Creamy Ranch Tuna Pasta Salad
Elevate your meal prep with this delicious Creamy Ranch Tuna Pasta Salad, combining the hearty texture of multicolored rotini pasta with savory solid white tuna and a medley of fresh vegetables. Tossed in a zesty ranch dressing, this salad is not only vibrant in color but also appealing to the palate. Perfect for picnics, potlucks, or hearty lunches, this dish is easy to prepare and can be enjoyed cold or at room temperature. Serve it as a light main dish or a delightful side, and watch it become a family favorite!
8
Servings
250
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
solid white tuna
1 can (drained)
multicolored rotini pasta
4 cups (dry)
bottled ranch dressing
2 cups
red onion
1/2 cup (diced)
celery
1 cup (diced)
carrot
1 cup (diced (optional))
salt
1 teaspoon
pepper
1/2 teaspoon
olives
1 can (2 ounces) (sliced and drained (optional))
Instructions
1
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Add the dry rotini pasta and cook according to the package directions until al dente, typically around 8-10 minutes.
2
Once the pasta is cooked, drain and rinse under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool the pasta.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the drained tuna, prepared rotini, ranch dressing, diced red onion, diced celery, diced carrot (if using), salt, pepper, and olives (if using).
4
Toss all ingredients together gently until everything is evenly coated and well combined.
5
Cover the salad and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
6
Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
15g
Fat
20g
Carbs
10g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Ranch Tuna Pasta Salad?
It is a flavorful dish combining multicolored rotini pasta, solid white tuna, and fresh vegetables tossed in a zesty ranch dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes 8 servings.
What are the main ingredients for the salad?
The main ingredients include solid white tuna, multicolored rotini pasta, ranch dressing, red onion, celery, carrots, salt, pepper, and olives.
How long should I cook the rotini pasta?
The pasta should be cooked until al dente, which typically takes 8 to 10 minutes.
Do I need to rinse the pasta after boiling?
Yes, you should drain and rinse the pasta under cold water to stop the cooking process and cool it down.
What type of tuna is best for this recipe?
The recipe calls for 1 can of solid white tuna, drained.
How much ranch dressing is required?
You will need 2 cups of bottled ranch dressing.
Is the carrot a mandatory ingredient?
No, the 1 cup of diced carrot is an optional addition.
Should I add olives to the tuna pasta salad?
Olives are optional; you can add one 2-ounce can of sliced and drained olives if desired.
How long should the salad be refrigerated before serving?
The salad should be covered and refrigerated for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
What is the calorie count per serving?
Each serving contains approximately 250 calories.
How much protein is in each serving?
Each serving provides 10g of protein.
What is the fat content per serving?
There are 15g of fat per serving.
How many carbohydrates are in this recipe?
There are 20g of carbohydrates per serving.
Can I use this recipe for meal prep?
Yes, this recipe is ideal for meal prep and can be enjoyed for lunches throughout the week.
Is this salad served hot or cold?
It is best served chilled or at room temperature.
What type of onion should I use?
The recipe specifies 1/2 cup of diced red onion.
How much celery is needed?
You will need 1 cup of diced celery.
How many cups of pasta are used?
The recipe requires 4 cups of dry multicolored rotini pasta.
Is this dish suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, and family gatherings.
How do I ensure the dressing is evenly distributed?
Toss all ingredients together gently in a large mixing bowl until everything is evenly coated.
What seasoning is included in the recipe?
The salad is seasoned with 1 teaspoon of salt and 1/2 teaspoon of pepper.
Can this be a main dish?
Yes, it can be served as a light main dish or a hearty side dish.
How many total ingredients are used?
There are 9 ingredients listed in this recipe.
Is the pasta salad healthy?
It features fresh vegetables and tuna, making it a balanced choice for a healthy lunch.
What is the preparation for the tuna?
The tuna should be drained from the can before being combined with other ingredients.
Why use multicolored rotini?
Multicolored rotini adds vibrant color and a hearty texture to the salad.
What kind of ranch dressing should I use?
Any bottled ranch dressing of your choice will work for this recipe.
How is the celery and onion prepared?
Both the celery and the red onion should be finely diced.
Is this recipe beginner-friendly?
Yes, it is an easy-to-prepare recipe that requires only boiling and mixing.