, pickle relish, mustard, dried dill weed, salt, and pepper until smooth. This creates your creamy tuna salad dressing.
  4. Add the cooled pasta mixture to the large bowl with the tuna and vegetables.
  5. Pour the creamy dressing over the pasta mixture. Toss everything gently until all ingredients are evenly coated.
  6. Taste the salad and adjust salt and pepper if needed.
  7. Cover the bowl and chill the tuna pasta salad in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to blend.

Notes

  • For a budget friendly dinner idea, use canned light tuna.
  • If you want a tuna pasta salad without mayo, substitute the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt or a blend of yogurt and olive oil.
  • This recipe is excellent for make ahead salad recipes; it tastes even better the next day.

Nutrition

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