Creamy Tuna Pasta Delight
This Creamy Tuna Pasta Delight is a nostalgic family favorite that brings back fond memories of childhood gatherings. Inspired by my mother's classic recipe, this salad has been lovingly updated to cater to our family's evolving tastes. The combination of tender pasta, protein-packed tuna, and a medley of colorful vegetables creates a delightful dish that’s perfect for picnics, potlucks, or just a simple family dinner. The creamy dressing is brilliantly complemented by crunchy pickles and sweet relish, making every bite a burst of flavor. Served chilled, this salad is not only satisfying but also a refreshing option on warm days. Gather your loved ones and enjoy this heartwarming dish that connects generations!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
light chunk tuna in water
2 cans (6 ounces each) (drained)
macaroni (small shell)
10 ounces (cooked according to package directions)
frozen peas
1 cup (added during pasta cooking)
sweet onion
1/2 cup (chopped)
celery
3/4 cup (chopped)
sweet pickle relish
2-3 tablespoons (to taste)
dill pickles
2 medium (chopped)
hard-boiled eggs
2 (chopped)
Hellmann's light mayonnaise
1 cup (may add more to taste)
cider vinegar
2 tablespoons (none)
salt
to taste (none)
pepper
to taste (none)
Instructions
1
Start by cooking the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.
2
A few minutes before the pasta is completely done, add the frozen peas to the boiling water. This will blanch the peas perfectly while the pasta cooks.
3
In a large mixing bowl, combine the Hellmann's light mayonnaise and cider vinegar, whisking them together until smooth.
4
Once the pasta and peas are drained, add them to the mayonnaise mixture and stir until well combined.
5
Fold in the drained tuna, chopped onion, celery, dill pickles, sweet pickle relish, and chopped hard-boiled eggs, mixing gently until everything is evenly distributed.
6
Season generously with salt and pepper to your taste, keeping in mind that a little extra pepper gives it a zing!
7
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and refrigerate for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together perfectly before serving.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Creamy Tuna Pasta Delight?
It is a nostalgic family favorite pasta salad made with macaroni, tuna, vegetables, and a creamy dressing, served chilled.
What kind of pasta is used in this recipe?
The recipe calls for 10 ounces of macaroni, specifically small shells.
How much tuna do I need?
You will need 2 cans (6 ounces each) of light chunk tuna in water, drained.
Can I use regular mayonnaise?
Yes, while the recipe specifies Hellmann's light mayonnaise, you can use regular mayonnaise or add more to taste.
How are the frozen peas prepared?
The frozen peas are blanched by adding them to the boiling pasta water a few minutes before the pasta is finished cooking.
What type of vinegar is used for the dressing?
The recipe uses 2 tablespoons of cider vinegar to whisk into the mayonnaise.
What vegetables are included in the salad?
The salad includes frozen peas, chopped sweet onion, and chopped celery.
Are there eggs in this tuna pasta salad?
Yes, the recipe includes 2 chopped hard-boiled eggs.
What kind of pickles should I use?
The recipe uses a combination of 2 medium chopped dill pickles and 2-3 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish.
How long does the salad need to refrigerate?
It should be refrigerated for at least one hour to allow the flavors to meld together.
Is this dish served hot or cold?
This dish is served chilled, making it a refreshing option for warm days.
What gives the salad a 'zing'?
Adding a little extra black pepper to the seasoning gives the dish a nice zing.
Can I adjust the amount of relish?
Yes, you can add 2 to 3 tablespoons of sweet pickle relish to your taste.
Is this recipe suitable for potlucks?
Absolutely, it is described as perfect for picnics, potlucks, or simple family dinners.
How do I cook the macaroni?
Cook the macaroni according to the package directions until al dente, then drain.
Should I drain the tuna?
Yes, the light chunk tuna should be drained before being folded into the salad.
Can I use a different type of onion?
The recipe calls for sweet onion, but you can substitute with other varieties depending on your preference.
How do I mix the dressing?
In a large mixing bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise and cider vinegar until smooth before adding other ingredients.
Is this recipe easy to make?
Yes, it is tagged as an 'easy meal' and involves simple boiling and mixing steps.
What is the texture of the salad?
It is creamy due to the mayonnaise dressing, with crunch from celery, onions, and pickles.
Can I use fresh peas?
The recipe specifies frozen peas, but fresh peas can be used if blanched similarly.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 12 ingredients in total, including seasonings.
What is the inspiration behind this recipe?
It is inspired by a classic recipe from the creator's mother, updated for modern tastes.
Is there salt and pepper in the recipe?
Yes, both are added to taste during the final mixing step.
How do I incorporate the tuna and eggs?
They should be folded in gently at the end to avoid breaking them down too much.
Can I make this salad ahead of time?
Yes, it is recommended to make it at least an hour before serving, and it stores well in the fridge.
What should I cover the bowl with in the fridge?
You can use plastic wrap or a lid to cover the bowl while it refrigerates.
Is this a high-protein dish?
With tuna and hard-boiled eggs, it provides a good amount of protein.
Can I use a different pasta shape?
While small shells are recommended, other short pastas like rotini or macaroni would work well.
How do I ensure the flavors meld properly?
Refrigerating the salad for at least one hour is the key step to melding the flavors.