Creamy Cheesy Tuna Shell Salad
This Creamy Cheesy Tuna Shell Salad is a delightful combination of tender pasta, savory tuna, and a medley of fresh veggies, all bound together by a luscious dressing. Perfect as a main dish or a side, this dish is not only incredibly tasty but also easy to prepare, making it an ideal choice for family gatherings or potlucks. With the rich creaminess of Velveeta cheese and the added crunch of celery and onions, every bite bursts with flavor. Enjoy the classic comforts of tuna salad with a cheesy twist!
6
Servings
600
Calories
8
Ingredients
Ingredients
Tuna
12 ounces (drained)
Small shell pasta
16 ounces (cooked and cooled)
Celery ribs
2 (diced)
Medium onion
1 (diced)
Peas
8.5 ounces (drained)
Miracle Whip
2 cups (n/a)
Milk
2 cups (n/a)
Velveeta cheese
1 lb (cubed)
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the small shell pasta and cook for about 8 minutes or until al dente. Drain, rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process, and set aside to cool completely.
2
In a large mixing bowl, combine 2 cups of Miracle Whip and 2 cups of milk. Whisk together until smooth and well incorporated.
3
Once the pasta has cooled, add it to the bowl with the Miracle Whip mixture. Then, fold in the diced celery, diced onion, and the drained tuna. Gently mix everything until the pasta is evenly coated and ingredients are well combined.
4
Cut the Velveeta cheese into small cubes and add to the salad along with the drained peas. Carefully mix again to distribute the cheese and peas throughout the salad.
5
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the salad to an airtight container. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled, and enjoy this creamy, cheesy, and satisfying tuna salad!
Nutrition Information
30
Fat
60
Carbs
32
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Cheesy Tuna Shell Salad?
It is a flavorful dish combining tender small shell pasta, savory tuna, fresh vegetables, and a creamy dressing made with Miracle Whip and cubed Velveeta cheese.
How many people does this recipe serve?
This recipe makes approximately 6 servings.
How long should I cook the shell pasta?
The small shell pasta should be cooked in boiling salted water for about 8 minutes or until it reaches an al dente texture.
What are the main ingredients for the dressing?
The dressing is made by whisking together 2 cups of Miracle Whip and 2 cups of milk until smooth.
What kind of tuna should I use and how should it be prepared?
The recipe calls for 12 ounces of tuna that has been thoroughly drained.
What type of cheese is used in this salad?
This recipe specifically uses 1 pound of Velveeta cheese, cut into small cubes.
What vegetables are included in the recipe?
The salad includes diced celery ribs, a diced medium onion, and drained peas.
Does the salad need to be chilled before serving?
Yes, it is recommended to chill the salad in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour to allow the flavors to meld.
How many calories are in a serving of this tuna salad?
Each serving contains approximately 600 calories.
Is this dish suitable for a potluck or party?
Yes, it is an ideal choice for family gatherings, potlucks, or as party food because it is easy to prepare and yields many servings.
How much protein is in a single serving?
There are 32 grams of protein per serving.
What is the fat content per serving?
A serving contains approximately 30 grams of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 60 grams of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use mayonnaise instead of Miracle Whip?
While the recipe specifies Miracle Whip for its specific flavor, you can use mayonnaise as a substitute, though it will change the tanginess of the salad.
Should I rinse the pasta after cooking?
Yes, rinse the cooked pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and help it cool down before mixing.
What size onion is required?
The recipe calls for one medium-sized onion, diced.
How much pasta is needed?
You will need 16 ounces (one pound) of small shell pasta.
How much celery should I add?
The recipe requires 2 diced celery ribs for added crunch.
What quantity of peas is needed?
Use one 8.5-ounce can of peas, making sure they are drained before adding to the salad.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
This dish is intended to be served chilled.
How should the Velveeta be prepared?
The Velveeta cheese should be cut into small cubes to ensure it is evenly distributed throughout the salad.
Can I store the leftovers?
Yes, store leftovers in an airtight container or cover the bowl with plastic wrap and keep them in the refrigerator.
What makes this salad 'creamy'?
The creaminess comes from the combination of Miracle Whip, milk, and the soft texture of cubed Velveeta cheese.
Is this recipe considered comfort food?
Yes, with its rich cheesy flavor and pasta base, it is categorized as a comfort food classic.
Is it okay to use large shell pasta?
The recipe suggests small shell pasta because it holds the peas and dressing well, but large shells can be used if preferred.
How long is the total preparation time roughly?
Preparation takes about 15-20 minutes, plus 8 minutes for boiling the pasta and 1 hour for chilling.
Can I add black pepper or other seasonings?
While the recipe doesn't explicitly list them, you can add salt, pepper, or paprika to taste.
Can I use frozen peas instead of canned?
Yes, you can use frozen peas; just ensure they are thawed and drained before adding them to the mixture.
What is the best way to mix the cheese and peas?
Gently fold or mix the cubed cheese and peas at the end to avoid mashing the peas or breaking the cheese cubes.
Should the milk be whole milk or skim milk?
The recipe doesn't specify, but whole milk will result in a richer, creamier dressing.