Easy Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad (Print Version)

Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad is a quick and satisfying meal. This easy recipe combines tender pasta, flaky tuna, and a rich, creamy dressing for a perfect lunch or light dinner.

# Recipe Info:

Prep Time: 15 Minutes minutes
Cook Time: 12 Minutes minutes
Total Time: 27 minutes
Servings: 4 Servings
Difficulty: Beginner
Cuisine: American

# Ingredients:

→ Pasta & Protein Powerhouse

01 - 8 oz small pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini)
02 - 2 (5 oz) cans albacore tuna in water, drained

→ Creamy Dream Dressing

03 - 1/2 cup mayonnaise
04 - 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt (full-fat recommended)
05 - 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
06 - 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar
07 - 1 tsp granulated sugar

→ Garden Fresh Crunch

08 - 2 stalks celery, finely chopped
09 - 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
10 - 1/2 cup frozen peas, thawed
11 - 1/2 cup red bell pepper, finely diced

→ Flavorful Finishes

12 - 2 tbsp fresh dill, chopped
13 - 1/2 tsp salt, or to taste
14 - 1/4 tsp black pepper, or to taste
15 - 1 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped, for garnish

# Instructions:

01 - Bring a large pot of salted water to a rolling boil. Add 8 oz small pasta (such as elbow macaroni or rotini) and cook according to package directions, about 10-12 minutes, until al dente. Drain well and rinse with cold water to cool the pasta, a crucial step for this Easy Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe.
02 - In a large mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup mayonnaise, 1/4 cup plain Greek yogurt, 1 tbsp Dijon mustard, 1 tbsp apple cider vinegar, and 1 tsp granulated sugar until smooth. This forms the delicious creamy base for your Easy Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe.
03 - To the dressing, add 2 stalks celery (finely chopped), 1/4 cup red onion (finely diced), 1/2 cup frozen peas (thawed), and 1/2 cup red bell pepper (finely diced). Stir gently to combine these vibrant, crunchy ingredients with the dressing.
04 - Gently flake and add 2 (5 oz) cans albacore tuna (drained) to the bowl with the dressing and vegetables. Mix carefully to ensure the tuna is evenly distributed without breaking it up too much.
05 - Add the cooled, drained 8 oz small pasta to the bowl. Stir everything together until well combined and coated. Season your Easy Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe with 1/2 tsp salt and 1/4 tsp black pepper, adjusting to your taste preference.
06 - Fold in 2 tbsp fresh dill (chopped). For the best Easy Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe, cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. Garnish with 1 tbsp fresh parsley (chopped) just before serving.

# Notes:

01 - For an extra tang, add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice to the dressing.
02 - Store leftover Easy Creamy Tuna Pasta Salad Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.
03 - Feel free to substitute the red bell pepper with yellow or orange, or add a handful of chopped cucumber for more crunch.
04 - This salad is best served chilled, making it a perfect make-ahead option for picnics or potlucks.

# Tools You'll Need:

01 - Large pot
02 - Colander
03 - Large mixing bowl
04 - Measuring cups and spoons
05 - Knife
06 - Cutting board

# Nutrition Facts (Per Serving):

Calories: 498 kcal
Total Fat: 22 g
Total Carbohydrate: 46 g
Protein: 21 g

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