Creamy Tuna and Veggie Pasta Salad
This refreshing Creamy Tuna and Veggie Pasta Salad is the perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or a quick lunch! Packed with protein from the tuna and colorful vegetables like broccoli, carrots, and celery, it comes together in a snap and is tossed in a creamy, zesty dressing. Chill it for a couple of hours to let the flavors meld, and serve it cold for a delightful, satisfying meal. It's a hit with both kids and adults!
12
Servings
N/A
Calories
9
Ingredients
Ingredients
mayonnaise or salad dressing
2 cups (use half of each if desired)
dill weed
1 teaspoon (dried)
ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon (freshly ground)
paprika
1/2 teaspoon (regular or smoked)
light chunk tuna in water
18 ounces (drained)
broccoli florets
2 cups (fresh)
carrot
1 cup (chopped)
celery
1 cup (chopped)
corkscrew macaroni
4 cups (cooked, drained and cooled)
Instructions
1
In a large mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise (or salad dressing), dill weed, ground black pepper, and paprika, stirring until well blended.
2
Next, add the drained tuna, broccoli florets, chopped carrots, chopped celery, and cooked, cooled corkscrew macaroni into the bowl with the dressing mix.
3
Gently stir all the ingredients together until they are evenly coated with the dressing.
4
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate the salad for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight, to allow the flavors to meld.
5
Before serving, give the salad a good stir and adjust seasoning if necessary. Serve chilled and enjoy!
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna and Veggie Pasta Salad?
It is a refreshing cold pasta dish featuring tuna, fresh vegetables like broccoli and carrots, and a zesty creamy dressing.
How many servings does this recipe provide?
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings.
What type of pasta is best for this salad?
The recipe recommends using 4 cups of cooked, drained, and cooled corkscrew macaroni.
How long should I refrigerate the salad before serving?
You should chill the salad for at least 2 hours, though overnight is preferred to let the flavors meld.
What vegetables are included in this recipe?
The salad includes fresh broccoli florets, chopped carrots, and chopped celery.
What kind of tuna should I use?
The recipe calls for 18 ounces of light chunk tuna in water, drained.
Can I substitute the mayonnaise?
Yes, you can use salad dressing or a 50/50 mix of mayonnaise and salad dressing.
What spices are used for seasoning?
The dressing is seasoned with dried dill weed, ground black pepper, and paprika.
Is the paprika regular or smoked?
You can use either regular or smoked paprika depending on your preference.
Do I need to cook the broccoli?
No, the broccoli florets are added fresh for a crunchy texture.
Can I make this salad a day in advance?
Yes, making it the night before is recommended for the best flavor development.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Yes, it is a perfect dish for potlucks, picnics, or large gatherings.
What should I do before serving the salad?
Give the salad a good stir and adjust the seasoning if necessary before serving chilled.
How much mayonnaise is required?
The recipe requires 2 cups of mayonnaise or salad dressing.
Can I use fresh dill?
While the recipe calls for dried dill weed, you can substitute fresh dill if you adjust the quantity.
What is the primary protein in this salad?
The primary protein source is the 18 ounces of light chunk tuna.
Is this recipe kid-friendly?
Yes, it is noted to be a hit with both kids and adults.
How much celery is needed?
The recipe uses 1 cup of chopped celery.
How much broccoli is added?
The recipe calls for 2 cups of fresh broccoli florets.
What is the first step in the instructions?
The first step is to combine the mayonnaise, dill, pepper, and paprika in a large mixing bowl.
How do I prepare the carrots?
The carrots should be chopped into small pieces before being added to the mix.
Should the pasta be warm when mixed?
No, the corkscrew macaroni should be cooked, drained, and completely cooled before mixing.
Can I use different pasta shapes?
While corkscrew is suggested, you can use other short pasta shapes like rotini or fusilli.
How much paprika is used?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of paprika.
Is this a hot or cold dish?
This is a cold salad and should be served chilled.
Can I add extra vegetables?
Yes, you can customize the salad with additional vegetables like peas or bell peppers if desired.
How much black pepper is included?
The recipe uses 1/2 teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper.
Should the tuna be drained?
Yes, make sure to drain the tuna thoroughly before adding it to the salad.
What is the total count of ingredients?
There are 9 main ingredients in this recipe.
How do I store leftovers?
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.